The need for enhanced communication during a time of change led to several new strategies, among them a November 1999 gathering of pastoral council members and staff from the three parishes to hear progress made in implementation of the pastoral plan as well as to give input to the FLEX team regarding how the collaborative effort is going. Last spring, pulpit announcements, bulletin notices and town meetings ensured that all parishioners were informed of changes that would take place in July and had the opportunity to ask questions and contribute ideas. One message that came loud and clear from pastoral council members and staff was that they and parishioners at large are responding positively to changes which have occurred and are enthusiastic about the developing relationship among the three churches and the possibilities for better ministry across the Planning Group. Here, in brief, is a status report on other 1997 Planning Groups. A first pulpit exchange is being planned for January.
Work continues on evangelization and outreach to seniors.
With collaboration increasing between the two parishes, it is reported that implementation is moving along well. Vincent House, a home for the terminally ill which has been supported through a planning group grant, will open December 3. The Group has a new chair Bob Hazelton of St. Patrick, Moravia. The Group is devising plans for configuration and staffing as it expects the number of priests assigned to Tioga to decrease in June 2001. In early November, the Group celebrated the first anniversary of its Regional Center with a concert and dessert reception.