Churches face challenges all the time. Our local area was a hot spot in the 19th century and drew many immigrants. Over time, different groups created their own churches, and it resulted in five Catholic Churches in a four-mile diameter, seven total churches within the county. As often happens, the town’s boom ended and many families left to find more work.
Over time church attendances continued to drop, the number of newly ordained priests dwindled, and it left many of the churches struggling. Eventually the diocese decided it was time to send us a group of priests that would stay with us and guide our county’s churches through a merger. As you would expect, the initial message of the merger was not received favorably among the different congregations and the fear of “our” church being closed down began.
Merging Churches
People of the congregation including myself, had many doubts to how this merger would go. People felt invested in their lifelong churches and now the diocese wanted to close some of them. It was a difficult time in the local diocese and there were many objections. The new priests had their work cut out for them, but I have no doubt they were praying to the Holy Spirit for guidance. The priests began rearranging mass times and the amount of masses each church would have during the week. They also announced that they would be closing many of the churches and that we would become one parish.
Change is hard and this resulted in more frustration. Once it was announced that it would be one parish, it also meant that jobs would be changed, positions would be condensed, and groups within the church would have to be merged. Difficult decisions would have to be made in order to get everything structured properly for seven churches to become essentially one.
The Role of Priests
The priests that were given to us by the diocese, putting it simply, are a blessing. They are knowledgeable, talented, extraordinarily caring, and truly passionate men of Christ. You can feel their genuine fatherly love during every homily they give. They taught us so much about what the true meaning of church is, and that faith does not depend on a building, but by your love of Christ through actions. They showed tough love at times when we needed it, but also genuine fatherly love and compassion. They, along with the deacons, and sisters have been shining examples of how one should act during times of difficulty within the church and a never ceasing love for Jesus Christ and submitting oneself to his will.
The priests guiding us were patient, listened to our ideas, and came up with great ideas themselves. They managed to unite us in our opinions. One of these great ideas was a united mass at a local high school auditorium, which brought many of us together when we were still very concerned. The mass was amazing as the bishop was even present to formally name our pastor and bless our new parish. Our name had been announced earlier, and it could not have been more fitting- Holy Spirit Parish.
The Holy Spirit Was in Charge
The Holy Spirit was at work the whole time, but fully took effect once this mass unified us and the parish had a name. I believe the congregation began to see how the Holy Spirit was working through our priests in guiding us through this merger. I also hope they saw how the Holy Spirit affected all of us in receiving the message graciously over time. It seemed after this, that the parish came alive! It was as if the Holy Spirit came down to us like the morning of Pentecost.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongue as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:1-4).
This merger has allowed the Holy Spirit to work in our parish in new ways. It renewed the Spirit of Christ within so many of us. It united us as Catholics. Instead of being an attendant of this particular church or that one, we became simply followers of Christ united as a Church. But that also extends far greater than just our county; it should be the same way throughout the world. That is what the true meaning of Catholic is after all. Catholic stems from the Greek word, καθολικός (katholikós), which means universal . We are all Christians who are unified under the one Universal Church of Christ.
The parish is still working on the merger and will be for quite some time. The parish has come together and has started many new programs, as well as building up many that already existed. There is a wonderfully revamped Youth Ministry, Evangelization effort, and so many other active groups that have come together to make this new parish as special as it has become. So much so that we were even able to better fund and upgrade a local school that was affiliated with one of the original churches. It was a great accomplishment for everyone involved and so critically important during such a challenging time in the world. The change in attitude of each individual church being almost like a possession, to a communal use in order to better build up the new parish reminded me of Acts 4:32:
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
This whole experience has allowed me to view challenges in such a new and enlightening way. It is sad that it became necessary to merge and close down churches in the area. It is sad to lose the history and familial memories that are tied to those buildings that are closed. It is sad that attendance has dropped enough that those churches were effectively not needed and could not afford to stay open. It is even sadder that we have fewer priests to fill churches.
The Presence of Christ
Yet, there is no doubt after taking a step back and watching how everything has unfolded thus far, that God has worked in amazing ways. He united a county of Catholics in faith, stoked the flame, and rebuilt his church even stronger than ever. He united us as one and we have never been stronger. The presence of Christ has never been stronger.
Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:19-20).
If Jesus is present when two or three people gather in his name, imagine the strength of his presence when seven churches gather in his name. This was all made possible by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit I believe is often the underrated and least talked about part of the Holy Trinity. Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance in your decisions and I assure that you will find peace and happiness. It is truly amazing what you can accomplish in the name of Christ when you open yourself up truly to the complete Holy Trinity.
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