By Joe Winter
Catholic Herald correspondent

Hudson parishioners work on long-range plan

HUDSON -- Parishioners at St. Patrick met Jan. 17 to formulate a long-range plan to meet needs, based in part on the divisiveness that has occurred in recent years on a number of fronts.

Most suggestions were like those you might see in any parish planning meeting, but many more appeared to be linked to the events stemming from the late Fr. Ryan Erickson's tenure and theology, the divisiveness that accompanied it, and longstanding divisions in the parish.

Erickson committed suicide after police questioned him concerning the murder of two funeral home workers, and allegations that he sexually abused a minor or minors. A judge ruled that Erickson likely was the killer of the two men, one of whom, Dan O'Connell, was a St. Patrick parishioner. The other was an intern, James Ellison.

While the parish is striving for greater unity, there also were voices that called for tolerance of all viewpoints, and it was clear that people with minority views still want to be strongly heard.

That could be seen in the session by the fact that on two separate occasions, a parishioner or parishioners stated they would like to see Latin Masses as a worship alternative. On one of these occasions, people in the audience of more than 200 showed their displeasure with the topic by audible groans.

The author or authors of that view said they would like to "experience some different traditions," such as "benediction, Mother of Perpetual Help, vespers, night prayers, Latin Mass, lectures on saints."

The format of the session was for audience members to split into one of seven groups and do brainstorming, with the results to be read aloud later in the evening, then forwarded to the Superior Diocese leadership.

The topics were: Vibrant and welcoming faith community; a culture of lifelong Catholic formation grounded in church teaching; all parishioners actively involved in ministries; commitment to parish unity with differences; a culture and interaction of respect and civility; holding ourselves and our leadership to accountability; and clear, functional and responsive systems and structures for leadership and accountability. Authors of individual statements were not identified.

An initial statement of intent read: "We intend that the parish meeting be a time of prayer, respect, civility, awareness and insight in better understanding our past and moving forward into the future with faith, hope and confidence."

One of the other main topics that rose to the surface dealt with forming a more positive role involving church greeters, both formally at Masses and informally.

Parishioners were asked to move beyond the social groups in which they normally interact and make others welcome. This included suggestions of mingling in social settings in which they usually do not interact, and not to be intimidated by people who have differing views.

Suggestions included giving "candy for greeters who smile," a fellowship emphasis on "mixing it up," a greater social circulation during coffee after Masses and Knights of Columbus breakfasts, and having greeters at all three church entries.

Other common themes picked out by facilitators, who displayed large sheets of construction paper, on which all ideas were written, by pasting them on walls, were listening, tolerance, and being open to differences. These themes were to be commingled and presented to staff, the parish council and the recently selected team of elders.

Another topic that was mentioned several times, and worded different ways, was "we support our leader, Fr. John (Parr), and all other ministers and leaders," with the added words from other people at the table of "including Fr. Peter (Szleszinski) and Fr. Jim (Dabruzzi)."

Other similar statements written were: "Fr. Parr is sharing power, keep up the good work," and "Keep Fr. John," scrawled in large letters. One of these drew the only other somewhat loud response of the evening, in that people applauded vigorously.

Some of the most telling comments dealt with confronting prejudices, having attitudes that allow change even when it is not wanted, not focusing on the past, seeking resolution to past issues, and identifying differences and addressing them head on.

Other notable comments called for ebbing the influence of "the difference police," the need for explaining what is accepted Catholic theology and what is opinion, and ending gossip.

Other statements involved accountability: "Who does the bishop answer to besides the pope," "document all contact with the bishop," "bring concerns to bishop," and "we need acknowledgment from bishop on what he is doing." Superior Diocese Bishop Raphael M. Fliss has been called slow to act on parish concerns that were brought to his attention, including matters involving Erickson.

A person who spoke briefly said that at Easter, there should be another meeting, this time pointing out strengths of the parish. Facilitators said there will be several meetings coming up focusing on parish-wide healing

These were other significant written statements of the evening:

n Let's build on this process and continue to talk and listen aboutbringing us together.

n Differences are okay and must be respected.

n We are a forgiving people.

n Unify around mission statement.

n Board of review for impaired priests: Alcohol, drugs and mental health.

n Swift response to complaints.

n (Use) outside help.

n Keep communication open: Don't give up.

n Diocese needs compliance officer to listen to concerns of parish and lay people.

n (Need) variety of resources for getting questions and concerns answered.

n Diversity in workshop styles.

n (End) image of perfect Catholic.

n I'm right É and you're not.

n Everyone is entitled to express an opinion as long as it is done with respect.

n We are a parish no matter what.

n Destructive behavior needs to leave, not the person.

n Respect starts with tolerance.

n Leadership needs to be decisive.

n Good leaders are good listeners, and are held accountable.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2006