ROAD TO RENEWAL NEWS UPDATE

 
Last weekend, Bishop Fisher announced the final decisions concerning closures and mergers of parishes throughout the diocese. Concerning St. John, the final decision was that St. John would merge with the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, and be placed on a one-year watch list to determine whether or not the parish would remain open.
 
The diocese gave the following definitions concerning the terminology used in the final decision:
 
Watch List
There are specific goals assigned to this parish before the recommendation is final. Reassessment will occur in one year.
 
Secondary Worship Site
A Former parish location that is no longer functioning as a parish itself. It has been merged into another parish community. The use of these facilities are determined by the family, however, they are restricted from functioning as another parish. Therefore, there should be less masses here than at the primary parish. All functions work through the parish where the secondary worship site is located. Baptisms, weddings, funerals and other sacramental celebrations at this location are determined by the parish pastor and leadership group where they have been merged with.
 
Merge
Canonical: the parishes merge canonical boundaries so that there is one parish territory.
Administration: is handled through the family central office as was established in the formation and families of parishes.

Leadership: is provided in the family structure through the family pastor/priest moderator.
Worship: While the parish is merged, it can still use multiple church buildings. However, some buildings may be closed or repurposed if the new parish determines they are no longer needed.

Ministries: Ministries from the former individual parishes may be combined or restructured to meet the needs of the larger, merged community. This often includes liturgy, religious education, outreach and social services.