Linkage Information

Linkage Announced - Effective September 30, 2009

Diocesan Administrator, Father Terry R. LaValley, has accepted the recommendation of two diocesan committees and directed the linkage of St. Patrick's and St. Anthony's parishes. The linkage and associated pastoral assignments take effect September 30th.

Father Arthur J. La Baff, Pastor of St. Patrick’s since 1997 has been assigned to St. Mary’s Church in Clayton, NY as Administrator. Father Donald A. Robinson will remain as Pastor of St. Anthony’s and will be Administrator of St. Patrick’s Church. Deacon Kevin T. Mastellon has been appointed Parish Life Coordinator of St. Patrick’s.

A committee of the parishes of St. Patrick’s and St. Anthony’s has been meeting for several months to identify the issues linkage would present. These issues include a new Mass schedule for weekends and weekdays. Beginning October 3 there will be a 4:00PM anticipated Mass at St. Patricks and a 9:30 AM Mass on Sunday. Weekend Masses at St. Anthony’s will be at 8:00AM and 11AM.

On Weekdays beginning October 1, there will be a combination of Masses and Communion Services (CS) at the two Churches. St. Patrick’s will have noon Mass on Monday and Friday; communion service on Tuesday and Wednesday at Noon and on Thursday, Mass if a Priest is available, otherwise a communion service. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue on Thursdays at St. Patrick’s.

St. Anthony’s will have 7:00AM Mass on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and communion services at that time on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

There will be Reconciliation 15 minutes before each weekday MASS at the appropriate Church. Weekly Reconciliation will be celebrated from 3:00 to 3:30 PM at St. Patrick’s.

St. Patrick’s will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for Fr. La Baff’s exemplary pastoral care and stewardship at 10:00 AM September 27. A reception and going-away celebration will take place at Immaculate Heart Central Intermediate School later that day.

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Linkage Committee for St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick’s

Minutes

September 1, 2009

Present: Fr. Arthur La Baff, Fr. Donald Robinson, Dcn. Kevin Mastellon, Penny Clark,

Edmond Galluccio, Mary Izzo, Nancy Navarra, Raymond Weston and Paul Trimper, Frank Gorri

Excused: Margaret Foti

The meeting convened at 4:30 PM with Fr. Robinson as the chair. The committee conducted Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.

A motion to approve the minutes of the August 18, 2009 meeting was approved.

Comments and conversations: Several members noted the subject of linkage is now becoming prominent in coffee shop conversation (and debates). Some people are concerned that events held traditionally by the respective parishes will go by the wayside.

Fr. Robinson noted that everyone was anxious to hear the results of the Committee on Personnel meeting held earlier in the day in Ogdensburg. Fr. La Baff, a member of the Committee, provided the report. In summary, Father reported:

St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick’s will be officially linked effective September 30, 2009.
Fr. Robinson will be named Administrator (later Pastor when a Bishop is installed) of the two parishes.
Deacon Mastellon will be appointed by the Diocesan Administrator to the position of Parish Life Coordinator of St. Patrick’s
He, Fr. La Baff, will be named Administrator of St. Mary’s Church in Clayton.
All the personnel appointments are also to take effect September 30, 2009.

The death this week of Fr. Jerry Bleaux; the death this past spring of Fr. Tim Soucy; the resignation of a pastor and the retirements of two others all contributed to the decision by the Planning and the Personnel Committee to move on the Linkage. Fr. LaValley, the Diocesan Administrator, agreed.

The Committee moved quickly to discuss the highest order of business in the wake of this news, the revised Mass schedule. After some discussion of various scenarios, the committee unanimously endorsed the schedule attached to these minutes.

The Parish Councils of both parishes will meet September 22. It was decided the meetings will be held separately and independently, each in its own parish and include in their discussion the possibilities for merging the councils. A joint meeting of the Councils might be held in October.

The next meeting of the Committee will be September 29, 2009 at St. Anthony’s at 4:30 PM. That meeting will include a presentation on the finances of our two parishes.

Respectfully submitted,

Deacon Kevin Mastellon

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Linkage Committee for St. Anthony's and St. Patrick's

Minutes August 18, 2009

Present: Fr. Arthur La Baff, Fr. Donald Robinson, Dcn. Kevin Mastellon, Penny Clark,

Margaret Foti, Edmond Galluccio, Mary Izzo, Nancy Navarra, Raymond Weston and

Paul Trimper

Excused: Frank Gorri

The meeting convened at 7:00 PM with Fr. La Baff as the chair. The committee conducted Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.

A motion to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2009 meeting was approved. It was noted these minutes and the Committee's document of purpose were mailed to all registered families in the parishes and were printed and inserted in the bulletins of both parishes.

Comments and conversations: Several members indicated favorable comments about the publication of minutes and the document of purpose. One parishioner reacted favorably to the name of the committee (Linkage Committee) suggesting the name portrays an interest in purpose without prejudice.

A parishioner who moved here from Elmira indicated her parish in that city merged with another. The final Mass schedule for those parishes did not include any anticipated (Saturday) Mass. Parishioners in those parishes are now trying get a Saturday Mass scheduled. Two Albany parishes solved the problem by rotating the anticipated Mass on a six month schedule. Fr. La Baff spoke with a parish secretary in Bangor, Maine today. Six parishes have combined in Bangor with a pastor and two associates to serve the six worship sites now combined to form a new parish with a distinct name and structure.

Another member heard from two members of the Altar and Rosary Societies of our two parishes, one from St. Patrick's, the other from St Anthony's. The member from St. Patrick's looks forward to the two societies combining when the parishes are linked. The member from St Anthony's believes the two groups should remain autonomous.

A discussion followed led by Penny Clark and Mary Izzo in regard to the ministries now active in our two parishes, the number of people involved in ministries, the ministries already shared by the two parishes and the potential for some additional combined efforts. Copies of the documents distributed to the committee members are available for review as a part of the permanent record of the committee.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Mary Izzo asked for the floor to offer a prepared personal statement about linkage and the future of the parishes. At the direction of the committee, Mary's statement is included as a part of the permanent record:

During our Aug. 4^th meeting, the comment: "don't kill your Pastor," came up directly and indirectly more than once. All of us will need to make some adjustments and get used to some changes we might prefer not to have to make, but the more important issue for all of us to address here is how to make this possible for ONE Priest to keep up with all of the duties involved.

When we look at some of the Demographics for the year 2008 presented at our last meeting by Margaret and Nancy we find they included:

With the large number of parishioners served by one Priest, the numbers of meetings required, the liturgical services needed, the time required for planning and execution of essentials for any parish, we must keep in mind that whatever recommendations we make we must always keep in mind that one Priest cannot be attending meetings at two parishes seven days a week. In order to preserve the health and well-being of anyone Pastor under these circumstances, it will be necessary to combine groups and services wherever possible. We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of everyone's cooperation, understanding, and assistance in any Linkage of Parishes, especially one which will be serving these large numbers. It is obvious that this Linkage will make this one of the five largest in the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

Our Priests are super heroes, but not SUPERMAN! It is obvious that ALL of our Parishioners will need to get behind our one Priest and help him, our Deacons and Pastoral Associates in any way we can.

In April 2004, after many meetings, discussion and prayer, we forwarded to the Diocese a plan for the reconfiguration of the four parishes in the City and mailed you a report. The Diocese decided not to implement that plan and more recently asked that we consider LINKING Saint Anthony and St Patrick parishes. A committee was formed and it has been meeting regularly. We hope this report to the people of both parishes will help you understand where we are at this time.

What is a linkage? The term is used to describe two or more parishes sharing a pastor. It is used to talk about the degree of collaboration and cooperation with shared ministries among the linked parishes.

WHY NOW? We have fewer priests. The church is faced with great challenges for providing pastoral care in light of an aging priest population and declining priestly vocations. The Diocese can choose to close parishes, create larger parishes, appoint Parish Life Coordinators (non-priest administrators) and it can assign priests to serve as pastor to multiple parishes.

There are many challenges. Parishioners ask many questions when they hear that they are going to share a pastor. Whom do we call for the Sacraments? When will we have masses? Who will care for things when Father is at the other parish? Will our parish close? Will Father like them better than us? What about parish traditions? Where will Christmas Eve mass be? Will we still have a Children’s Christmas Mass? Grief can set in quickly.

How can we best facilitate this change? Pray for the people who will make the decisions. Stay informed, read the bulletin inserts. Talk with the Linkage Committee members. The Committee has pledged to remain transparent, compassionate, open and communicative. Planning for this type of new relationship between our parishes takes a lot of time and there is a great deal of information to be digested. We can’t be rushed in to and through change. We all need time to adjust; priests and parishioners. It is a challenge for all of us, but we need to remember this linkage will become reality. Linkage cannot be put off any longer.

Here are some items already adopted (August 4, 2009) by our two-parish Linkage Committee:

2. There will be one rectory (residence for the pastor) and
one Administrative Center (separate from the Pastor’s residence)

Permanent Deacons as assigned by the Bishop and actively engaged in their ministry

Since 1881 Catholic Schools have been an essential part of our parish life. Catholic Education will continue to be a major commitment of our linked parishes. We are proud of our consolidated school system and the commitment to Catholic Christian education represented by Immaculate Heart Central School. The people of St. Anthony and St. Patrick Parishes will not waiver in their support of IHC.

Present: Fr. Arthur La Baff, Fr. Donald Robinson, Dcn. Kevin Mastellon, Penny Clark,

The meeting convened at 7:00 PM with Fr. Robinson as the chair. The committee conducted Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.

A motion to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2009 meeting was approved. It was noted these minutes and those of the June 30, 2009 meeting were printed and inserted in the bulletins of both parishes July 26, 2009.

Comments and conversations: Margaret Foti shared the opinion of a parish member that First Communion and Confirmation preparation programs should not be combined when the parishes are linked.

Fr. Robinson noted he had placed extra copies of the minutes referenced above in the gathering area at St. Anthony’s this past weekend (Aug. 2) and these were quickly picked-up after the Masses. That, Fr. Don suggested, demonstrated the interest in the issue and the work of the committee.

A discussion followed, led by Nancy Navarra and Margaret Foti, relative to the demographics of the two parish communities. Some of the key data pieces resulting from this analysis were:

1. The resulting linkage will see almost 1,300 families in the care of one pastor.

3. St. Anthony’s has a larger number of students involved in Christian Formation

4. St. Patrick’s is responsible for ministries at Samaritan Keep Home, Angels Inn and Mercy Center and Glenwood Cemetery and Mausoleum.

Copies of the hand-outs from the sub-group were distributed and are made a part of the official minutes.

Discussion then moved to a draft position paper from the Committee. It is intended for broad distribution, via US Postal Service, to all the registered families of our two parishes. This distribution will assure that each family is kept apprised of the Linkage Committee’s work. Following the discussion with some suggested additions, the draft was unanimously approved.

Members received copies of the Constitutions and By-laws of the parish Pastoral Councils for review.

The members also discussed the creation of a new mission statement for the Linked Community.

The next meeting of the Committee will be August 18, 2009 at St. Patrick’s at 7:00 PM. That meeting will include a presentation on ministers and ministries in our two parishes.

Linkage Committee for St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick’s

Minutes July 14, 2009

Present: Fr. Arthur La Baff, Fr. Donald Robinson, Dcn. Kevin Mastellon, Penny Clark, Margaret Foti, Edmond Galluccio, Frank Gorri, Mary Izzo, Nancy Navarra, Raymond Weston and Paul Trimper

The meeting convened at 7:00 PM with Fr. La Baff as the chair. The committee met first at the Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum to begin a tour of the facilities of St. Patrick’s Church and Glenwood Cemetery.

Having completed tours of St. Anthony’s Church, Rectory, parish offices and former school facility (June 30th) and St. Patrick’s Church, Rectory, Pastoral Center and Cemetery facilities (July 14), the Committee members agreed the tours helped them appreciate the excellent condition of all facilities and the potential for collaborative use of the facilities when the parishes are linked. It was suggested the Committee sponsor an open house at each parish in September to allow parishioners of both parishes to tour the properties and to converse with Committee members. This possibility will be discussed further.

The business meeting of the Committee convened at St. Patrick’s Pastoral Center at 8:45 PM. Minutes of the previous session were reviewed and approved.

The Committee has received comments from several parishioners expressing appreciation for the publication of the Committee minutes in both St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick’s bulletins. The minutes are being distributed to the Pastoral Councils of both Parishes directly.

Both Pastors spoke to the need for the Committee to affirm its unequivocal support for Catholic Education in Watertown. A resolution of affirmation will be available for the Committee’s consideration at its next meeting.

The Committee also briefly discussed preparing a list of the specific items the Committee will have to resolve in anticipation of linkage, i.e. worship times, ministry collaboration, sacramental preparation and others. Team presentations will begin at the next meeting for the broader subjects previously identified for study (see June 16 minutes).

The next meeting of the Committee will be August 4, 2009 at St. Anthony’s at 7:00 PM. That meeting will include a presentation on the demographics of both parishes.

Respectfully submitted,

Deacon Kevin Mastellon

Present: Fr. Arthur La Baff, Fr. Donald Robinson, Dcn. Kevin Mastellon, Penny Clark, Margaret Foti, Edmond Galluccio, Frank Gorri, Mary Izzo, Nancy Navarra, Raymond Weston. Excused: Paul Trimper

The principle purpose for the gathering is to tour the facilities of St. Anthony’s so committee members can be fully informed about the physical assets of the parish.

Prior to touring Fr. Robinson asked the members for comments received from parishioners since the last meeting. Questions included, “Who is going to be the Pastor? When will the Masses be?” Fr. La Baff noted the Pastoral Council at St. Patrick’s had a very good discussion about linkage at its last meeting.

Fr. Robinson shared the findings of a recent study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate on issues facing the Diocesan Priesthood nationwide. In part, the report states:

· Half of all priests currently in active ministry expect to retire in the next ten years.

Fr. La Baff pointed out our diocesan statistics mirror the national figures “exactly.”

The committee then discussed and approved the publication of the minutes of the June 16 meeting as an insert in each parish’s bulletin the weekend of July 5.

The committee will hear the report on Parish demographics at its August 4^th meeting. The report on Ministries and Ministers will be presented August 18.

The next scheduled meeting of the Committee is July 14, 2009 at St. Patrick’s. The committee will meet at the Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum to begin a tour of the St. Patrick’s facilities at 7:00 PM.

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Linkage Committee for St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick’s

Present: Fr. Arthur La Baff, Fr. Donald Robinson, Dcn. Kevin Mastellon, Penny Clark, Margaret Foti, Frank Gorri, Mary Izzo, Nancy Navarra, Paul Trimper, Raymond Weston.
Excused: Edmond Galluccio

The meeting convened at St. Patrick’s at 7:00 PM. Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours was prayed.

As this was the initial meeting of the group, Fr. La Baff welcomed everyone to St. Patrick’s and invited each appointed member to introduce him/herself to the group.

Fr. La Baff and Fr. Robinson then led a discussion of the purpose of the group and the definition of linked parishes. The members heard an update on the number of Priests, Deacons and Religious now serving in the 105 parishes in the Diocese of Ogdensburg. (75 active Diocesan Priests; 38 retired and disabled priests; 60 Permanent Deacons; 7 Brothers; 120 Sisters and 713 Commissioned Lay Ministers.) The situation, particularly in light of the declining number of priests available for Pastorates, has led the Diocesan Planning Committee to conclude some new arrangement of parish leadership in Watertown is likely in the not too distant future. Linking St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick’s under the spiritual and administrative direction of one pastor is being considered.

No specific timetable has been established for this linkage. Any one of three scenarios may come into play: 1) a new Pastor may be assigned by the Bishop to serve the linked parishes; 2) Fr. Robinson could remain as the Pastor of the two parishes; 3) Fr. La Baff could remain as the Pastor of the two parishes.

As linked parishes, St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick’s will remain as separate entities and unique communities of the faithful but the very nature of linkage requires a greater emphasis on collaboration. The Pastor in a linked parish environment tends to the needs of each parish individually but also the combined needs of the linked communities.

This committee is charged to identify those areas of likely collaboration and to prepare for the day linkage is realized. Committee members then offered their thoughts on the process and the prospect of linkage and articulated the questions and concerns expressed to them by parishioners.

The Committee identified a number of immediate areas of study and volunteered to work on one or more of the study groups. The study areas include, but are not limited to: Parish Demographics, the cultural identity of each parish, existing ministries and ministers, buildings and grounds and finance. A tentative schedule of meetings has been approved with the meeting site alternating between St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick’s. The resident Pastor at each location will chair the meeting at his Parish. The next two meetings of the committee will include tours of each parish’s facilities.

The next scheduled meeting of the Committee is June 30, 2009 at St. Anthony’s at 7:00 PM. Subsequent meetings are scheduled for July 14, August 4, August 18 and September 1, 2009.