Our Lady of the Saint Blessed Elizabeth Sacrament of Hungary Parish Bishop Rozanski s Parish Visitation Report November January 31, 12, 2018 2015
The Bishop s Parish Visitation The purpose of a parish visitation is to help me be better aware of the situations and challenges facing the parishes and missions of the Diocese of Springfield. The visit also allows me the opportunity to provide guidance, encouragement, assistance and direction to support the ongoing effectiveness of ministry in and among the parishes of the diocese. Finally, a pastoral visit affords me a way to appreciate and affirm the abundant, ongoing grace of God evident in the faith and witness of the Church in the communities of the Diocese of Springfield. With these purposes in mind, I thank your pastor, Fr. Dan Pacholec, the parish staff; councils and committees, and all concerned with this visit for their consideration and cooperation with me and members of the diocesan staff. Introduction: Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament parish was established in 1910 as an offspring of St. Mary s Parish. The church was built in the northern section of Westfield. The first mass was celebrated on the second floor of what is now the True Value Hardware store on North Elm Street. On July 2, 1911 the newly erected church was dedicated on the corner of North Elms and Princeton Streets. In October of 1997, the parish was informed that the city would take the property by eminent domain to make way for the new Great River Bridge. However, it wasn t until June 1, 2005 that the church building was finally closed. Closing activities were held the week of June 11, 2005. The new church building was to be on Holyoke Road and was dedicated on October 11, 2009.
Given the energy and activity I observed, I make the following commendations and recommendations to guide and support the pastor and staff of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in your efforts to work together to extend the presence and power of God s love. I recognize the good work done here and invite you to reflect with me as I review with you my observations and learning s from this recent pastoral visit. Commendations Father Dan Pacholec 1. I commend Fr. Dan for fostering a spirit of welcome and involvement for the parishioners and newcomers to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. 2. I commend Fr. Dan for shepherding the parish through the years of transition from the old church to the new church. Clearly, that was both a stressful yet opportune time for the parish and I acknowledge Fr. Dan s work as well as the work of the staff members and parishioners. 3. I commend Fr. Dan for supporting parish programs for youth and adults that both deepen the spirituality of the parishioners and make the Gospel come alive in outreach to the underprivileged and marginalized. 4. I commend Fr. Dan for his careful stewardship of the parish resources as well as the attention he has given to addressing the mortgage for the church building. 5. I commend Fr. Dan and all who work with him in the upkeep of the parish grounds and properties that make the physical plant a welcoming and comfortable place for parish activities.
Deacon Paul Federici 1. I commend Deacon Paul for his dedication to the ministry of Religious Education as the Director of Faith Formation encompassing the R.C.I.A. process and other religious education programs. 2. I commend Deacon Paul for his role in serving the parish at the local assisted living center, preaching at Masses, Baptisms, Weddings and Youth Ministry programs. Staff 1. I commend the entire parish staff or their ability to work together and support one another in their efforts. 2. I commend the entire parish staff for the numerous adult faith formation programs they offer for parishioners from Just Faith, to Bible study, to their Lenten series. 3. I commend the parish staff for their commitment to reaching out to parishioners in various ways. I especially commend them for their most recent efforts with the Puerto Rican evacuees. 4. I commend the parish staff for putting together the binder that helped us to better understand the numerous ministries in the parish. 5. I commend Sue Fratini for her professional handling of the secretarial and bookkeeping duties. 6. I commend Sue for her welcoming attitude to anyone who comes to or calls the parish.
7. I commend Sue for her excellent secretarial skills that provide the parish with its beautiful bulletin each week. 8. I commend Sue for her commitment to the parish children s liturgy. 9. I commend the parish musicians for providing music to enhance the liturgical celebrations. Pastoral Minister 1. I commend Mary Federici for her care and concern for the sick and elderly of the parish. 2. I commend Mary for her work with funerals and wakes. 3. I commend Mary for her many efforts at adult formation. 4. I commend Mary for her work as business manager. Maintenance Staff 1. I commend Father Dan, Kevin, and Tom for keeping the facilities in excellent condition. 2. I commend the maintenance staff for their efforts to keep the facilities in beautiful condition. 3. I commend the maintenance staff for constant willingness to be of service in any way they can.
Faith Formation 1. I commend the parish for having a well organized faith formation program. 2. I commend the parish for offering opportunities for life long faith formation. 3. I commend the parish for valuing youth ministry and for working hard to ensure that all youth of the parish are reached out to and included. 4. I commend the faith formation leaders for their efforts to reach out to parents in a variety of ways. 5. I commend Sheila Conroy for engaging parents in the sacramental programs and for her untiring work with Summer Bible Camp. 6. I commend Lisa Laferriere for her efforts to engage young people in a variety of learning situations. Child and Youth Protection 1. I commend the parish for their effective Safe Environment Programs. Finance Team 1. I commend the finance team for their commitment to a budgeting process. 2. I commend the finance team for their willingness to take on the updating needed in the parish hall.
Pastoral Council 1. I commend the pastoral council for the positive attitude they have toward the parish at large, and for their desire to welcome everyone to this judgment free parish. 2. I commend the pastoral council for their commitment to continuing a family spirit within the parish. 3. I commend the parish council for their support of parish activities. Recommendations It is clear that Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish is a unique community trying to be faithful to its mission. In light of the learning from the visit, the following recommendations are offered to the parish leadership. I suggest that you continue to dialogue with your pastor as you consider these areas for thought and action. Of course, my office and all the diocesan offices continue to be available to the parish for support and cooperation in your ministry. Please consider the following areas for your ongoing planning and ministry development. Pastor 1. I recommend that Fr. Dan work with the diocesan Real Estate Committee in marketing the former rectory building in Westfield. 2. I recommend that Fr. Dan continue to work with members of the staff, Pastoral Council and parishioners in welcoming new families to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.
Deacon 1. I recommend that Deacon Paul work with Fr. Dan, staff members and parishioners to creatively outreach to and welcome young families, young adults and youth to the parish community. Faith Formation 1. I recommend that the parish work with the Office of Faith Formation to provide more catechist and youth Ministry Training for their adult leaders. 2. I recommend that the all members of the parish staff continue their efforts to provide womb to tomb formation for their parishioners. 3. I recommend that the Faith Formation staff continue their efforts to reach out to the youth of the parish. Finance Team 1. I recommend the finance team work with Fr. Dan to find a buyer for the old rectory. Pastoral Council 1. I recommend the parish council continue their efforts reaching out to the un churched. 2. I recommend the parish council continue to support and encourage the many activities provide by the parish. Finally, I thank all who have cooperated in this visitation process. I feel very encouraged by the faith and energy I discovered at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish and I look forward to working with you for the glory of God and the benefit of all the people off your area. Be assured of my prayers for all involved in your parish as you work together into the future on your faith mission, Sincerely, +Mitchell T. Rozanski