Every transition poses challenges, but is also full of opportunities. On more than one occasion, parishioners have asked if I needed anything. In light of those requests, I have come up with some things that would be helpful for me right now.
1) Someone to clean the rectory (the former cleaner resigned). Currently this job would only include downstairs, but would eventually involve both floors. Since the Holy Family Rectory is residence for the pastor of Saint Paul, those cleaning the rectory need not necessarily be Holy Family parishioners.
2) Volunteers to work with me in leading convert classes (RCIA). Also, lots of invitations for people to consider making from inquiries into the Catholic faith through attending convert classes.
3) People at Holy Family to help open and close the church. Sometimes I get back to Gas City very late at night and it is dangerous to leave the church unlocked until 11pm or later. On my day off, I will sometimes be away from the rectory from 10am to 10am.
4) Volunteer sacristans at both parishes. Sacristan work involves setting up and cleaning up before and after Mass as well as attending to care of church plate and vestments.
5) Help with high school youth ministry at both parishes.
6) A ussed small couch that can fit through a narrow door so that those coming into my office at Saint Paul can be comfortable during appointments when speaking with me.
7) Understanding. While my being your pastor comes before my graduate work, my assignment still includes finishing this degree. Doing so will take a good deal of work. This fact will mean that I will have to let some things go.
8) Openness to change. I want to make as few changes as possible in my first year. That said, I have my style and persona and these things will make it seem like everything is changing. Please resist the temptation to live in the past and be open to the present, which is God's gift to us. Also, be aware that if I am not doing something to which you are accustomed, it might be simply because no one told me.