Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Priestly Triage



Dear Parishioners,

Sometimes when I describe my life as a priest to others, I explain that I often feel like I am doing constant triage.  Those of you who work at the hospital or in the medical profession probably understand this best.  I attempt to prioritize the many concerns in front of me and then take on the most urgent tasks first.  Is someone seriously ill or dying?  Who needs my time and attention the most?  What are the things that only a priest can do—is ordained to do?  Pope Francis mentioned something similar in a few of his messages: The church seems like a field hospital, where the first order of the day is heal the wounds, not measure people's cholesterol.  I couldn’t agree more.

There are so many important, urgent matters that the church needs to face these days.  I think firstly of the need to help bring people to God—to let all people see the love that Jesus Christ has for them

In days gone by there might have been plenty for a priest to do by simply remaining at the rectory or in the office waiting for someone to drop by, seeking his assistance.  Today, more than ever, I think the priest needs to go among his people, to seek out and to bring back those lost sheep that have strayed.  Maybe this will involve visiting a home or family.  Maybe a matter will be discussed over breakfast or dinner.  To the consternation of some, I have never really been the type of person who simply remains in an office, at a desk all day.  I tend to be on the go, out and about quite frequently.  I realize that this might be frustrating for people who come to see me, who expect a call to be returned immediately or who are looking to obtain an instant answer from me.  Sorry.

What do I see as those important matters where a priest needs to be spending his time?  First, only a priest can celebrate Mass and offer this most perfect sacrifice to God.  From the Mass we receive the Most Holy Eucharist, hear the Word of God proclaimed and preached, and worship as the Body of Christ—the Church.  Second, only a priest—in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation—has the privilege to forgive sins in the name of Jesus.  In my estimation, time spent hearing confessions is time well-spent.  Again, only a priest can anoint the sick and dying in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.   A priest should be called when someone is elderly, seriously ill, in danger of death, in the hospital, preparing for major surgery, etc.   

From my experience in the confessional and in various other circumstances, I have found that some of the most urgent needs of parishioners include the need to regularize marriages, the ongoing desire for healing and forgiveness in people’s lives, various addictions affecting people and their far-reaching impact, the increasing lack of knowledge, understanding and practice of the Catholic faith, and a general disconnect with many of the teaching of the Church.   

I pray each day that God helps me to be an instrument of His Grace, His forgiveness and His healing.  A priest needs to be Christ’s visible presence for others in the world.  Imperfectly and unworthily, I attempt to carry this out daily.    

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor


Thursday, June 21, 2018

Parish Update (June, 2018)




Dear Parishioners.

It’s hard to believe but it is almost a year since I was appointed pastor of Holy Angels Parish.  I feel compelled to thank you for your warm welcome to me and for the patience you have shown me during this first year.  (Admittedly, I had some complicating factors earlier with my heart attack and subsequent recovery.)

Now for some important parish news.  This past Thursday we made settlement on an office building at 81 Cooper Street, Woodbury.  The building was for sale for some time now.  With the approval of our parish finance council, the diocesan board of consultors and the permission of the bishop, it was purchased by the parish.  The intended future use of the building is as a consolidated parish office building.  The plans include various offices for the secretaries, bookkeeper, priests, deacons, religious education, and others housed under one roof.  The building itself is ready to undergo some cosmetic improvements as well a cleaning and “sprucing up” prior to our occupying it.

When the building was considered for purchase, the determining factors included its spaciousness, and its proximity to our church parking lot (next door), church (across the street), and rectory (diagonally across the street).  Currently, the parish priests and the deacons do not have sufficient offices from which to work.  Additionally, the priests literally live over the shop providing limited privacy during most of the day. This, and other issues, should be resolved with the proposed movement and consolidation.

If you pass the former Most Holy Redeemer property on Delsea Drive (Rt. 47), you can see the “for sale” signs present.  In fact, we are currently negotiating the terms of sale for all four of the buildings and the property at that location.  When the particulars are finalized, I will notify you in more detail.

At the mandate of the diocesan board of consultors, we are investigating and developing plans for our ministry center (former convent).  All possibilities are being considered while determining the current condition of the building, its suitability for future use, cost factors, etc.

When I began as pastor, I was made aware of eleven major buildings plus various other structures (garages, sheds, etc.) that the parish owned.  With the proposed sale and purchase, the number will become eight.  This will reduce the utilities, upkeep, insurance and other costs to the parish.  It should also make a dent in the current parish debt which is approximately $2.5 million.

Finally, I make you aware that we will begin our Catholic Strong campaign in the fall.  Most parishes are already conducting this campaign (supported by our diocese).  The bottom line is that it is a financial drive to fortify each parish on various levels—especially in its ministries.  An unprecedented 70% of the money raised stays in the parish with 30% supporting the diocese.  More details will be forthcoming over the summer months.

As pastor, the spiritual well-being of you, my parishioners, is my primary concern.  However, my responsibilities go far beyond, involving many fiscal matters.  Please pray for me.  I am truly grateful for your support at all levels.

Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor