Dear St. Philip Neri Family and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and filled with God's blessings. Archbishop Pérez is calling us to a pastoral change of heart—encouraging us to become missionary disciples who share the Gospel with joy, love, and warmth. I believe our parish can embody this mission and grow into an even more vibrant community of faith.
Many of our parishioners have been blessed with wonderful gifts and talents, and I invite you to share them with our parish family. With your support, I would like to form several committees and organizations to help our parish to continue to flourish as a community of missionary disciples. Together, we can explore new opportunities and allow God to lead us in His work. An active, engaged parish brings life, warmth, and welcome to all.
Committees and Organizations
Please prayerfully consider lending your time and talents in support of these efforts:
- Adult Faith Formation Committee - This committee will organize Bible studies, Catholic life programs, and spiritual events. By working with the archdiocese, we can host workshops, guest speakers, and retreat days to help our parishioners grow in faith.
- Eucharistic Adoration Organization - I would like to offer all-day Eucharistic Adoration once a week, from after Mass until 7:00 or 8:00PM. This would provide an opportunity for parishioners to spend quiet time in prayer with our Eucharistic Lord.
- Vocation Committee - This group will promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Activities may include prayers, talks, and the "Good Shepherd" statue program, where families take home a statue for a week to pray for vocations—especially from our own parish.
- Social Committee - Let's bring our parish family together by organizing one or two social events each year--perhaps organize dinner and a show—to foster fellowship and strengthen our bonds as a community.
- Welcoming Committee - This team would personally welcome new parishioners, perhaps visiting their homes with a welcome basket and parish information, encouraging them to become active members of our community.
- Hospitality Sunday - One Sunday a month, we would offer donuts and coffee after Mass—a simple way to foster community and fellowship among parishioners.
Support & Outreach
- Stephen Ministry - The Archdiocese offers Stephen Ministry training to support those struggling with divorce and other life challenges. If there is interest, we could explore training for parishioners to serve in this ministry.
- Resurrection Remembrance Ministry - This group would deliver Peace Lily flowers to parishioners who have lost loved ones, ensuring they receive a token of our prayers and support during Holy Week as a reminder of our faith in the Resurrection.
Youth & Education
- St. Philip Neri School Alumni Committee - Our school has a proud tradition of faith-based education, recognized by two Blue Ribbon Awards. This committee will connect with alumni to support our school and share our Catholic faith with future generations. By engaging alumni, we can build a network that strengthens our educational mission.
- Youth Group (Grades 5–8) - A monthly youth gathering for students in grades 5–8, where they could engage in service projects and fellowship to build their faith and friendships.
- Moms & Tots Group - A gathering for mothers and young children to connect, support one another, and grow in faith together-meet maybe once or twice a month.
Communications
- Parish Website - We are looking for volunteers to help update our parish website.
- Parish Faith Social Media - Someone to manage our faith-based social media communication.
I am open to other suggestions for committees and organizations that would help enrich our parish life. Together, we can have a vibrant, faith-filled community where all feel welcomed and inspired to share Christ's love.
Please circle committees you would like to participate in and drop information in collection basket or collection boxes at the doors of the Church or scan or email completed form to: businessmanager@spnlh.org
Thank you.
St. Philip Neri, pray for us.
Have a blessed day,
-Fr. Szparagowski