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
Fr. Jeffrey Scheeler OFM, Moderator - Our Lady of La Salette Church
Fr. Paul Chateau - Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish
Fr. Tomas Miliauskas, MIC - Divine Providence
Fr. Jeremy Harrington, 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
November Family of Parishes Prayer
November: A Month of Sacred Remembrance
"It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." — 2 Maccabees 12:46
As the leaves fall and the liturgical year draws toward its close, the Church invites us into November’s quiet beauty: the Month of All Souls. It is a time to remember, to pray, and to hope. We hold close those who have gone before us—parents, friends, parishioners, and all the faithful departed—entrusting them to the mercy of God.
This is not a season of sorrow, but of communion. In the words of St. Ambrose, “We have loved them during life; let us not forget them in death.” Our prayers, acts of charity, and celebration of the Eucharist become bridges of love between earth and heaven.
In this sacred month, we echo the longing of Psalm 130: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.” And we trust in the promise of Jesus: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even though they die, will live.” — John 11:25
Petition: For all who have gone before us in faith—family, friends, parishioners, and those whose names are known only to God—may they be embraced by the warmth of God’s mercy and welcomed into the joy of eternal life. May our remembrance be a bridge of love, and our prayers a sign of hope. We pray to the Lord.
