Who are we...
The Planning Group Leadership Team of the Auburn
Catholic Community was formed by the direction of Bishop Mathew
Clark in January of 1999. Initially
representatives from each of the eight churches Holy Family, Sacred Heart/Saint Ann, St. Alphonsus, St.
Francis, St. Hyacinth, St. Isaac Jogues and St.
Mary's gathered to form the Auburn Catholic Community. Then
a
leadership team was formed that consisted of two representatives from each church,
along with an
executive committee, sub-committee chair people, a communications
coordinator, pastoral administrators and pastors. There are
approximately thirty-one members on the PGLT that attend quarterly
meetings and assist in the decision making process.
Unfortunately due to the passing of Rev. Albert Shamon, who was the
pastor of St. Isaac Jogues, and the increasing shortage of priests,
it became necessary to close St. Isaac Jogues. Closing
services for St. Isaac Jogues were conducted by Bishop Matthew Clark
on June 13, 2004.
In late 2005, St.
Francis and St. Hyacinth were examining details of clustering both
parishes under the leadership of a one priest, due to the decision of the
Franciscans to leave St. Hyacinth because of a shortage in their
membership. In early 2006, Bishop Clark gave approval of the
submitted plan for both parishes to cluster together. That process
is currently underway.
The Sub-Committees
The team
is supported by six sub-committees that have formed their own
membership, meet regularly and report back to the PGLT every three
months. Each sub-committee is comprised of volunteer
representatives from each parish as well as an elected chairperson
who is designated to move information between the PGLT and its
sub-committees. Each sub-committee serves a special and
necessary function in the behind-the-scenes happenings of the
church.
Communications is responsible for publishing the newsletter, newspaper
advertising of Holy Day Mass schedules as well as this very web
site.
Configuration tackles the more difficult aspects of Mass reductions,
scheduling and decision making.
Education deals with RCIA, religious education,
first Eucharist and faith formation of our youth or those wishing to
join the Catholic Church.
Social Ministry handles all elements of a communalized nature
including support of Matthew House, collaboration with Catholic
Charities and setting up special speaking engagements on important
issues.
Stewardship
lends assistance to the vitality of the faith community in regards
to time, talent or treasure.
Youth Ministry's
main responsibility
is to nurture the relationship between the Church and area
youth. Several functions, social and service oriented, are
planned throughout the calendar year to enhance the association of
youth to their respective parish.
How can we be of
service ?
The
purpose behind forming a planning group and sub-committees is to
service the faith community. Regular meetings provide the PGLT
with the ability to raise questions posed from the representatives
in how to best serve the Auburn Catholic Community. These
questions come from interaction among the parishioners and sharing
of concerns and ideas. Let us know how the Auburn PGLT can be
of service to you.
