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FR. PAT'S VISION FOR ST. THOMAS A'BECKET

Since my arrival here to Saint Thomas a’Becket parish more than six years ago, a constant theme has been a desire for, and a need to evangelize. As scary-sounding as that seemed, we have come a long way in realizing that at heart, this means coming to know and express and share the faith given us through baptism, and to follow the command of Jesus, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing then in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I commanded you.” (Mt. 28:19)

In these years we have spoken of a “Parishioner-driven Church” and then a “Commission-driven Church.” Both express the same reality wherein together we come to fulfill the great commission. We have spoken of having “evangelization as part of our DNA.” We have directed the energies of our Commissions to this end. We established an Evangelization Committee responsible directly to the Parish Pastoral Council. We have hired a full time Adult Faith Formation Director to strengthen our vision of evangelization. We continue to look to the future as we grow in awareness of our baptismal call.

As a parish we are known for the many good things we do in the immediate community, the region, and even well beyond our borders. Our Faith Formation opportunities have grown and matured considerably. Our worship experiences are well planned and meaningful. It is time to integrate the sacramental life of the parish more fully into the educational and formational aspects of parish life as a “seamless garment.” We are now ready to grow as a “Mission-driven” Church.

We are beginning the process of changing Children’s Faith Formation to better realize this expression of the seamless garment. We will direct more energy and resources toward integrating the Worship, formational and Christian Outreach activities into a better sense of “Mission.” As Church we honor the Tradition of the Universal Church and the traditions unique to this community of faith. We are ready to make all of our activities an integrated expression of who we are as Catholics.

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