Weekly THIS AND THAT for June 21, 2009: Farewell and Thank You to Deacon Lee and Chris Pignataro

This and That:
Farewell and Thank You to Deacon Lee and Chris Pignataro


Deacon Lee Benson to be Reassigned

After two years with us, Deacon Lee is awaiting reassignment to another parish to continue his ministry which included preaching and assisting at Mass. He and his wife Debby have become familiar faces at Mass and it has been wonderful having them with us here at Our Lady of Grace.
While most of us will remember him from his excellent homilies and his use of PowerPoint slides to share his insights and reflection at Sunday Masses, Deacon Lee has been there for us in many other ways as well. He has prepared couples for the Baptism of their children, conducted large group Baptisms each month, and participated as a presenter for Lenten Family Fridays.
Deacon Lee has been a gentle and steady presence to our faith family, and in his moving on in ministry, we offer him our well wishes and prayers. We will bid farewell to Deacon Lee at the 10:00am Mass on Sunday, June 28th followed by a reception in the courtyard. All are invited to join us at that time.

Operation Faith Formation

For several months now Sister Mary Therese and I have been studying our parish’s 60+ ministries to see how effectively we have been serving the formation of our people in the areas of catechesis of our children and the evangelization of the members of the community-at-large. The effort has been called “Operation Faith Formation.”
In the area of Religious Education of our children, youth, and teens we have seen where many needs are coming to the fore, needs that require a fully credentialed and experienced Director of Religious Education. It has become evident that we need to upgrade the current position of “Administrator of Religious Education” to “Director of Religious Education,” effective July 1, 2009 and to seek a fully credentialed and experienced individual.
As a result, Chris Pignataro will be leaving her position as Administrator, effective June 30, 2009. We are presently in the process of interviewing for the position and are seeking a Director with a “Professional Catechist Certificate” which requires 18 college credits and five to ten years of experience. Such experience and training will make it possible for the individual to offer the theological presentations for parent preparation for First Sacraments, develop new programs, and even teach in the Confirmation Program of 9th and 10th Grades, as well as being the Retreat Director for the annual two-day retreat.

Chris Pignataro to Leave Position

Two and a half years ago Chris was wonderful in being willing to “step up to the plate” and help us with administering the Religious Education Programs with the unexpected resignation of our then Director of Religious Education. How grateful I was for her willingness to assist us in keeping all our programs going in mid-year. And that she has continued to do.
The results of “Operation Faith Formation” (see above) are having us upgrade the position from Administrator to Director, the latter of which requires a “Professional Certification” from the Archdiocese, a degree in Religious Education, and five to ten years of parish experience.
In meeting with Chris she very gracious and shared her thoughts. She has been helpful in the transition to a new person and is even willing to help out in the future, if the funds are available. There will be time for thanking her publicly at the 10:00am Mass on the weekend of June 28th with a reception that will follow the Mass in the courtyard.
In her two and a half years with us, she has added much to the life and vitality of both our Pastoral Team and our Religious Education Programs. Our catechists and parents have truly come to care for her, as have we all. She has assured me that she will continue as an active member of our parish family.

As you can see next weekend will be an important one for us as a parish. We invite you to join us at the 10:00am Mass and the reception that follows to help us celebrate and thank Deacon Lee and Chris Pignataro for their ministry among us.

Fondly,
Father Nicholas