From the Pastor's Desk: Contingency Plans

11/4/07

As you know I have been in relatively good health during my time here at St. Thomas Becket. I haven't missed a scheduled Mass because of sickness in uncounted years; I hope that continues. So, while I am of sound mind (?) and body and there is no urgency, I want to outline procedures for “priest-less” Sundays --- what to do if a priest isn't available for Sunday Mass. (During the week the congregation will be advised to go to a neighboring parish.)

We will be on our own if the flu should come looking for me, or some other disabling condition sets in. The days are long gone when we could just call upon a neighboring parish to send one of their assistant priests to help out; there aren't any anymore. The Archdiocese doesn't have extra priests floating around to fill in at the last minute. One time when I was helping out in Wallingford I got a call on a Sunday morning that the priest was sick; what should they do? I told them to put a sign on the church door directing the people to go to another parish for Mass. There was no other choice.

To avoid that scenario in this parish I have set up a contingency plan, in accord with the policy of the Archdiocese, for a Communion Service to be celebrated, only on a weekend, in the event that a priest is not available. The Steering Committee of the Pastoral Council (Mark Izzo, Lynn Krieg, Pat McKinley and Kevin Wetmore) has been given directions on the procedures to follow. If a deacon is available he will conduct the service; if not, the Steering Committee will choose a Minister of Communion to lead the service at the regularly scheduled times. The Liturgy of the Word will be followed, as on Sundays, with the usual music, up through and including the Prayers of the Faithful followed by the Collection. The Trustees (John Lynch and Kathy Rooney) will see to the counting and securing of the collection. Then the Minister of Communion will lead the congregation in the Lord's Prayer followed by the distribution of Communion and closing prayers. There are enough hosts in the tabernacle for four such services so that everyone can receive Communion if the situation arises. This service would fulfill your obligation to attend Mass. However, as always, you would certainly be welcome to go to Mass at another parish if you so choose.

I have been here for over seven years and haven't missed a Mass because of sickness during that time. This note is just to assure you that plans are in place if that should happen.

The long-term solution to this problem is vocations. We can debate endlessly the possibility of married priests or women priests or “Mass-priests” who travel the circuit saying Mass as did some of the earlier founders of the parishes in this state. The reality is that it is difficult in our society to make long-term commitments to anything: to priesthood, to religious life as a professed brother or sister, to marriage, to a political party even. Changing allegiances is so easy for us. Yes, priesthood can be a demanding way of life. But I can only speak from my own experience: it is a worthwhile way to spend one's life. I'm not getting any younger. Who is going to follow me in this parish?

Fr. Gene