Letter from Msgr. Paul P.

Enke for the Confessor Newsletter 7/2/08

“Father, the words “close”, “merge”, or “consolidate” parishes are not in my vocabulary.”
This from our bishop as quoted by a number of priests of our diocese in recent days.

As a pastor, I find the bishop’s words rather surprising in light of the Parish Self Study
process we and all the parishes of the diocese have been undergoing this summer.
(Because of the printing schedule of the newsletter, I am writing this on the 4th of July,
before we submit our preliminary reports to John Martin, Parish Council and Finance
Council member.)

Just as a refresher, all parishes of the diocese have been asked to engage in a “self-study”
on the sacramental, strategic and sustainable nature of the parish, that is the worship,
programming and financial components of parish life.

Here at St. Edward’s, members of the liturgy, finance, and parish council have been
gathering information for a preliminary response, after which a Town Hall meeting will
be held for parishioner input. Suffice it to say, in my personal review of the self-study,
we do well in all three categories – of course, there are areas where we need to improve
or initiate programs.

My greater concern is what happens after we submit our response to the Knox-Licking
Deanery and then on to the diocese for study and implementation. It may not be in the
bishop’s vocabulary to close, merge, or consolidate parishes, but it is very much in the
vocabulary of the priests of our diocese as our numbers shrink and some parishes can
barely keep the door open. We are blessed not to face that here at St. Edward’s. No one
likes the idea that his or her parish might have to close or merge, but somebody is going
to have to bite the bullet and act upon the data this planning process will give us. I don’t
see how we can continue the status quo.

We’re all (bishop, clergy, parishes) going to have to learn to expand our vocabulary, our
minds and hearts in the days ahead if we are to provide for the future of the Diocese of
Columbus. Ultimately, we’re all in the hands of the Lord, but I seem to recall hearing the
following: “the Lord helps those who help themselves”. Now is the time to do just that.