Merger Schmerger

A few months ago, I wrote about the merger of my parish with the other parish in town. We are three months into the transition and I thought I blog again about the merger.

So far, I'm not happy with what has been going on. The major complaint in our parish is that we are being forgotten or ignored. Perhaps it's because we operate smoothly, perhaps it's because our parish is in good shape and doesn't have the burden of a school any more or maybe it's because the priests live at the rectory of the other parish. But in any case, we are feeling out of sight, out of mind. And I don't like it. I'm just not feeling the love.

As the parish secretary, I have no idea what the pastor's schedule is, where he can be found, or even his cell phone number in case of an emergency. and my e-mails go unanswered. My contact is pretty much limited to a short (five to ten minute) visit for checks to be signed. As the CCD coordinator, no one bothered to tell me that there was a change in churches for confirmation, was not told until the last minute that the pastor would not be available for First Penance and had Stations of the Cross scheduled for the CCD students and no one showed. Yes, I am feeling out of the loop.