Winds of Change at St. Ephrem's

Parish Assembly Continues Pastoral

Planning Process

By Michele F. Scotto

On a cold winter evening of 2006 in the dimly lit “old” school hall of St. Ephrem School, 135 people sat on uncomfortable metal chairs to learn about something called the Parish Planning Council.

They had been nominated by other members of the parish to serve, and now it was time to learn what that service involved. Some were skeptical, some confused, some simply unable to commit the time and effort required.

PLANNING for St. Ephrem’s future included sharing each table’s discussion about what makes the parish unique.

The next week, 75 returned for continued prayerful reflection and education, and from those 10 ultimately were chosen, and accepted an appointment to St. Ephrem’s Council under the guidance of its pastor, Msgr. Peter V. Kain. They are: Annamarie Bartone, Adrian Calderone, Donna Colon, John Gillen, Steve Gorton, Mary Jane LaVache, John Lavelle, Gerry Marciano, Karen Mucci and Tom Mucci.

More than a year has passed and through the tremendous work of these individuals the scene has changed. Last week, approximately 275 people attended St. Ephrem’s first Parish Assembly on a balmy spring evening in the bright and beautifully decorated “new” school auditorium.

ABOUT 275 parishioners came together on Thursday evening, March 22, for the Parish Assembly. Young adults, seniors, families, religious and clergy were called upon to reflect on parish history and develop a mission statement for the future.

It was the culmination of the Council’s efforts and the beginning of the change to come. The opening welcome by Msgr. Kain, the inspirational music of the choir and the thoughtful and thought-provoking readings and reflections set the tone for the evening. St. Ephrem’s parish was “Singing in a New Church” and the call was out that all the missing pieces must be involved.

All in attendance were called upon to reflect on the rich history of the parish; a history that showed St. Ephrem Church and St. Ephrem School as the lifespring of the community through monumental world events, and the mundane miracles of everyday life.

Now, under the guidance of the clergy and the Pastoral Council, the attendees were asked to carefully consider that history in light of the data and demographics of today and to suggest the spiritual and practical path the parish should take to embrace and serve the immediate and extended community.

Those gathered were asked to answer and discuss their philosophical, spiritual and practical concerns within the framework of specific questions formulated by the Parish Council. Those responses were collected and will be carefully reviewed by the council. The ideas and suggestions will be used to formulate a mission statement to guide St. Ephrem in facing the challenges of the future.

It was clear that the evening represented a beginning to what was and will continue to be an ongoing process of growth. The Parish Assembly was a celebration of the life and sure longevity of St. Ephrem parish through the confidence, dedication and commitment of all who offer their time, talent and treasure.

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