Dear Parishioners,
Since our last parish gathering with Msgr. Stehly in January, the plan to merge the parishes of St. Dominic Savio and St. George has been in the hands of Archbishop Carlson. He has prayerfully discerned the merits of the plan with several groups: The deans of each deanery in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the Archdiocesan Finance Committee, and the Priests’ Council. In each case, the groups voted unanimously in favor of the plan.
Before giving his final approval to this merger of parishes, Archbishop Carlson has asked us one last thing: to recommend a new name for the new parish. He will make the final decision but he wants to hear from you. Parishioners can submit a name and a rationale for recommending a name. Forms for doing so can be found in the back of the church or using the St. Dominic Savio website. We ask that all submissions be made by Sunday, April 30th. The Communications committee will work with Father Rothschild to narrow the recommendations down to three. Archbishop Carlson can choose one of the three or one of his own.
Archbishop Carlson asks that we start worshiping as one parish on Pentecost Sunday, May 20. He applauded the work done by the parishioners of St. Dominic Savio and St. George. He also expressed his gratitude to the parishioners who were willing to serve on the Vision Team and many committees, and who have done the challenging work of discernment and planning for the future of these parishes and the Church.
We know this transition has been challenging. It is not easy to let go of the past to embrace an unknown future. We are so very thankful for your commitment to your faith, and to these faith communities, which has kept you engaged in this process. What may seem like the end, could really be the new beginning that is needed for these parishes and many others throughout the Archdiocese.
Fr. Rothschild