The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 2021

Today we celebrate that moment when the Blessed Virgin Mary completed her life on earth and was taken, body and soul, into heaven.  We believe in the Assumption because we believe that God the Father would not allow the corruption of death to touch the pure and holy body of his most favored daughter (and perhaps others as well!).  

The idea that a human being could be taken into heaven is as old as the Scriptures themselves.  It is believed the Old Testament figures Enoch and Elijah were both “taken into heaven” upon the completion of their earthly lives. About Enoch we read “he walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him (see Genesis 5:24), and about the great prophet Elijah “he went up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha saw it happen and he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariot and steeds!” Then he saw him no longer (2 Kings 2:11b-12).  Some also believe Moses enjoyed a similar privilege as was given to Enoch and Elijah; even though the Scriptures say he died and was buried; we read “to this day no one knows the place of his burial” (see Deuteronomy 34:6b).  And because Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus at the Transfiguration (which gave Peter, James, and John a glimpse into heavenly glory), it is suggested both Old Testament figures indeed had already been assumed into heaven and had places at the heavenly throne (see Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, and Luke 9:28–36).   

These Old Testament accounts of Enoch and Elijah (and possibly those referencing Moses as well) allow us to believe the Blessed Virgin Mary enjoyed a similar fate.  And why not?  Surely, she was the most important human being to have part in the events that led up the Incarnation of Jesus our Lord!  Her singular role in Salvation history, her complete cooperation with the will of God the Father, and the fact that she bore his Son within her womb are so significant we believe they enabled her to enjoy the complete fruits of the Redemption for the entirety of her life: from her conception within the womb of her own mother to the end of her natural life on earth!  Surely, Mary was most favored by God, perhaps even more than the chosen Old Testament figures of Enoch and Elijah (and possibly Moses too!).  

One aspect of the special role of Mary that particularly inspires me is that she was a poor and humble young woman when the Angel Gabriel appeared and announced to her that she would be the mother of Jesus.  She lived in the small, out of the way, insignificant town of Nazareth, and it was there and through her that God the Father Almighty made possible the Incarnation of Jesus our Messiah!  God allowed an impoverished and lowly virgin to become perhaps the greatest human being in all of history; a reality about which she herself alludes when not long after the Annunciation and while visiting her cousin Elizabeth she proclaims: “for he has regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden . . . and behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed . . . he has cast down the mighty from their thrones: and has exalted the humble and the meek” (see Luke 1:48 and 52).  In this sense, it seems to me all of those who are lowly, or marginalized, or humble, or despised, or poor, or outcasts in any way, may be the most likely to complete God’s will during their earthly lives!  Oh, and how easy it is for “the rest of us” to dismiss and think such people cannot possibly find favor with God!  Not only may they find such favor, but they like Mary can be assured a place at the Heavenly Banquet for all eternity!  This is something upon which I believe genuine Christians must reflect and always contemplate!  

One day each of us will share in the great joy of Mary in heaven.  We believe someday will meet God face to face and like Enoch, Elijah, Moses, and like all the holy men and women who have come before us, we will enjoy the glory of heaven.  There, with Jesus our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angels and saints, we will forever and with complete happiness praise our loving Father.  We remember Mary also said to Elizabeth: “My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord” (see Luke 1:46).   May we, like her, proclaim the greatness of our God in the way that we live our earthly lives and in the hope of our own resurrection and glory.

The Franciscan Sisters' Garden at St. Clement

 

 

The Franciscan Sisters' Garden at St. Clement

When I was the Pastor of St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Church, Rosedale, Baltimore County, Maryland (‘18-‘22), we undertook a project to build “security” fences between the church building and the parish center.  The beautiful space we created between the buildings was later dedicated as the “Franciscan Sisters’ Garden,” honoring those sisters who had previously dedicated many years of service to the parish.  The parish center was housed in the former convent. 

At the time I posted the following report on social media:

<<The last couple of days we’ve been working on a little “project” here at St. Clement.  This fence is “phase one” of a plan that will also include a similar fence at the back of the same yard between the church and the parish center (the former Franciscan Sisters convent).  We hope to make the enclosed space into a peaceful garden where various parish activities can happen.  It’s going to be a wonderful spot for church fellowship and prayer!  It will also make the yard more secure for those passing from the church to the parish offices.  Praise God!>>

Around the same time, we also completed a major renovation job on the parish food pantry, making vast improvements to the facility.  All the while, we were also (and very reasonably) spending large sums of money (paying day-laborers and renting large dumpsters) to remove all kinds of “junk” left inside our empty school building (in order to ready it for possible sale to a developer who hoped to renovate the building to create affordable housing for the elderly).  Additionally, and very economically, we renovated some rooms in the parish center (using materials from the former rectory) to create a usable guest space/small apartment and laundry room.  At the time, the parish council, parishioners, and others who needed to know, were kept apprised of these initiatives. 

 
Some people criticized us for “misappropriating parish funds” by building those fences, creating that garden, and the way we used parish resources on those other projects.  We did no such thing.  

I was happy to have initiated and completed those much needed initiatives.  

 

I know that to this day that they have served the parish well!

Praise God!

Letter #2 to Fr. James McCurry and Definitory regarding MAC Pastorate

 

 The Roman Catholic Parishes of

St. Michael the Archangel, Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer

A Franciscan Pastorate in the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Friary: 2 Willow Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21206 

 April 10, 2021

The Very Rev. James McCurry, OFM Conv. and Definitory 

Provincial House

Our Lady of the Angels Province

12300 Folly Quarter Rd. Ellicott City, Maryland 21042

Re: The Pastorate of St. Michael the Archangel Church, the Church of the Annunciation, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer

Dear Fr. James and Definitory:

Greetings from Northeast Baltimore County!  This is the second of two letters I am sending you regarding the ministry of the friars here in the Pastorate of St. Michael the Archangel, the Church of the Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer (affectionately called the “MAC Pastorate”).  In this letter I hope to offer my thoughts about why I believe the friars of our Province should not depart from this ministry after the next Provincial Chapter.  

Our House Chapter met on February 18, 2021 and we discussed the “First Draft of the Fraternal-Pastoral Plan, 2022-2026” of the Our Lady of the Angels Province that was sent to us via email on Friday, February 12, 2021.  We did this in response to the invitation expressed in the same email that “each friary chapter to do a thorough review and thoughtful study of the plan.”  For nearly a week prior to our House Chapter, the friars of our community had several lively dinner table and community-room conversations about the “First Draft” as it was presented.  After our House Chapter discussion, these conversations continued in our house for at least another week, and so we continued to study and share our collective thoughts on the matter until when on the morning of Friday, March 2, 2021, and for the record, we formally sent a written response to the draft plan via email to Friar Richard-Jacob Forcier.

In that email we wrote the following:  

1. A statement voicing surprise at the Province’s possible departure from Most Holy Trinity, Brooklyn, NY.  We noted that Trinity can support the salaries of three to four friars, and that it offers our friars a “perfect ministry” for service to the poor.  

2. Regarding the Pastorate of St. Michael the Archangel, the Church of the Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, we noted (1) our commitment to the staff and parishioners of the Pastorate, (2) the very recent and costly renovations and improvements done to the friary to accommodate four to five friars, (3) the “groundwork” done by the friars in establishing the Pastorate, (4) the fact that St. Michael has had five pastors in the last ten years, and (5) our good working connection with the friars ministering at Archbishop Curley High School. 

On the evening of March 2nd, and in response to our email of earlier that day, you asked us in a reply email to offer further input.  You also reminded us that “we do not have the number of friars, or required skill sets, to remain in all of the places where we presently live and work.”  An important point you made is the fact that our Province currently does not have enough friars to do Spanish ministry in places where it is needed.  And so, you requested that we give “recommendation for two alternative places (of similar number and skill sets) to be closed.”  

Very frankly and personally, I do not feel informed enough and/or qualified to make “recommendation for two alternative places (of similar number and skill sets) to be closed.”  But for the most part I do believe I understand the reality that our Province “does not have the number of friars, or required skill sets, to remain in all of the places” it currently serves.  To me it does not seem productive to suggest very randomly that “we should stay here and not there.”  But I do have some other views on the matter that I would like to share (and I realize these ideas very likely have already been raised by others).  And so, these are some of my thoughts:  

1. It is estimated there are thirty million Spanish-speaking (i.e., “Hispanic”) Catholics in the U.S.A.; only about ten percent of these Catholics regularly attend Mass every Sunday.  About forty percent of all Catholics in the U.S.A. are Hispanic; in many dioceses Hispanics make up more than thirty percent of the population.  Today, most Catholics under the age of thirty in the U.S.A. are Hispanic.  This is the growing, most dynamic single population of Catholics in our country (see  www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/05/04/hispanic-catholic-church-us-growing-survey-confirms).

2. Isn’t it a noble idea for our Province to make every effort possible to serve the church where we are most needed, and in this case with Hispanics in the U.S.A. (who are growing in numbers and who will continue to represent one of the largest and most vibrant communities of faith within our country)?  Do we want “to jump off” this proverbial “train,” and perhaps fail in our Franciscan obligations to build and to rebuild the Church, and to serve “the neediest of God’s people?”

3. For many years, in fact for almost all its history, the former St. Anthony of Padua Province depended heavily on the assistance of foreign-born Polish friar-priests.  These priests came from Poland and were a much-needed part of the Province’s ministry to its many Polish-speaking parishioners.  Why not continue this tradition in a new light as we embrace modern-day needs of the Church in the United States, a church in which the Spanish-speaking population is growing and flourishing?

4. There are Conventual Franciscan Friars living and working in many Spanish-speaking countries throughout the world.  In fact, in addition to Spanish-speaking friars in the four provinces of the U.S.A., we have provinces in Spain, in Columbia, and in Mexico; there are custodies in Bolivia and in Costa Rica, and there are delegations in Chile, Cuba, Paraguay, and Venezuela.  While I am sure these friars, and their respective jurisdictions, are as “stretched” as we are in meeting personnel needs, I am left to wonder what type of success we might have had, or may have in the future, in soliciting the help of our brothers, even temporarily, to meet some of the Spanish language needs we currently have as the Province of our Lady of the Angels?   Could we develop some type of “exchange program” where they come to help us, and we in turn send friars to them who could build bridges between our jurisdictions, and for O.L.A. friars who could use such opportunities to immerse themselves in Spanish and Hispanic cultures (thereby preparing themselves for possible future ministry among Hispanics at home)?   This would be following exactly in the tradition of the former St. Anthony of Padua Province’s interaction with the Polish provinces for the purpose of securing linguistically able priests for the Province’s ministries. 

5. Might we also study and propose creative, if even just “temporary,” solutions to our Province’s lack of Spanish-speaking friars available for ministry?  While certainly not “ideal,” why not invite local diocesan priests and/or other religious communities to our parishes where Spanish ministry is needed to assist us as “outside clergy” and/or “weekend help?” This could be a “stop-gap measure” done until a day in the future when again we will be able to respond robustly to these needs ourselves.

I offer these thoughts above as a different option to the invitation to make “recommendation for two alternative places (of similar number and skill sets) to be closed.”   

In the first of these two letters that I have sent to you I outlined numerous accomplishments and benefits we have experienced as friars ministering in the emerging Pastorate of St. Michael the Archangel, the Church of the Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, “A Franciscan Pastorate in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.”  Building upon what I presented in that outline, and upon the thoughts our House Chapter shared with you on March 2nd, I would like to offer the following reasons I believe we should not depart from this ministry after the next Provincial Chapter:

1. We have worked extremely hard, and very successfully during the past two and a half years to build a very positive and productive rapport among the members of our extended Pastorate staff.  It seems “we just got here” and after immediately and enthusiastically working on staff development, which continues to demand our energy and attention, it seems if we depart then all these efforts might have been for naught.  And I do not mean to suggest a departure would be to our friars’ disadvantage, but rather that it would be very detrimental to a staff of people (not to mention parishioners) who during these two and a half years have trusted us, who have been willing to accept our guidance, and with whom our efforts in staff restructuring and development have been so successful.  I believe we have had a similar success in the rapport we have with various diocesan officials with whom we have worked to build the Pastorate.  Why would we want to “throw-away” such an accomplishment?  

2. In August of 2018, when our community first took up residence in the St. Michael the Archangel Rectory (now our friary) we did so “sight unseen.”  The condition of the building was not suitable for the five friars assigned to live there.  And so, for more than a month after we first arrived, and at the cost of about $56,000.00, we were able to renovate and to refashion the building so that it could comfortably accommodate a religious community of men.  We are grateful the Province was able to grant us with $25,000.00 to partially cover the expenses associated with that renovation, but the St. Michael Parish’s necessary $31,000.00 contribution to the project was very painful, given the concurrent financial stress it also was facing.  At the time, and in meetings with the parish Finance Council and parishioners, we “sold” these renovations with the idea that they were parish “investments” in a future in which our friars would serve for a long time.  Now if we depart after so short a time, this part of our history at St. Michael will no doubt cause very hard feelings among parishioners and perhaps the clergy who come after us.  I would also add that because of the work we did on the house, I believe it is now one of the most functional and “conventual” friary buildings within the Province.  We can easily accommodate five friars, there are two guest rooms, we have a very well-designed community room, there is a fine chapel, and among other positive features there is more than sufficient space to entertain guests and visitors while maintaining the privacy of the community.  We are positioned here to have a truly “conventual” friary where friars engaged in multiple ministries can function together quite well (for example and perhaps in a future where friars from Archbishop Curley and those of our Pastorate could be housed at St. Michael and/or in the currently underutilized former rectory at Annunciation).  I believe it would be regretful to lose such a possible asset to our broader Conventual community.    

3. The Pastorate was formed by bringing together St. Michael the Archangel, the Church of the Annunciation, where our friars served for many years, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, where our friars served since the early 1990’s.  All these parishes had long histories of administration by diocesan priests.  In a relatively short number of years, our friars developed tremendously positive and robust rapports with the people of St. Clement and Annunciation.  We have just begun to make such headway with the people of St. Michael (and incidentally the parish has had five different pastors over the past ten years) and our success thus far has been very encouraging.  I believe we really have worked hard and have made very positive efforts to truly make this “A Franciscan Pastorate in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.”  Why would we give up on these people, and these efforts to establish a strong and stable “Franciscan Presence” in Northeast Baltimore County and City after such a short time and so enormous an effort?  Also, what impact would this have on the morale of the many friars who over the years have ministered at St. Clement and at Annunciation, and those of us who for these past two and a half years have worked so hard also to include St. Michael as an important part of this Franciscan apostolate?  

4. We have an excellent ministerial relationship with the friars of our community who staff Archbishop Curley High School.  During the past year, the friar-priests from Curley have become very regular “weekend clergy help” in all three of our parishes.  The people of our parishes understand that we are making an “all-out-effort” to be a “Franciscan Pastorate,” and I believe the inclusion of the Curley friars in our ministry has tremendously bolstered these efforts.  Because of this, and in addition to the nearby ministry of the friars at St. Casimir and St. Elizabeth of Hungary, I believe our Province has a formidable presence in East Baltimore City, as well as in our Pastorate’s part of Northeast Baltimore County.  I believe this presence is very significant and beneficial to our broader Province community of friars and to the people we serve in the Baltimore area.  

5. In our three parishes we have very many families who are associated with Archbishop Curley High School (as well as with the nearby all girls Franciscan school, the Catholic High School).  Many of the men and fathers of our three parishes are graduates of Archbishop Curley, and many of their sons, our young parishioners, are currently students there.  In conversations with these parishioners, and whenever “the friar connection” between our parishes and Archbishop Curley is mentioned, it is without exception done with tremendous pride and joy by both the old and the young.   I believe this robust “Franciscan Presence” on the East side of Baltimore (including also the two parishes in the city) brings with it the great possibility of true and visible “vocation promotion” that we hope to develop and expand as a Province.  Since “vocation promotion” is one of our stated objectives for the future, why would we depart from such a fertile opportunity? 

6. These parishes are not “rich,” nor are they “affluent” as possibly some of our other Province apostolates are.  Our parishioners are mostly “working class” or “blue collar middle class.”  The neighborhoods surrounding our three parishes are “changing,” but not necessarily for the better.  St. Michael the Archangel is very financially challenged.  Even so, our parishes have tremendously wonderful outreach ministries to the needy.  Both St. Michael and St. Clement have active St. Vincent de Paul Societies and wonderful food pantry ministries.  Annunciation has a fantastic “Social Concerns Committee” that throughout the year sponsors various outreach efforts done for the poor of Baltimore City.  All three parishes regularly support the food pantry and outreach efforts of my former parish of St. Wenceslaus in Baltimore City (a coincidental reality for me that long precedes my association with any of these parishes).  This Pastorate apostolate gives our friars direct opportunities to work with and minster to the neediest of our neighbors.  That is what Franciscans do!  I believe this Pastorate is an excellent place for our friars to thrive as sons of Il Poverello and as Franciscan witnesses to the Gospel!

Many of the suggestions and observations I have made above (particularly those having to do with the Franciscan obligation to serve the poor) would also apply to my belief that we should not depart Most Holy Trinity-St. Mary in Brooklyn (where I served joyfully for a total of seventeen years).  Trinity must be the most dynamic, the most “conventual,” and the most service-to-the-poor oriented parish we have.   I believe a departure of our friars from there would be deeply regretted for many years to come.  Once the dust would settle, they likely would say: “we never should have left there.”   

I, Friar Timothy P. Dore, OFM Conv., strongly believe that we ought not withdraw from our Province commitment to ministry in the Pastorate of St. Michael the Archangel, the Church of the Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer (nor from Brooklyn as well).  I believe the friars with whom I live and minister, are in complete agreement with me on the points I have presented in this letter.  I am grateful for any attention you can give to what I have written.

Most Sincerely,

Friar Timothy Dore, OFM Conv.

Pastor, St. Michael the Archangel, Annunciation, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer

Letter #1 to Fr. James McCurry and Definitory regarding MAC Pastorate

 The Roman Catholic Parishes of

St. Michael the Archangel, Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer

A Franciscan Pastorate in the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Friary: 2 Willow Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21206 

 

April 1, 2021

The Very Rev. James McCurry, OFM Conv. and Definitory

Provincial House

Our Lady of the Angels Province

12300 Folly Quarter Rd. Ellicott City, Maryland 21042

Re: The Pastorate of St. Michael the Archangel Church, the Church of the Annunciation, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer

Dear Fr. James and Definitory:

Greetings from Northeast Baltimore County!  This is the first of two letters I am sending you regarding the ministry of the friars here in the Pastorate of St. Michael the Archangel, the Church of the Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer (affectionately called the “MAC Pastorate”).  In this letter I want to report about the great success we have had in forming our Pastorate during the past two and a half years.  In my second letter I will offer my thoughts about why I believe the friars of our Province should not depart from this ministry after the next Provincial Chapter. 

I wish to share the following with you:  Since August of 2018 when our friars became the administrators of the Pastorate of St. Michael the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer we have accomplished and/or benefited from the following:

1.  Extensive renovations on the new friary at St. Michael.  Prior to our arrival, the environment and condition of the house made it unsuitable as a friary for the five friars who were sent (sight unseen) to live there.  Its new and current configuration is now able to comfortably accommodate a religious community of men.  This not to mention the closure and removal of furniture, household items, etc. from the former St. Clement Friary, a monumental task.

2.  The hiring of a “Facilities Manager” Mr. Jaimie Spangler, to oversee the maintenance and security of buildings, HVAC systems, and grounds of three Pastorate parish campuses. 

3.  The consolidation of Pastorate accounting services under the direction of our two incredibly capable accountants Mrs. Robin Novak and Mrs. Maria Boling. Previously there were three different accountants and offices, and each parish used a different bank.  Although the parish accounts are separate, each now use the same PNC Bank.  This greatly simplifies things.  

4.  The parishes, particularly St. Michael the Archangel, have some financial challenges, but we are carefully and responsibly dealing with these issues (examples of this are the permission Archbishop Lori recently has given St. Michael the Archangel to launch a five-year $500,000.00 Capital Campaign for necessary repairs to its church building, the $129,000.00 cost of replacing the roof on the Church of the Annunciation, and the tedious process of selling the school buildings and the former friary at St. Clement Mary Hofbauer).

5.  Financially speaking, St. Michael the Archangel presents many challenges.  The parish is $1,438,006.78 in debt to the Archdiocese (this includes years of unpaid Cathedraticum, old school bills from the former St. Michael School, and previous years of unpaid property and health insurance).  At the close of the 2019-20 fiscal year, and in consultation with the Parish Finance Council, a most difficult decision was made to lay-off several St. Michael parish employees (including a semi-retired Permanent Deacon, a parish secretary, several youth sacristans, and evening office receptionists).  This caused sentiments of anger from some parishioners and was a very tough moment for all concerned.

6.  We also had to terminate the employment of an organist at the Church of the Annunciation, and a maintenance worker at St. Clement Mary Hofbauer.  We did so in full consultation with the Archdiocesan Human Resources Department and completely “according to the book.”  As unpleasant as such moments can be, we handled these terminations with great respect and with regard for the dignity of those we had “to let-go.”

7.  Late in 2018 we implemented and/or renewed the strict money handling protocols as directed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore.  Previously some of these protocols in all three of our parishes were not being carefully followed.

8.  The official September of 2019 activation of the “Pastorate” with the assistance and guidance of Ms. Julie St. Croix of the Archdiocesan Office of Pastoral Planning (now the Office of Parish Renewal and the Institute for Evangelization).  This has involved the creation of a Pastorate “Collaborative Committee” consisting of three Parish Pastoral Councilors from each parish and significant Pastorate staff members.  Pre-Covid the committee was meeting once a month with Ms. St. Croix and working on key questions and ideas related to forming a Pastorate.  More recently and less frequently due to the pandemic, these meetings have been conducted via Zoom, a great challenge. 

9.  From the beginning, and on all our official documents, including the Pastorate bulletin, we have proudly labeled ourselves as “A Franciscan Pastorate in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.” 

10. The redefining of three Parish Pastoral Councils within the “Pastorate model.”  This included the (pre-Covid) scheduling of “Mega Parish Pastoral Council meetings” on a regular and rotating basis.  This involved a tremendous amount of “catechesis” and “diplomacy” and was not an easy task.

11.  A change in the weekend Mass schedules in three parishes.  Previously there had been a total of fourteen weekend Masses among the three parishes.  Some of those Masses were scheduled at simultaneous times.  After extensive consultation with the Parish Pastoral Councils and parish staff members, and after careful study of pertinent data about the various Masses (i.e., attendance numbers, varying musical and liturgical styles, hours scheduled, availability of clergy, etc.) “Town Hall” meetings were held in each parish to address the issues and to consult the parishioners.  This was not an easy task, as some parishioners were angry and vocal, and resistant to change.  After the “Town Hall” meetings, plans for the schedule change were “tweaked” and refined because of valuable parishioner feedback.  Therefore, within the first year of our arrival, and pre-Covid, we were able to implement a schedule of ten weekend Masses instead of fourteen.  Now, after the Covid lockdown and the subsequent drop in Mass attendance, we currently have a “temporary” schedule of seven weekend Masses.  This schedule too was carefully thought-out and implemented given coronavirus restrictions and challenges.

12.   We have recently (mostly due to Covid limitations) changed even our Daily Mass schedule.  Previously all three Masses were conducted at nearly the same morning time (two at 8:30 a.m. and one at 9:00 am).  Our new Daily Mass schedule now includes a 7:30 a.m., a 9:00 a.m. and a 12:00 noon.  This gives parishioners from all three parishes more options for these Mass times and makes is much easier to schedule clergy coverage.

13.   We have accomplished a complete redefining and restructuring of the Pastorate staff.   This was done in close consultation with Ms. Connie Vagrin, the Employee Relations Manager of the Archdiocesan Human Resources Department.  After very careful study and reflection, and much hard work on the part of the “core clergy team” (consisting of Friars Timothy and John, and Sr. Susan Engel) the job descriptions of every member of our Pastorate staff were rewritten.  Duplication among responsibilities were eliminated, and staff members were given specific “Pastorate duties” as part of the restructuring.   This includes monthly “Pastoral Administrative Team” (PAT) meetings where principal staff members are consulted and encouraged to give feedback in a most collegial manner.   In addition to the clergy and Sr. Susan, there are nineteen lay persons employed as members of our Pastorate staff.   We work well and very closely with each other, and the morale is very positive.  I believe our staff members feel “cared-for” and respected by the Pastor and by each other. 

14.   The relocation of most Pastorate administrative office activities to St. Michael the Archangel at our newly named “Pastorate Center.” 

15.   The development of a “Pastorate Pastoral Care” office under the leadership of Sr. Susan Engel. 

16.   A very close clergy and staff rapport and collaboration with Mr. Paul Kristoff, Principal of St. Michael – St. Clement School.

17.   The creation of a “Pastorate Executive Secretary and Liaison to the Parishes” position held by Mrs. Amy Smith.  She has done a fantastic job facilitating communication, scheduling of events, and keeping the lines of communication open between all three parishes and associated organizations and ministries. 

18.   A unified Pastorate “Faith Formation Ministry” under the direction of staff member Mrs. Nikki Lux, and in close collaboration with Mrs. Kathy Brotzman, our Pastorate Director of Religious Education. 

19.   A unified Pastorate “Youth and Young Adult Ministry” under the direction of staff member Ms. Margaret Brogden (who also serves as our Pastorate Liaison to St. Michael – St. Clement School).

20.   The creation of one “Pastorate bulletin” under the editorial management of Pastorate secretary Ms. Susan Rammel.

21.   The development of Pastorate bereavement outreach under the direction of Pastorate secretary Mrs. Cindy Ledford.

22.   Pre-Covid we were able to have several liturgical and social common activities, such as shared celebrations of the Easter Triduums using each of the three parishes as “stations” for the liturgies, shared “All Souls Remembrance Masses” in which parishioners from the three parishes joined together to pray for the previous year’s deceased (118 souls in 2019-20), joint and very nicely catered Christmas dinner parties (held at the Church of the Annunciation) for all of three Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils, a huge summertime Pastorate volunteer appreciation picnic at Rocky Point Park which was lovingly hosted and “worked” by all of our Pastorate staff members and attended by more than one-hundred-and-fifty Pastorate parishioners (it was a huge success but unfortunately not repeated this past year because of Covid).

23.   The securing of the assistance for weekend Masses from Curley Friars Bart, Donald, Bryan, and Chris, who thankfully have become part of our “Franciscan presence” in all three of our Pastorate parishes (with special thanks to Friar Chris who has been a great help with our Spanish ministry).

24.   The ministry of recently ordained (and former student-friar from St. Anthony Province) Deacon, Rev. Mr. John Micciche.  His close association with our friars and his presence on our staff is also a complement to the “Franciscan identity” of the Pastorate.

Some additional, pertinent, and requested important financial information:

1.  Do your parishes have any debts (and how much, and to whom)?  YES

St. Michael the Archangel:  $1,438,006.78 (see explanation in #5 above).

The Church of the Annunciation:  No debts.

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer:  $86,404.77 in cathedraticum owed to the Archdiocese.

2. Are there repayment structures in place?

St. Michael the Archangel:  No, but we are working with the Archdiocesan “Extraordinary Administration Committee” who’s membership includes Bishop Adam Parker, an Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore, Mr. John Matera, the Archdiocesan Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Ashley Conley, the Archdiocesan Director of Parish & School Finance, to begin formulating such a plan.

The Church of the Annunciation:  No debts.

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer:  $86,404.77 in cathedraticum owed to the Archdiocese.  The plan is to pay off this debt as soon as the sale of the school buildings and former friary are finalized.

3. Do your parishes anticipate and capital repairs or improvements during the next quadrennium?

St. Michael the Archangel:  We are currently launching a five-year $500,000.00 Capital Campaign for necessary repairs to its church building (see explanation in #4 above).

The Church of the Annunciation:  No.  We recently replaced the roof on the church and the work is completed.

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer:  We are currently working on the security cameras and monitoring systems.  We are also in the process of installing a new electronic sign in front of the church building.  Soon, we may also have to make some significant roof repairs (this issue is currently being evaluated). 

4. Do your parishes have savings in reserve? How much?

St. Michael the Archangel:  Savings $16,017.23, Money Market $111,077.76.

The Church of the Annunciation:  Savings $388,000, Endowments $418,000.

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer:  Savings $318,255.98, Endowments $ 200,330.45 and $ 104,750.00.

I, Friar Timothy P. Dore, OFM Conv. have presided as Pastor over this Pastorate of St. Michael the Archangel, the Church of the Annunciation, and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, during the past two and a half years.  With all due respect to any detractors, and with all humility, I believe our very collegially functioning staff and I have done an excellent job bringing together and forming this Pastorate.  Without any doubt, I strongly believe that working together as a Pastorate administration, we have all the necessary “skill sets” needed to continue making progress as we proceed.  We are proud of the very productive and demonstrable success we have worked so vigorously together to achieve.   

Most Sincerely,

Friar Timothy Dore, OFM Conv.

Pastor, St. Michael the Archangel, Annunciation, St. Clement Mary Hofbauer