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
January Family of Parishes Prayer
For January 2026, we accept Pope Leo’s invitation to us to pray the following intention:
That praying with the Word of God may be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us build a more fraternal and
missionary Church.
As we begin a new year, Pope Leo calls the faithful to rediscover the power of Scripture in daily life. His prayer intention for January focuses on prayer with the Word of God. The Holy Father reminds us that opening our hearts to the living Word is not only personal nourishment but also a wellspring of hope for our families, parishes, and wider communities.
When we pray with Scripture -whether through lectio divina, the daily readings at mas, or quiet reflection- we allow God's voice to shape our lives. This practice strengthens us to live as missionary disciples, sharing Christ's love in a world that longs for fraternity and peace.
In our parishes, let us take up this invitation by setting aside time each day to pray with the Gospel. Consider joining a Bible study, praying the psalms or simply carrying a verse with you throughout the day. In doing so, we participate in Pope's vision of a Church rooted in God's Word and radiant with hope.
Prayer: Lord, may Your Word be our daily bread. Nourish us with
Scripture inspires us with hope and guides us to build a Church of
fraternity and mission. Amen.
