Important Note: During the Lenten Season, your input and feedback will be gathered concerning the planning process in developing the Family of Parishes. A three-pronged approach in phases will be used. Phase Onewill include our participation as part of a diocesan-wide/parish family-wide effort using a brief survey of our parish communities and current functioning as we form the family of parishes. Collection of information during this phase will take place starting at the beginning of Lent. Phase Twowill involve your input unique to our already linked parish community. Town Hall meetings will be held at each of our parishes in Olean and at the Oratory in Portville for an open exchange of information and ideas. Phase Two will occur in the middle of our Lenten Season. Phase Threewill be composed of a needs assessment provided to obtain your feedback specific to the parishes of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, St. John the Evangelist of Olean and the community of Sacred Heart in Portville. This needs assessment will address the areas of interest, concern, and growth particular to our currently linked parish communities of St. John’s and the Basilica of St. Mary’s. This assessment will involve the current structure of our various ministries to help plan for our immediate future and the development of a strategic plan as we ready for the further linking of parish and community life in Olean/Allegany/Portville as we strive to be the best missionary disciples we can be. This critical data about our specific gifts and skills and how we are using them prudently will be gathered toward the end of the Lenten Season. More information concerning the gathering and processing of each phase will be shared in future communications. Phase One Introduced – a Diocesan-wide, Parish Family-wide brief research survey will be implemented soon beginning March 2nd. As part of the Road to Renewal and the formation of the Family of Parishes, the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in conjunction with St. John the Evangelist Church and St. Bonaventure Church will be participating in a diocesan-wide parish survey conducted by the Catholic Leadership Institute! Your help is needed! Your participation is an integral part of the planning process and is crucial to our future plans and foundational to endeavors initiated by the three parishes to be linked as one Family. This initial participation will require a completion of a 10-15 minute online or paper copy survey. Details will follow. God’s blessings and His graces on our future Family of Parishes planning, Fr. John