Bishop Matano's Letter to the Faithful: September 5, 2025
From the Desk of Father John
Ministry Fair Days-- Sept 14,20 &21—Let us Row Our Boat Together!
I have had a wonderful week especially entertaining the thought that we have been together for FOUR YEAR since my appointment—The truth is that the God Lord has blessed me through you in my growth as a priest, with new friends, new and wonderful colleagues at work, volunteers in different ministry, and each and every one of you. I am thankful to you all for the role that you have played in those years to make Holy Family Catholic Community our Home, a place of friendship and the space where we come to find and search for God, a place of blessing and celebration, a place of forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. In short, am happy to be your priest and you are the best parishioners that the Lord could have given me at this time of my life—thanks for your prayers and friendship. “But our journey toward a lively and dynamic parish is just beginning and l cannot wait to see what will happen in our Ministry Fair day—14th September [St. Joseph, Wayland and St. Pius, Cohocton] and 20th of September at St. Mary’s, Dansville and 21st September at Sacred Heart, Perkinsville. I expect a radical and breath-taking day! We made major progress in identifying the five areas of concern that we shall embark on and put all our spiritual, pastoral, administrative, and planning efforts on the Ministry Fair Day to make our parish vibrant and Dynamic. We need your services, ministries, and outreaches! See the bulletin insert!
We are on a journey of sorts seeking God’s Kingdom in our midst. How do we get there? Who is coming with us? What do we need to make this a good, successful, and happy trip for as many as possible?! We need to row our boat together! By examining key areas of concern within the above 5 divisions, we will be able to chart a course of action, plan appropriately, and develop both short- and long-range goals that will give us 20/20 Vision! What lies ahead of us is developing concrete plans on how we might accomplish this vision for our community over the course of the year—Let us begin by all participating in the Holy Family Ministry Fair Day! This has been an endearing, thought-provoking and gigantic task. “A parish that offers a clear vision and a sense of excitement is also likely to entice more people to become involved. Parishioners must feel that they have some stake in the parish and that their involvement will make a difference in a tangible way. When parishioners know that there’s a vision for a parish, that’s when they become good stewards and if there are exciting things going on, then people will donate to things that they believe in.” (Paul Wilkes: Excellent Catholic Parishes, 2001) Again, I wish to thank all Holy Family Catholic Community Committees: Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Liturgy Committee, Faith Formation Team for Religious Education and Celebration of Sacraments, Faith Formation for Adult, Building and Grounds, Fundraising Team for helping me to bring about a clear, practical and pastoral vision and l am sure that you our parishioners will be faithful and committed partners in realizing the goals that will be presented. This vision provides insight, reflection, and challenges in each of these five fundamental areas mentioned above. It will also assist in the development of the capable staff and parishioners to carry out the mission of a healthy Holy Family Church. Many parishioners, though politely, ask how they can truly help me as their pastor! I know what they mean but the BIG question is not about Helping the Pastor but helping our PARISH--we all CALLED to share as equal partners in the mission of Jesus Christ by virtue of our baptism, though exercising it in different roles. Thank you for the good stewardship of your time, talent, and treasure.
Let me say, as your pastor, that there is no place that I would rather be in my life and in my priesthood, than here with you. You are not only my flock but also my family. And I hope that you are as thankful as I am to be a part of this community. From your support, your words of encouragement and your participation, I know you are. God bless and l love you all, Fr. John