By Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger, Committee Chairperson
Do you remember asking “are we there yet?” on a long journey? I vividly recall my brothers and I always asking our parents impatiently how long the journey was when visiting our grandparents in Florida. Days felt like months as the miles slowly rolled by.
Today, many of you are asking the same question? Are we there yet? Following our survey and focus groups, we became aware that all our Jubilee planning had to have approval from the Bishop and the Diocese of Phoenix. We took a few months pause waiting for the blessings of our Bishop to proceed with the work of the many volunteers who have stepped forward to participate in the planning. We have received these blessings.
Three separate committees will be formed in the next few weeks. The first being the “Archive and History Committee” where we will engage our fellow parishioners to investigate the history and help us have a deeper understanding of the founding of our parish and the important growth milestones along the way.
The second committee will be the “Jubilee Celebration” team that will help us honor the past fifty years through educational programs, worship, and social gatherings.
Finally, based on all your feedback and insight, we will form the “Worship Space Renewal Committee” where we will implement the suggestions and comments we received from you.
As I reflect on the many suggestions received through your survey and focus groups, I am reminded of an adage:
“Vision without work is a dream;
Work without vision is drudgery;
Vision with work is a dawn – of new hope and new beginnings”
The dream of the parishioners began with a request to change the artwork in our worship space and put most emphasis a crucifix and the holy family. Improvements are requested in the carpeting, pews, paint colors and handicap seating. Many of you shared your hope for greater accessibility to the alter with gradual ramps and railings. And our beautiful choir needs more space, not confined by a railing but allowing them to feel more like the congregation. Your vision is possible as we continue our journey, knowing we are not there yet, but slowly moving toward our Jubilee year.
The importance of your feedback has been invaluable. I believe your ideas and suggestions were given in love and a commitment to the parish as we renew and refresh St. Elizabeth Seton during our Jubilee Year. May our vision and dreams be fulfilled as in Psalm 84:1 “How I love your Temple, Lord Almighty! How I want to be there!
In Christ,
Dr. Kathy
