A Word from Father Mike ...

As you know, the Diocese has had a “Realigning Resources to Mission” project under way for a couple of years. The RRM committee has recommended to the bishop that parishes be placed in groups, within which there would be an emphasis on greater cooperation.

Some of these groups will have as many as four or five parishes. For about a year, though, it has been evident that Saint Martha will be placed in a two-parish group - just Saint Martha and Saint Mary Williamston. That makes sense. The parishes are a few miles apart, the pastors already live together, and the parishes have been cooperating for several years.

The first thing that should clearly be said is what this grouping is not.  It is not a merger, or a consolidation, or a takeover in either direction. Saint Martha and Saint Mary are, and will remain, separate parishes with separate schools and separate finances. I will remain the parish priest at Saint Martha, and Father David Fons will remain the parish priest at Saint Mary.

Beginning next July 1, Father Fons and I are to lead our parishes “in solidum,” which means that we are to assist each other in governance. I will have the title “Moderator” of the grouping, meaning that I am supposed to convene periodic conversations about cooperation. (Recall that some of the groupings have a number of parishes, and thus will need a resourceful guide to cooperation. Meanwhile, Father Fons and I already talk daily.)

I’m told that the groupings will be announced soon, so this is a heads-up that you might see something from the Diocese around the first of the year, concerning this grouping of Okemos and Williamston. As the two parishes continue the cooperation that we were blessed to begin several years ago, you may see some minor changes. But anything of that sort will be explained in advance, and will be consistent with the shared vision these parishes already enjoy.

May God bless you.

Fr. Mike