We invite parishioners to our on-going series of discussions about...

Previously:  Thanks for joining us at the November 2010 Open Forum at St. Aedan Hall where we viewed a presentation outlining recent changes in Parishioner attendance, finances, and taking of sacraments.  Approximately 75 people attended the session, led by Pastoral Council President Jason Klostreich and Vice President Mike Emmerth.  Statistics for the last fifteen years indicated a downward trend in all of the above areas at both St. Aedan and St. Brendan.  An open discussion followed, centering on the financial status and property opportunities of both Churches.  Key questions raised included:

• Do we need to make changes? Yes, we would like to be proactive in this process.
• Do we retain both Parishes as they are, or do we become one corporation with two church buildings by merging?  Will merging allow both parishes to remain solvent?  We have already merged in some aspects: ONE Pastoral Council, ONE group of Committees serving both Parishes, ONE Bulletin and Calendar of Activities, ONE school and of course ONE Pastor.
• How do we market our empty buildings so they become a source of necessary income to keep our parishes alive?
• What do we do to make our faith communities more attractive to new members?
• In what direction do we go from here?  What new ideas can be brought forth and studied?  We need to be proactive and do this together.  That is why your participation and input into the process is so important.