Pastor Update

Dear Parishioners,

I would like to answer a few more questions that came up these days.

Why do priests need a reserved parking space?
We have multiple parishes and run from one mass to another. If something is going on in a parish and if we are a
little late we don’t have to hunt for a parking space at the last minute and that helps us to start Mass on time. People
can notice the presence and absence of the priests as well. Please understand that it is for convenience not to show
the clerical primacy as some may interpret.

Why can’t we count money in our own parishes?
When we move our offices in to one location it is safe and secure to do it in the office. That makes it easier for the staff also. St. Louis has been doing it at St. Paul’s for the past few years. If we don’t do it for the other parishes, first of all it won’t do justice to them and the security and safety are compromised. We cannot go back in the collaboration; rather we have to go forward. We are aware of the inconvenience it may cause to a few volunteers. You have been a great blessing over the years.

We deeply appreciate your willingness to adapt to the new routine. Your sacrifice is very valuable. The days of counting and the time etc. will be decided after due consultation with people in charge. Thank you so much.

Can we drop the envelopes in the other parishes in the cluster during the Mass?
Yes. I would like to repeat the same explanation that was in the bulletin on 9/15. It doesn’t matter which church you attend mass in our cluster, you are free to drop your envelope and it will be counted in the respective parishes. There is no way to track the offertory cash unless you put it in an envelope and mark the name of the parish it should go to.

Once again, I appreciate your support and feedback. When you ask the questions, it helps to clarify things for many other people as well.

Thank you so much.

Blessings,

Fr. Thomas Vathappallil
Pastor NW parishes of Racine