On numerous occasions from the pulpit or through the bulletin I have mentioned the restructuring that is taking place throughout the AOD.

All parishes of the Archdiocese will join other parishes in new groupings called “Families of Parishes.” It is a grouping of parishes, generally three to six, to share resources and advance the mission to Unleash the Gospel.  It is expected that there will be 60-80 Families of Parishes created in this restructuring. The current model of one priest for one parish will be replaced by the new model: one pastor over 3-6 parishes with several others, ideally both clergy and lay ecclesial ministers, or a pastor moderator of the family working collaboratively with other pastors in the family.

On Dec. 9, 2020 Archbishop Vigneron announced, that St. Clare will become part of a Family with St. Ambrose, St. Matthew, and St. Paul on the Lake parishes. As part of wave 2 of the implementation which takes effect July 1, 2022.

Earlier this month Fr. Jim Bilot, pastor of St. Paul on the Lake, was named by the Archbishop to be the Moderator of our Family.

Please continue to pray for our parish leadership, and the leaders in all the parishes of the AOD as we strive to meet the growing needs of the Church in our region. For more information, please visit https://www.familiesofparishes.org/

Father Andrew