FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/ ANSWERS PASTORAL PLANNING COMMITTEE- Local Planning Area 16 (west of Interstate 81)

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. Driving distance to next closest church is at least one hour over difficult terrain

2. The area’s population has a consistently higher than average rate of poverty, unemployment, and/or low wages ( for more than 12 consecutive months).

3. Few or no supporting Catholic institutions-schools, hospitals, etc- exist in the area

4. Unexpected repairs exceed annual operating budget

5. No resident pastor

IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING IS CONSIDERED:

1. Serving a unique population of the urban poor

2. Savings account is less than $250,000 and annual income less than $90,000, even with parishioner support through stewardship.

3. Pastoral needs are going unmet due to inability to hire qualified staff or procure materials

4. Large number of special needs groups ( prison populations, migrant farm workers, etc) requiring pastoral attention reside in the area.

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.

About Parish Clustering

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.

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.

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.

Parish Cluster Speaker Fr. Bob Hater is the author of the book:

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.