Families of Parishes
FAMILY VISION STATEMENT
We are a diverse family of parishes comprised of The Church of the Transfiguration, Divine Providence Lithuanian, Our Lady of La Salette, and Our Mother of Perpetual Help. We value each parish community, and we celebrate our unique heritages and traditions. Together, we strive to:
Foster Unity: Embrace our differences to strengthen our bond as a family.
Promote Inclusivity: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and loved in our spiritual home.
Nurture Growth: Support the spiritual, educational, and personal faith development of all our members.
Serve with Compassion: Reach out to those in need, embodying the love and mercy of Christ in our actions.
Celebrate Together: Cherish our shared faith through worship, sacraments, and joyful gatherings.
By living these values, we aim to build a vibrant and united family of parishes, shining the light of Christ in our wider community.
FAMILY CLERGY
Priests in Solidum
Fr. Jeffrey Scheeler OFM, Moderator - Transfiguration and Our Lady of La Salette Church
Fr. Paul Chateau - Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish
Fr. Tomas Miliauskas, MIC - Divine Providence
Fr. Raphael Ozoude, OFM - Transfiguration
Deacons
Rev. Mr. Daniel M. Darga - Our Lady of La Salette Church
Rev. Mr. Clem Stankiewicz - (Retired)
WHAT DO OUR PRIESTS SAY ABOUT THE FAMILY?
We remain separate parishes with our unique styles, flavors, and cultures, and so we are enriched by one another! But we are asked to work together as much as we can, sharing programs and even personnel. The archdiocese no longer uses the title “pastor” for us, but the unusual Latin-based canonical term “priests-in-solidum.” Basically, that means we are to work together “in solidarity,” as a team. So, we try to help each other out! Each priest has pastoral responsibility for all four parishes, but we have agreed by covenant who will take the lead at each parish.
-Fr. Jeff Scheeler
The Family of Parishes structure was and is a change for all of us. It was not a change any of us sought. Initially, I was not enthusiastic. Some of you may feel the same way. I was comfortable and knew my parish and parishioners. There was a familiarity. I viewed Family of Parishes as pushing me outside of my comfort zone. I thought it simply meant more meetings, expanded responsibilities, more work and additional costs all while at the same time having responsibility for a parish with two worship locations. Now, I recognize and appreciate that there have been many blessings. On a personal level getting to know Fr. Jeff, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Tomas has been necessary, useful and very helpful. I consider them all friends and true partners in mission and ministry.
-Fr. Paul Chateau
December Family of Parishes Prayer
AN ADVENT PRAYER TO BE LIKE MARY
Blessed Mother,
Mary, as we reflect on your yes to bring the Savior into the world,
we ask that you be with us as we strive to
bring Jesus to all those we encounter.
In this season of joyful hope, we turn to you for guidance.
May we imitate your loving example, and
steadfastly bring peace and justice to our world.
When we are tempted to distance ourselves from another,
give us the grace to say yes to charity.
When we are frustrated,
let us listen with our hearts to our neighbors.
When we are disappointed,
help us seek new solutions as you did when the Inn was full.
Let us embrace our own need for poverty
and humility in order to work toward creative solutions for our world
as we await the coming of Christ.
Amen.
Copyright © 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved.
Possible Action Steps:
· Go to confession. Celebrate God’s mercy and forgiveness.
· Pray for the special light and presence of Christ as you set out your Christmas decorations – and leave your decorations in place until after the celebration of the Epiphany.
· Make a Christmas gift to Catholic Relief Services. www.crs.org
