Dear Friends of NW Racine parishes,

It has been a month since we got into the boat together and started sailing. We are so happy that He is with us and He is not sleeping yet. Your prayers and support keep Him up in our boat.

Fr. Marco and I would like to thank you for the warm welcome and the great support you have given.

We are so happy to be with you in this journey.

We have met with so many of you and had chances to listen to many as well. The Leadership team also has brought up some points to be addressed immediately. We know that in our busy lives we are not able to pay attention to all the details of everything and we forget things as well. We do understand the fact that the more we communicate, the less we really say, so it’s necessary to have periodic letters to keep everyone in the loop. We would encourage you to read the bulletins as well as it will have the updates published after each planning meeting. Some of the letters may have repetitions, please understand that they are for the new parishioners and the ones who missed the previous letters. We will use all the means to keep you in the loop as we work together in building up this NW Racine cluster more efficiently.

We would like to address some of the common questions that came up recently: 

1. What are the immediate changes that we anticipate? And when?
   You have already seen some of the changes. Two priests for the four churches. The major changes for the year are the following: (a) One bulletin for the cluster. Plans are underway and will happen as soon as the initial process is complete. (b) New Mass Schedule. Effective on Saturday, November 30th we will have a new mass schedule. (c) One Pastoral Council. We will have one pastoral council for the cluster. The process of building one council will begin soon, so that they can work on making a vision and mission for the cluster. Hoping to have it done by January 2025. (d) One Staff for the cluster: Effective on July 1st. Decisions will be made by March 31st.
2. Who is making the decisions?
   Most of you are aware of the Big planning team having four representatives from each parish. Their names and the areas they serve in the subcommittees have been published in the bulletins. If you haven’t seen them, please check July 21st bulletin. The subcommittee studies, in detail, the areas that pertain to their subcommittee and bring suggestions to the Big planning committee guided by the Archdiocesan Planning team. With the approval of the pastor decisions are made. The areas we need approval from the Archdiocese are done accordingly.
3. Why do it?
   It’s a short question but long answer. It’s impossible to give all the details in this letter. The letter you have received from each pastor in the beginning of the planning process explains all the reasons why we do it. In case you missed it and if you would like to have that letter we can make it available through the parish office. Or you can approach the parish representatives and they will help you understand. In Short, less attendance and too many Masses, Clergy shortage, and Shortage of the resources.
4. Are we going to close?
   No that is not in our thoughts right now.

We will keep you posted with updates as the planning committee meets.

Please feel free to talk to us with your concerns and ideas. Let us continue our journey trusting in Him who will save us from the winds and waves.

Blessings,

Fr. Thomas and Fr. Marco