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Welcome
Welcome to the Web site of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish Community (Depew, NY).
We have a lot of exciting things to share, so please browse through the many pages of our new Web site.
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Along the Way....
Journey in Faith and Grace...
Last March the Journey in Faith and Grace Committee sponsored a week of listening sessions for the parishes of St. Barnabas and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. The purpose of these sessions was to get the input from the people who are involved in ministries from both parishes in regard to the future of parish ministry. The sessions were held in both parishes on alternate evenings, the ministries addressed were" Service, Worship, Parish Life and Faith Formation.
The following are the questions asked of these groups along with their reponses:
What would be the possible benefits of closer cooperation between the two parishes?
Response: There is strength in numbers - more people, more energy and more ideas. There would be a better use of facilities.
What are the potential challenges each parish or organization might face?
Response: Fixation on identity loss, conflicts of interest, territoriality, cliques, and clashes of personality, differences of opinion on methods. Scheduling of facility use could be complicated and a possible shortage of space. Transportation for those who cannot drive to church.
If a merger of the parishes happens, what problems would there be?
Response: Letting go of personal attachments, fear of change, and the possibility of feeling unwelcome. There might be a sense of loss especially for parishioners of the church that might be closed. The other issues: liturgical differences, possible disaffection of some parishioners, priest availability, how can one priest handle such a large parish. There would also be a need for changes in sacramental programming, adjustment to a new facility and inclusion of non-parish groups.
What solutions would you offer for these challenges?
Response: Be inclusive and transparent at every step of the process, created community building, cooperated in areas of parish life, gather people regularly in order to know one another, focus on youth, pray, avoid the perception of favoritism, do not avoid conflicts but talk them out, handle transition with sensitivity, start personnel exchanges, use prayer and ritual to bring people together.
Blessing of Cars and Vehicles...
As the vacation and traveling season begins we will e offering a special blessing for cars and vehicles. We invoke God's Blessing and protection on us and pray that we arrive at our destinations safely. The blessing will take place after all the June 27th and 28th weekend masses (weather permitting). We would ask you to drive your vehicle past the rectory front sidewalk; there Fr. Bart and Deacon Richard will bless the cars individually with holy water.
Let us pray and care for each other..... Fr. Bart
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Parish Calendar Requests
All parish organizations and groups wishing to use the parish facilities from September 2009 - August 2010 are asked to submit a completed request form to the Rectory office. These forms will be sent out within the next few weeks. They must be returned no later than July 1, 2009. be sure to include all proposed dates, times, and needed room spaces (include set up and cleanup times). Outside organizations will receive their forms sometime in the middle of July.
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Garden Angels
Jesus said to Peter, "Tend my sheep." He says to us, "Tend my gardens." This we will begin doing this coming week. We will begin with a brief gathering Tuesday evening, June 16th at 7 pm under the entrance canopy of the school/church. From our experience last year (our first) we know we must proportion some of the areas differently. You can keep your former areas, but possibly with some changes. Also, we can use MORE "Angels". If you wish to join us, please come down. We could really use you! Thanks and see you there!
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