ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

On September 17, 2003, Monsignor John Conway (Vicar for Philadelphia-South) was invited to a joint meeting of the Pastoral Councils of Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of Victory Parishes. At that meeting, Council members voted unanimously to send a proposal to the Cluster 21 Council to initiate a study of the two parishes that would determine the feasibility of merging these parishes.

A Committee has been formed to conduct the feasibility study. The members of the Committee are as follows: Father Thomas Kletzel, Deacon Richard Nightingale, Mrs. Margueritte Henry (OLR), Sister Barbara Farrell (OLV), Mrs. Sylvia Gay (OLR), Mrs. Mary Holcombe (OLV), Mrs. Reola Blackson (OLR), Mr. Larry Williams (OLV), Mrs. Ruth Johnson (OLR), Mrs. Cecelia Robinson (OLV), Ms. Kia Rhym (OLR), Ms. Amy Ashlock (OLV). Sister Janet Baker, RSM is facilitating the meetings. Representatives of various Archdiocesan Offices and the Sisters of St. Joseph are available as consultants. Additionally, subcommittees will be formed, and interviews will be conducted, in gathering pertinent information.

The Committee has met twice (i.e. two three-hour Saturday morning sessions). As a result of their preliminary discussions, they have identified what they consider the "key elements" of a newly-structured parish: increased membership, active and involved members, outreach by a common goal/bond, vibrant liturgies, new ministries, handicapped accessibility, more youth and male participation, and evangelization. The Committee also identified the implications of restructuring. On the positive side, they listed the following: stronger community, stronger financially, and stronger spiritually (worship). On the negative side, they listed these: sense of loss, negative attitudes that come with change, and financial insecurity.

Further Committee meetings are scheduled through July. Communication on these deliberations will be ongoing. Your feedback is welcome at any point in the process. Please send your comments in writing to the Committee via your parish rectory.