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THE TRINITY CLUSTER OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/ ANSWERS PASTORAL PLANNING COMMITTEE-
Local Planning Area 16 (west of Interstate 81)
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If we are in a parish that is already clustered, does that mean the
cluster needs to change?
No-
but the discussion still needs to take place. If you had to do it
again, how would you configure this cluster? What works well, what
would have been nice to know prior to going into this cluster
arrangement.
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Can Sunday liturgy be celebrated on an alternate day of the week?
Yes, if approved by the Bishop and in a place designated a ‘Home
Mission’ or on a college campus.
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What is the difference between a Home Mission and receiving
financial assistance from the Mission Co-Op fund?
The
Vicar General along with the office of Pastoral Planning and Development
is developing a list of who qualifies as a Home Mission for funding. To
be considered a Home Mission, a parish must meet at least ONE of the
following criteria
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Driving distance to next closest church is at least one hour over
difficult terrain
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The area’s population has a consistently higher than average rate of
poverty, unemployment, and/or low wages ( for more than 12
consecutive months).
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Few or no supporting Catholic institutions-schools, hospitals, etc-
exist in the area
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Unexpected repairs exceed annual operating budget
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No resident pastor
IN
ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING IS CONSIDERED:
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Serving a unique population of the urban poor
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Savings
account is less than $250,000 and annual income less than $90,000,
even with parishioner support through stewardship.
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Pastoral needs are going unmet due to inability to hire qualified
staff or procure materials
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Large number of special needs groups ( prison populations, migrant
farm workers, etc) requiring pastoral attention reside in the area.
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Prayer for The Trinity Cluster of SWVA |
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Spirit of God, thank you for calling us to be part of this parish cluster on
our journey together. Fill our hearts with compassion and charity for one
another. Challenge us to share, within our parish cluster and beyond, the
gifts and talents you have given us. Deepen our relationship with you. Grant
to each of us a heart renewed. Amen. |
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About Parish Clustering |
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Due to the impact of sprawling communities, fewer priests, and changes in
economics and ministry needs, St. Anthony’s is now clustered with Holy Spirit, in Jonesville, VA., Sacred
Heart, in Big Stone Gap, VA, and St. Joseph, in Clintwood, VA.
The
clustering of parishes allows effective sharing of human and capital
resources and the coordination of activities. The identity of each parish is
respected and maintained. Through shared resources, staffs, program
expenses, and capital resources; our parish and church can prevail. |
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THE TRINITY CLUSTER OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA |
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CLUSTER COUNCIL
MEETINGS If you have concerns or suggestions for
Parish Cluster Council Meetings please
speak to one of the Parish Cluster representatives. You may attend the meetings yourself, all
are welcome. Each parish
in the cluster brings to the meeting a schedule of events (First Communions,
Confirmations, RCIA candidates, picnics, homecomings, anniversaries, any
celebration or event, etc. for their parish) during the coming year and
suggestions for the cluster. |
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CLUSTER YOUTH CHRISTIAN FORMATION -
Open to all clustered parishes:
Sunday school classes for grades pre-K through 12 is on
Sundays at 9:00 A.M. at St. Anthony’s parish hall, Norton.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY -
The Children's Liturgy is held once a month
during the 10:00 A. M. Mass at St. Anthony’s.
PENANCE FIRST COMMUNION CONFIRMATION
- Sacred Heart & St. Anthony parishioners: If you would like your child
to receive the sacraments of First Penance, First Holy Communion, or
Confirmation please
register
using the forms provided at the church entrance
or ask Fr. Tim about registering your child.
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Parish Cluster Speaker Fr. Bob Hater is the author of the book:
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The
Catholic Parish Hope for a Changing World |
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THANK YOU LETTER TO FR. PAUL MAIER, OUR RETREAT DIRECTOR
for bringing us together to share the word of God; and helping us to
apply the word of God to our situation as cluster parishes looking to
the future. You challenged us to be Catholics first rather than just be
members of a particular parish. Together we can help each other
experience the merciful, forgiving love of God.
You helped us see that the strategic planning process is
primarily a spiritual renewal process for all the parishes. If we renew
ourselves personally, our parishes are renewed in whatever configuration
they take on in the next few years.
Let us keep each other in prayer as we take part in the Church ongoing
reformation. |
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Parish Cluster Retreat Speaker, Fr. David Knight Founder of: |
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His Way Center for Spiritual Growth |
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Fr. David Knight
has authored several books. Book Link |
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Book link Fr. Knights Books. |
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Trinity Cluster of SWVA |
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Links to Church Announcements |
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Holy Spirit |
Sacred Heart |
St. Anthony's |
St. Joseph's |
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