When I joined our Pastoral Council three years ago, I came with a mix of hesitancy and an open mind. I stepped up because I saw a need for bilingual Vietnamese representation in our leadership, and I wanted the Vietnamese community to have a voice at the table. I also knew I was joining at a time of many transitions for our parish.
Since then, we’ve gained some clarity through a strategic plan, and we’ve also faced more uncertainty. Now, with the sadness of closures across our diocese and changes within our own community, I see things differently. I used to assume that as long as our doors were open, connection and unity would follow. I’ve learned that things don’t fall into place on their own.
This week’s Gospel (Matthew 22:34–40) gives us two commandments: love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. We already share the first: one God, one Eucharist, one table. The second is where we’re still learning. Our Vietnamese, Spanish, English, and Black Catholic communities each gather, pray, and plan in our own ways, and I find myself asking: How do we become one parish and not several communities under one roof? Loving our neighbor takes more than open doors. It takes intentional bridges.
I don’t have the answer. But walking this path has shown me that unity begins when we ask each other questions and listen to the answers. It also asks something of all of us. Belonging is more than showing up on Sunday. It’s being known, taking part, and helping shape what comes next.
In Exodus 22, God asks us to remember what it’s like to be displaced and unseen. As churches close, that’s worth remembering. Buildings change. What stays is how we show up for each other. We can carry that with us and make room for new people and new memories.
This week, I invite you to reflect with your family or a fellow parishioner after Mass: What is one thing that makes (or would make) you feel known, valued, and ready to take part beyond Sunday mass?
If you have thoughts, hopes, or stories to share, or if you want to talk about how these changes feel, please come find me or any of us on the Pastoral Council (LIST NAMES HERE).
We’re here to listen. Let’s keep building together.