Road to Renewal
Our Lady Help of Christians is participating in the Diocese of Buffalo's Road to Renewal. In September 2021, three families will become pilot families.
For more on the Road to Renewal, please visit the Diocese's Road to Renewal website.
Information on Families of Parishes model is here.
In January 2022, Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC), St Josaphat and Resurrection. Began working as one Family.
Our Mass Schedule is here.
Resurrection Roman Catholic Church
St. Josaphat Parish
Below is information on the Road to Renewal that we provided as a series in our bulletin.
For more on the Road to Renewal, please visit the Diocese's Road to Renewal website.
Information on Families of Parishes model is here.
In January 2022, Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC), St Josaphat and Resurrection. Began working as one Family.
Our Mass Schedule is here.
Resurrection Roman Catholic Church
St. Josaphat Parish
Below is information on the Road to Renewal that we provided as a series in our bulletin.
August 29, 2021
Walking the Road to Renewal
The Catholic faithful, priests, deacons, religious, parish administrators and school leaders of the Diocese of Buffalo have embarked on a journey called the “Road to Renewal” to reinvigorate Catholic faith, more fully optimize parish and diocesan resources, and increase the impact of our varied ministries throughout Western New York. Much as the disciples rediscovered the Lord – and had their hope renewed – while breaking bread together after walking with him on the long road to Emmaus, we are traveling together, supporting one another, facing our challenges and opportunities together, and seek a renewed spirit of purpose and solidarity, united by our common faith in the One who makes all things new.
Every week in this corner we will learn a little more about what this Road to Renewal will look like for the Diocese of Buffalo, and for our parish in particular.
Walking the Road to Renewal
The Catholic faithful, priests, deacons, religious, parish administrators and school leaders of the Diocese of Buffalo have embarked on a journey called the “Road to Renewal” to reinvigorate Catholic faith, more fully optimize parish and diocesan resources, and increase the impact of our varied ministries throughout Western New York. Much as the disciples rediscovered the Lord – and had their hope renewed – while breaking bread together after walking with him on the long road to Emmaus, we are traveling together, supporting one another, facing our challenges and opportunities together, and seek a renewed spirit of purpose and solidarity, united by our common faith in the One who makes all things new.
Every week in this corner we will learn a little more about what this Road to Renewal will look like for the Diocese of Buffalo, and for our parish in particular.
September 5, 2021
Walking the Road to Renewal
When did the idea of “renewal” begin?
When he served as temporary administrator, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger formed the Diocesan Renewal Task Force (DRTF) as a collaboration of clergy and laity to study, gather input and formulate recommendations for the Diocese of Buffalo to renew and reinvigorate its ability to serve the mission of the Catholic Church in our region. Initially, the Parish Model Task Force, assisted by consultants from the Leadership Roundtable, researched how other dioceses throughout the world have walked the same journey and recommended that renewal could be facilitated by bringing parishes together into closer collaboration for the larger good under a model known as “Families of Parishes”. This model is forming the foundation for similar journeys across the nation, and in particular the Diocese of London, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan were examined in depth to more fully understand the Model and its implementation. The Bishop supported the recommendation of the Families of Parishes model which is consistent with the Congregation for the Clergy instruction dated July 20, 2020: “The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community in the Service of the Evangelizing Mission of the Church.” This formed the basis of the “Road to Renewal” program.
Walking the Road to Renewal
When did the idea of “renewal” begin?
When he served as temporary administrator, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger formed the Diocesan Renewal Task Force (DRTF) as a collaboration of clergy and laity to study, gather input and formulate recommendations for the Diocese of Buffalo to renew and reinvigorate its ability to serve the mission of the Catholic Church in our region. Initially, the Parish Model Task Force, assisted by consultants from the Leadership Roundtable, researched how other dioceses throughout the world have walked the same journey and recommended that renewal could be facilitated by bringing parishes together into closer collaboration for the larger good under a model known as “Families of Parishes”. This model is forming the foundation for similar journeys across the nation, and in particular the Diocese of London, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan were examined in depth to more fully understand the Model and its implementation. The Bishop supported the recommendation of the Families of Parishes model which is consistent with the Congregation for the Clergy instruction dated July 20, 2020: “The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community in the Service of the Evangelizing Mission of the Church.” This formed the basis of the “Road to Renewal” program.
September 12, 2021
Walking the Road to Renewal
Why We Need Renewal?
The Diocese has embarked on this journey to optimize more fully parish and diocesan resources, and, importantly, increase the reach and impact of our varied ministries throughout Western New York. Facing severe financial challenges and also trends that are common in dioceses across the country having to do with declining church attendance and school enrollment, we are looking at best practices elsewhere to determine how to preserve Catholic life and increase the impact of ministries across the region. The financial challenges confronting the dioceses and many parishes – made worse by the Covid-19 threat – requires that we identify ways to make better use of resources, bring together capabilities and even ministries to serve and evangelize. The Chapter 11 process will go on for an extended period of time. This effort is aimed at defining the best organization for diocesan ministries and parishes for a vibrant future, acknowledging financial challenges but not being limited by them in carrying out the work of Faith.
Walking the Road to Renewal
Why We Need Renewal?
The Diocese has embarked on this journey to optimize more fully parish and diocesan resources, and, importantly, increase the reach and impact of our varied ministries throughout Western New York. Facing severe financial challenges and also trends that are common in dioceses across the country having to do with declining church attendance and school enrollment, we are looking at best practices elsewhere to determine how to preserve Catholic life and increase the impact of ministries across the region. The financial challenges confronting the dioceses and many parishes – made worse by the Covid-19 threat – requires that we identify ways to make better use of resources, bring together capabilities and even ministries to serve and evangelize. The Chapter 11 process will go on for an extended period of time. This effort is aimed at defining the best organization for diocesan ministries and parishes for a vibrant future, acknowledging financial challenges but not being limited by them in carrying out the work of Faith.
September 19, 2021
Walking the Road to Renewal
Why Do We Need Renewal NOW??
Renewal is necessary for the Diocese to regain focus on mission and overcome the negative trend of participation in sacraments, financial support and vocations. These trends are driven in part, by the shameful history of abuse and its cover-up, the on-going bankruptcy and the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to reexamine the “big picture” of how the Diocese operates, given the following objective facts:
- Over the past 8 years attendance at mass has dropped by 41%
- Baptisms and marriages have declined more than 30%
- Catholic School enrollment is down by 24% over the past decade
- Parish finances have remained mostly flat despite 19% inflation over the last ten years
- The number of ordained religious available to provide the required spiritual support is dwindling. The prediction is that by the year 2030, there will be fewer than 100 diocesan priests available to serve the present 161 parishes.
Given this data, the diocese cannot continue to operate as it has in the past, and thus the renewal process is necessary now.
Walking the Road to Renewal
Why Do We Need Renewal NOW??
Renewal is necessary for the Diocese to regain focus on mission and overcome the negative trend of participation in sacraments, financial support and vocations. These trends are driven in part, by the shameful history of abuse and its cover-up, the on-going bankruptcy and the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to reexamine the “big picture” of how the Diocese operates, given the following objective facts:
- Over the past 8 years attendance at mass has dropped by 41%
- Baptisms and marriages have declined more than 30%
- Catholic School enrollment is down by 24% over the past decade
- Parish finances have remained mostly flat despite 19% inflation over the last ten years
- The number of ordained religious available to provide the required spiritual support is dwindling. The prediction is that by the year 2030, there will be fewer than 100 diocesan priests available to serve the present 161 parishes.
Given this data, the diocese cannot continue to operate as it has in the past, and thus the renewal process is necessary now.
September 26, 2021
Walking the Road to Renewal
What are the objectives of the Road to Renewal?
1. Strengthening our parishes for ministry. We must recognize that the People of God are the Church and that our parishes are the place where the people encounter Jesus.
2. Foster an encounter with Jesus in the sacraments. Every family of parishes needs to be a center of prayer, spiritual nourishment and a safe place to encounter Jesus.
3. Respond in love to the brokenness of the world, caring for the poor, vulnerable and wounded.
4. Develop a model of continuing formation of clergy and laity to help the church respond to the signs of the times.
5. Demonstrate fiscal responsibility of the gifts that have been entrusted to us as parishes and as a Diocese, making sure we are prudent stewards.
Walking the Road to Renewal
What are the objectives of the Road to Renewal?
1. Strengthening our parishes for ministry. We must recognize that the People of God are the Church and that our parishes are the place where the people encounter Jesus.
2. Foster an encounter with Jesus in the sacraments. Every family of parishes needs to be a center of prayer, spiritual nourishment and a safe place to encounter Jesus.
3. Respond in love to the brokenness of the world, caring for the poor, vulnerable and wounded.
4. Develop a model of continuing formation of clergy and laity to help the church respond to the signs of the times.
5. Demonstrate fiscal responsibility of the gifts that have been entrusted to us as parishes and as a Diocese, making sure we are prudent stewards.
October 3, 2021
Walking the Road to Renewal
“I’ve heard the phrase “Family of parishes”. Exactly what does that mean?”
A family of parishes will be a grouping of parishes that comes together to form a family. Each family will contain three to six parishes that will make up their family.
The goal of families of parishes is to strengthen parishes. There is no plan to close parishes.
• Each parish has gifts and talents that can benefit other parishes. This model allows parishes to bring their best to the family, so all parishes in the family can benefit.
• Collaboration between parishes is important for a strong future. This model allows for a collaborative approach between parishes and ministries. Parishes can work together towards a common goal.
• Priestly ministry becomes shared within the family. With the declining number of priests available, this model has parishes collaborate by sharing mass schedules and sacramental life. This means priests can focus their attention on sacramental ministry, working more closely with their brothers within the family of parishes.
• Better utilization of financial resources. With parishes working together in a family, shared staff and resources will contribute to financial stability and savings.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: The phrase “Family of Parishes” does NOT mean:
• Closures
• Mergers
• Pooling of assets & resources
It is collaboration, NOT consolidation.
Walking the Road to Renewal
“I’ve heard the phrase “Family of parishes”. Exactly what does that mean?”
A family of parishes will be a grouping of parishes that comes together to form a family. Each family will contain three to six parishes that will make up their family.
The goal of families of parishes is to strengthen parishes. There is no plan to close parishes.
• Each parish has gifts and talents that can benefit other parishes. This model allows parishes to bring their best to the family, so all parishes in the family can benefit.
• Collaboration between parishes is important for a strong future. This model allows for a collaborative approach between parishes and ministries. Parishes can work together towards a common goal.
• Priestly ministry becomes shared within the family. With the declining number of priests available, this model has parishes collaborate by sharing mass schedules and sacramental life. This means priests can focus their attention on sacramental ministry, working more closely with their brothers within the family of parishes.
• Better utilization of financial resources. With parishes working together in a family, shared staff and resources will contribute to financial stability and savings.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: The phrase “Family of Parishes” does NOT mean:
• Closures
• Mergers
• Pooling of assets & resources
It is collaboration, NOT consolidation.
October 10, 2021
Walking the Road to Renewal
Walking the Road to Renewal
“Another question: Where does Our Lady Help of Christians fit? Who will be in our “Family of Parishes?”
At the present time, OLHC has been designated to be in a grouping with St. Aloysius, Infant of Prague, Queen of Martyrs, and Resurrection Parishes. The diocese was divided mainly geographically, since it is very often the case that neighboring parishes share common cultures, similar interests, ease of commuting from one to the other, etc.
Throughout the entire diocese, the organization of families is preliminary and not final, but these are recommended configurations of parishes that were believed to be a best fit for one another in a family. There will be an opportunity for feedback and the chance to change families if needed. (For instance, if two neighboring parishes have not been placed into the same family but already have partnerships for certain ministries, there may be a benefit to move one parish into the other family.)
Walking the Road to Renewal
Walking the Road to Renewal
“Another question: Where does Our Lady Help of Christians fit? Who will be in our “Family of Parishes?”
At the present time, OLHC has been designated to be in a grouping with St. Aloysius, Infant of Prague, Queen of Martyrs, and Resurrection Parishes. The diocese was divided mainly geographically, since it is very often the case that neighboring parishes share common cultures, similar interests, ease of commuting from one to the other, etc.
Throughout the entire diocese, the organization of families is preliminary and not final, but these are recommended configurations of parishes that were believed to be a best fit for one another in a family. There will be an opportunity for feedback and the chance to change families if needed. (For instance, if two neighboring parishes have not been placed into the same family but already have partnerships for certain ministries, there may be a benefit to move one parish into the other family.)
October 17, 2021
Walking the Road to Renewal
“Other questions I have: Will parishes close?”
The goal of families of parishes is to strengthen parishes! There is no present plan to close parishes.
“Will all of our money be taken by the ‘family’?”
Each parish will maintain its own identity. Therefore, each parish will still have its own name, trustees, finance committee, etc. so that it can function. The assets and liabilities of a parish are the responsibility of that parish. There will not be a pooling of assets or liabilities within a family.
“Are all parishes participating in the Renewal?”
YES! Each parish in the diocese will join a “family of parishes”. This is a diocesan initiative that is responding to the needs of our whole church. All of our parishes are part of the larger church and all of us can strengthen one another which can strengthen our diocesan church. We are many parts, but we must remember that we are all members of the one Body of
Christ. (1 Cor. 12: 12- 27) ‘... so there may be no division in the
body, but that the parts have the same concern for one another.
If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is
honored, all the parts share its joy”.
Walking the Road to Renewal
“Other questions I have: Will parishes close?”
The goal of families of parishes is to strengthen parishes! There is no present plan to close parishes.
“Will all of our money be taken by the ‘family’?”
Each parish will maintain its own identity. Therefore, each parish will still have its own name, trustees, finance committee, etc. so that it can function. The assets and liabilities of a parish are the responsibility of that parish. There will not be a pooling of assets or liabilities within a family.
“Are all parishes participating in the Renewal?”
YES! Each parish in the diocese will join a “family of parishes”. This is a diocesan initiative that is responding to the needs of our whole church. All of our parishes are part of the larger church and all of us can strengthen one another which can strengthen our diocesan church. We are many parts, but we must remember that we are all members of the one Body of
Christ. (1 Cor. 12: 12- 27) ‘... so there may be no division in the
body, but that the parts have the same concern for one another.
If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is
honored, all the parts share its joy”.
October 24, 2021
Walking the Road to Renewal
Throughout this journey that we now travel together, named the Road to Renewal, our guiding principles will be to listen and to learn; to be open and transparent about the challenges we face, and collaborative in devising solutions that must ultimately lead us to greater dependence on and support for one another, while renewing in each of us as members of this Family of Faith the zeal to proclaim Christ’s Gospel of unconditional love and forgiveness.
We need to pray daily that the Holy Spirit will guide and direct all members of the Church to make this Road to Renewal a faith-filled experience.
Walking the Road to Renewal
Throughout this journey that we now travel together, named the Road to Renewal, our guiding principles will be to listen and to learn; to be open and transparent about the challenges we face, and collaborative in devising solutions that must ultimately lead us to greater dependence on and support for one another, while renewing in each of us as members of this Family of Faith the zeal to proclaim Christ’s Gospel of unconditional love and forgiveness.
We need to pray daily that the Holy Spirit will guide and direct all members of the Church to make this Road to Renewal a faith-filled experience.