New Adventures
2023 is underway and it will be an exciting year in our parishes. We begin the year with our Holy Hours to discern our potential patron. As you read this, maybe the Holy Hours have already passed. By next weekend (or earlier) we’ll be able to announce our new patron. As a reminder, the final three are: the Holy Face of Jesus, St. Peter and St. Paul, and St. John Paul II.
In regards to our name, here are the next steps. We’ve been in conversation with two different groups who specialize in design and branding. They are both Catholic groups and have worked with parishes and Catholic organizations. This month, we’ll begin to work with them to develop a new logo and all the materials associated with branding.
Over the next couple months, the most obvious change will be how our parishes refer to themselves. Instead of being the “Petersburg Parishes,” we will be called “the Holy Face/St. Peter and St. Paul/St. John Paul II Family of Parishes.” This will be a gradual change over a period of months. Eventually we will update our website, bulletin, social media, and other forms of communication to reflect these changes. It will take time, but we will all get used to it, just as we became accustomed with the “Petersburg Parishes.”
There are some things that won’t be happening over the next couple months. One thing that will not be happening are any changes to our four current parishes. Our four parishes will retain their own identity as a parish. They’ll maintain their individual checking and savings accounts. In all likelihood, these changes won’t take place until July 2024. That isn’t a definite date, but a target date. Keep reading the bulletin articles and watching the Couch Chat for the latest updates.
Our parishes are embarking on new adventures and some of our staff members are as well. Cindy Quellhorst will be retiring at the beginning of April. Cindy was originally hired at St. Joseph twelve years ago and for the last four years has served as the Business Manager for all four parishes. She has done an exceptional job in this difficult role. I am incredibly grateful for her generous spirit. Her eagerness to serve the people of God as generously as possible is incredible. Cindy has worked behind the scenes on so many important projects over the last few years: new high altar, replacing windows, building an addition to the rectory, repainting Churches, renovating the Faith Center, adding restrooms, and so much more. I can’t begin to thank her enough.
Also Valerie Christman has departed to begin graduate school. For the last year and a half, Valerie has worked in the youth ministry department. She did a great job making sure that everyone had the necessary supplies, calendars were coordinated, and plans were followed. Also she generously chaperoned youth events. Valerie regularly offered an insightful opinion or funny view on a situation. She did all of this with a very humble character and generous spirit. Be assured of our prayers as you begin this new adventure.
With Valerie’s departure, Emma Delong will immediately fill her role. Emma is on a break from studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She often volunteers around the parishes. We’re happy to have her around for a few months.
In the coming weeks, we will begin the hunt to find a new Business Manager. The job posting will be in the bulletin and on various other job sites. If you know someone who would be a good candidate, please encourage them to apply. Please pray to God, that He will reveal His choice to join our parish team.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Sean Wilson
