Dear Parishioners, Following up on last week’s discussion of our staffing for pastoral ministry here in our parishes: after examining the pastoral and faith formation needs here on the peninsula and islands with staff, the pastoral council, and others, we have a plan for moving forward. Instead of simply filling the vacancy created by Bob McDermott’s departure, we will be splitting the position into two part-time positions that will work closely with our two of our existing part time staff, Carolyn Mitchell and Melissa Maurais. Their positions are being slightly adjusted to reflect a new 4-position staffing structure as follows: Carolyn Mitchell, Pastoral Associate for Community Life (~25hrs/wk) Primary Responsibilities: Marriage preparation and documentation, wedding scheduling and liturgical planning, social organization and events support and coordination, service organization coordination and collaboration, usher training and coordination. Carolyn will also serve as the staff liaison to the St. Peter’s Community. New Hire, Pastoral Associate for Liturgy (~25hrs/wk) Primary Responsibilities: Liturgical/sacramental scheduling and coordination, special liturgy planning and coordination, funeral scheduling and coordination, sacramental and pastoral outreach ministry coordination, Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister training and coordination. This position will also serve as the staff liaison to the Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Community. Melissa Maurais, Faith Formation Coordinator for Children and Family (~25hrs/wk) Primary Responsibilities: Young family ministry (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd), faith formation for K-5 children and families, middle school ministry, children’s sacramental preparation R.C.I.C., infant baptismal preparation and liturgical coordination, sacramental documentation. Melissa will also serve as the staff liaison to the Cathedral Community. New Hire, Faith Formation Coordinator for Youth and Adults (~25hrs/wk) Primary Responsibilities: Youth ministry, young adult ministry, R.C.I.A., adult faith formation programming and events, faith formation special/occasional activities and events (retreats, missions, pilgrimages, etc),safe environment documentation, Altar Server and Reader training and coordination. This position will also serve as the staff liaison to the St. Louis Community. A note that Deacon Luis Sanclemente will serve as the staff liaison to the Peaks and Long Island communities. The two new positions will be advertised beginning this week. A committee of selected staff and pastoral council members will assist me with interviews. My hope is that we will fill these positions by early Lent. If you are interested in learning more, or know of someone who you think would be a good fit, please let me know after one of the Masses or via email. And please join me in praying to St. Joseph for his intercession in this job search. Sending prayers for you and your families! Fr. Seamus