My dear friends in Christ,
First of all, let me express my heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome you have given me since I arrived as pastor of the St. John-St. Paul Collaborative in July. I am truly blessed to be pastor of two wonderful parishes, each with rich traditions of vibrant liturgies, inspiring music, countless opportunities for faith formation for all ages and outreach to the needy. Both parishes are thriving and we hope to enhance the vitality of each parish as we grow together as a collaborative.
One significant aspect of the collaborative is the way the staffs of both parishes work closely together. Some staff members, including the priests, deacon, Director of Operations and Finance, and Business Manager, are assigned to the collaborative as a whole. Others, including religious education staff, music ministry and administrative staff, are assigned to the individual parishes. All staff of both parishes work in close collaboration with each other. As a result, we will soon be making adjustments to the physical locations of some staff so that those who work together most closely can work together more easily and efficiently.
- Religious Education and Music Staff will remain in their current locations both at St. John’s and St. Paul’s.
- The main offices for the Pastor, Parochial Vicar, St. Paul’s Pastoral Associate and Youth Ministry Coordinator will be at St. Paul’s at 502 Washington Street. St. Paul’s administrative staff will also be on site every weekday until noon.
- Our new Collaborative Administrative Offices will be at the Parish Center at St. John’s (former convent) at 39 Washington Street. All offices formerly at St. John’s Rectory will be here, in addition to the Business Manager and administrative staff.
We plan to transition staff to their new locations by November 1, 2016.
The above is just a practical reorganization so that we can work and minister together more effectively. The priests and other staff will be happy to meet you at whatever location is most convenient for you. We are here for you!
Look for regular updates and Frequently Asked Questions in the bulletin. I am excited to begin this journey of faith together!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Jim
Reverend James J. Laughlin, Pastor
