The Viability Committee Met on June 21st for another meeting. We were updated by the Facilitators and Fr. Ray who shared that because of our questions posed to the Archdiocese and reflections made by the Archbishop broader conversations across the Archdiocese will be happening in all parishes. Also the Archbishop is calling all priests together in a couple of weeks for a three day meeting. We shared with the Facilitators our success of the past dinner fundraiser. We also shared our upcoming plans which included a movie night, the break down of the Mass at the homily for the next three weeks followed by a two part evening presentation on the Mass, the plans for the upcoming Pot Luck, scripture study night beginning after school begins, wanting to establish a welcoming committee and a fundraising committee. WE told them that daily Mass has begun as well as office hours T, W, and TH weekly. WE also shared that we are getting the food pantry up ad running. And attempting to get a phone line restored in the rectory. Prayer to the Holy Spirit would also be implemented before or after Mass. They were impressed that we had so much planned and on the way in such little time. The committee again pressed the facilitators on key questions and discussed the homework that was given. Many not agreeing with or liking the changes made in the churches presented in the homework links. We agreed that change has to happen and that change is possible if we all worked together for the good of the church. Finally, we began the process of designing Scenarios to present to the Archbishop. Best, Middle and Worst Nothing finalized, but a start. We will meet on our own in the next couple of weeks to dig deeper in each, and then with the facilitators in August to better cement our plans. Please pray for our parish, the members on the committee and the facilitators. This is not an easy task, it is very frustrating and very challenging! We all want what is best for our parish, but we have to be realistic at the same time. The more active we become, the more people are getting involved and stepping up to the plate the better our chance of saving St. Gertrude. If we do nothing but complain, and sit back and expect someone else to do things, we are dead in the water! Rise Up St. Gertrude Family!