St. Patrick Parish Listening Sessions November 2021
Community
History: As one of the oldest parishes in the area, St. Patrick Parish is built upon generations of families that continue to value its rural community and family-oriented principles. (21)
Welcome: Being made in the image of God, with a desire for holy relationship, many parishioners seek a widening and deepening sense of community within the parish of St. Patrick. (17)
Communication: Through an expansion of communication efforts, St Patrick Parish has the potential of drawing more people into its circle of Christian love and fellowship. (8)
“Many parishioner families helped to build this church. We need to acknowledge that!” That was one of many comments made at the November Parish Listening Sessions that reminded everyone present of the strong history of St. Patrick Parish. The rural community, the family-oriented history and environment, and the many parishioners and clergy who helped to build up the parish to what it is today were all spoken of with love and high regard. The comments were evidence of the awareness that the parish is built on a foundation that goes beyond the brick and mortar to one that includes a sacramental bond. Such a sentiment echoes words of St. Pope John Paul II:
The parish is not principally a structure, a territory, or a building, but rather, “the family of God, a fellowship afire with a unifying spirit”, “a familial and welcoming home”, “the community of the faithful”. Plainly and simply, the parish is founded on a theological reality, because it is a Eucharistic community (Christifideles Laici, Pope John Paul II, 1988).
Having been built by families so long ago, there is a desire in the parish community to deepen and widen the familial spirit so that a stronger unifying bond may be experienced among the faithful here. Ideas were shared about updating and expanding communication avenues within the parish, as well as adding measures of hospitality that would foster relationships among parishioners. Taking such steps would only enhance the fundamental nature of the parish to live and serve the community as "the family of God”.
Listed below are the various comments from the Listening Sessions on “community.” Some comments will be repeated and appear under multiple themes.
10 years – 15 years: Better sense of community
1975 – Msgr. Boznic – Sidley Family Founders: important and interesting.
Advertising to other parishes about our parish functions.
Family parish – been family oriented
Fr. Redmond was such a blessing to us, transitioning us into our partnership with St. Mary
History helps parishioners to become mentally involved with our faith.
It was the first Catholic Church in Geauga County. First church was Sidley Rd. A good research would be great to give to the parish members so that we can keep moving forward.
Many parishioner families have helped build this church – we need to acknowledge that!
Many parishioners were involved in the building’s construction. There is a lot of emotional attachment to it because of that.
Original location
Our church/windows/statues/icons are beautiful and make our church a home.
Part of the church was brought over from the previous building
Pastor history
Power of prayer is shown throughout the parishioners of this church
Previous pastors and their pictures
Seeing more interaction between parishioners since coming here
Size of parish
St. Patrick went through uncertain times and I feel we have, in the end, become stronger for going through it.
Strength of parish
We are a traditional country parish
The longevity of our parish – one of the first parishes in the area
The parish was kind of stale when we joined but seems to be increasing in activity
The rural aspect of our community
We would like more of a community – we have found that getting/achieving that has been a challenge
We would love our parish to really be a community.
When we lost Fr. Smith, many were concerned we would lose our parish
Alternated between St. Mary’s and St Patrick as far as sharing in bringing in programs for all to enjoy. Taking turns as to where the programs are held. Getting to know each other and share
Events that get families together and build stronger relationships
Healing teams to bring in for a program and invite churches around us to participate
I would like to see communion to the homebound reinstated.
More community building social events and maybe some parish sponsored games. A parish softball game, as an example
More community-type relationships and things that encourage that
More involvement from younger parishioners and young parents
There are families growing in this church
Emails – for people who want to be included
Phone app
Quarterly Information Flyer
Update website
Movie night with fellowship
Before Mass, taking the time to greet people around you.
Meet and Greets?
Someone to call and welcome new families to the parish.
We need to offer families a place to worship – somehow bring teens back to the church