From the Pastor July 12/13

We’re Worth It

Are you wondering why there are all those cars in our parking lot during the week? Some parishioners have asked. They belong to Chatham Bars Inn employees and the parish has an agreement to let them park there during the week. A year or so ago the town restricted parking around CBI. One of the unforeseen consequences was that CBI employees came looking for a place to park. To sum things up CBI employees can park in the little parking lot and the two lanes on the far right of the lot on weekdays and Sunday afternoons. If we have a large funeral on a weekday or need the parking for an event like this week’s Small Group gathering then it is off limits. CBI is paying us a small stipend. 

The parish is happy to try to accommodate the employees as part of the community. We try to assist the needs of the town in many ways, big and small. From time to time the fire department uses the Holy Redeemer parking lot to test their hose for leaks and Our Lady of Grace’s lot to give new recruits a wide-open place to practice driving the equipment. Our most generous contribution to the community was our sale of land in S. Chatham, across from Our Lady of Grace, for the building of affordable housing. The parish sold it for around $500,000, its assessed value. We would have made much more on the open market but felt the housing need in this community was a good cause. Let’s hope they get to building something soon.

Sometimes those opposed to the Church will criticize religious institutions’ tax-free status claiming they are a drain to the community. Zenit Catholic News Service on July 2, had a story, “Beyond the Pews: Minnesota Catholic Church Emerges as a $5.4 Billion Economic Powerhouse.” It was about a study of the contribution to the community made by the Catholic Church in Minnesota. The study was conducted by economists at the University of Colorado and the Institute for Policy Research at the Catholic University of America. About 26% of the Minnesota population identifies as Catholic. The Church operates 800 parishes, two seminaries, five colleges and universities, numerous elementary and secondary schools. They contribute to health care, charitable services, and religious events that aid tourism, the study found.

Of course, the Church’s purpose isn’t to contribute to the economy. It is to impact as a moral and spiritual guide. We shouldn’t reduce the value of everything, most of all the role of religious institutions down to their purely economic impact. It’s spiritual contributions have a value beyond all measure. That is, it’s only true purpose, but it is good to know the value the Church has in all its facets. 

The Zenit article concluded by saying, “In the end, the report is less a defense of religion than a case study in what happens when faith is embodied not just in works, but in action---and payrolls, school budgets, and hospital ledgers.” Religion and religious institutions indeed do contribute a great deal to our society. 

Holy Redeemer should be proud of our contribution to the value of life here in Chatham. Our contribution is second to none. If you have any ideas on how we can be even better share them with us so our parish can have an even greater impact for good. 

Our Lady of Grace Chapel Open

Our summer chapel, Our Lady of Grace, on Meetinghouse Road in S. Chatham, is open for the summer. The Mass Schedule is Saturday Vigil at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 7:30 & 9:30 a.m. The chapel will be open every weekend until the Labor Day weekend August 30-31. 

Fr. Sullivan’s Walk for the Homeless

Each year Fr. Sullivan conducts his own personal walk-a-thon for Chatham Ecumenical Council for the Homeless. CECH is a local group that raises funds to provide emergency assistance to Chatham residents struggling with homelessness, mortgage payments, and rental support. Over the last eight years he has collected $12,138, by his calculations. His plan is to walk five miles from the church to the corner of Sam Ryder Road and then back on the bike path on Wednesday, August 6. He wouldn’t mind company on the walk. If you would like to join him, sponsor sheets are available on the kiosks by the church doors. 

Thank You for Supporting Bethlehem Christian Families

Thank you for patronizing the sale of wood carvings and religious item by Bethlehem Christian Families last weekend. As the representatives witnessed by their remarks. Christian Palestinians suffer from terrible conditions in the Holy Land that make trying to support a family difficult. Your support for their families who are continuing a Christian presence in the land of Jesus’ birth is essential. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.