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
February Family of Parishes Prayer
The memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11, is designated as a World Day of Prayer of the Sick. We all have loved ones who suffer from illness, and we suffer illness from time to time. It is always good to pray for our sick!
Here is a prayer you can pray and petitions that could be used at Mass.
Prayer:
Loving and Merciful God, on this day of prayer, we lift before You all who are burdened by illness in body, mind or spirit. Grant them comfort in their pain, courage in their struggle , an hope in heir hearts. Bless the hands and hearts of all who care for the sick - doctors, nurses, caregivers, and loved ones - that they may be instruments of Your healing and compassion. Surround the suffering with Your pace, and remind them that they are never alone, for You walk beside them in every moment. May Your light shine through the darkness of sickness, bringing strength, renewal and promise of wholeness. Amen.
Intentions:
That the Church may continue Christ's healing ministry with compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
For all healthcare workers and medical professionals, let us pray to the Lord.
For those suffering from chronic illness and pain, let us pray to the Lord.
For those unable to afford proper medical care, let us pray to the Lord.
For researchers working to cure diseases, let us pray to the Lord.
