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  OLDP Update

       

    Two weeks before the August 30^th deadline, after consulting with our Parish Key Leaders committee and our Pastoral Council, I submitted the information to the head of the Archdiocese Sustainability Committee and CLI, concerning our Church Parish. The information had to fit into a digital form based on certain questions and criteria. Still, I included as much as possible about how we are effectively handling the issues of our debt, our Mass attendance, our physical plant, and our ministries and fundraisers. CLI and the Archdiocese Sustainability Committee will review the information and give their presentation to Archbishop Aymond on OLDP and the other 15 Church Parishes that were being examined.
         Our first interaction with CLI, at our Church Parish meeting, demonstrated glaring issues with CLI’s ability to correctly gather and present information concerning our Church Parish, some of which I had given them twice. Therefore, I also decided to write the Archbishop a 3-page letter detailing everything he needed to know, with the correct information, and all the things we have done and are doing.
         I truly believe, with my letter and CLI’s presentation to the Archbishop, he will see that we are going beyond all that has been asked of us and therefore, I believe he will allow us to remain open.
         However, when that happens, we cannot forget, or slack off, all that has made this possible.
         We will need to continue to bring down our debt and we will need to continue to bring up our Church attendance and maintain, as well as improve upon, the spiritual and social vitality of our Church.
         It will help us immensely to have our amazing Spring Fest next year and I hope and pray that Bubba will again be willing and able to lead it and that we can again rally people, old and new, to make it happen!
         Saturday’s Taste of the Town event was a great start to show we are not slacking off. We have also had an increase in our Come Lord Jesus groups and participation. Friday, October 6^th, we will kick off the first of our “First Friday Family Bingo” events.
         Just before that, we want to invite all our couples celebrating their 25^th, 50^th, or beyond Wedding Anniversaries, this year, to come to the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, October 1^st, which will be followed by a reception in the Bahan Center. If you are celebrating a 25^th, 50^th, or longer Wedding Anniversary and would like to participate, please contact the Church office at (504) 466-4511 and let us know that you will be coming and how many family members will be attending with you so that we can plan accordingly.
         Some other things coming up are a Family Faith Rosary, on Sunday, October 15^th, after the 10:00 a.m. Mass, sponsored and led by our Family Faith Formation Program members.
         On Saturday, October 21^st at 7:00 p.m. in the Bahan Center, we are bringing back our Volunteer Appreciation Party to acknowledge and celebrate all those who volunteer here at OLDP throughout the year. And on Sunday, October 22^nd, our Knights of Columbus are planning a Parish Family Picnic event (more about that as we get closer). Thank you, Knights!
         Thank you all for continuing to support OLDP!
  
  
  God Bless,
  Fr. Mike