IC Today

An update on what's going on at Immaculate Conception Parish Today

Rev. Charles P. Strollo, C.M.

Pastor

October 1, 2011

Dear Parishioners and Friends of the Immaculate,

May the light and love of Jesus embrace our hearts and our lives as we begin our work together to help each other in Immaculate Conception Parish to grow.

I became pastor here at the Immaculate on January 1, 2011.  In these months, I have experienced the love, the faith and the dedication of this small but spirited community.  This experience has resonated well from my previous experience of being Father Rock’s assistant here in 1994-1995, and this faith community has had an important impact on my life as a Vincentian priest.

As you may realize, Immaculate Conception Parish, along with other parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is in a dire situation in terms of membership.  We have gone from 500 registered households in 2005 to 250 in 2010.  In terms of finances, our deficit in 2010, even on a lean budget, was $188,000.  At the same time, however, while we know that whatever happens to us is beyond our control, we are committed to make sure that we have done our very best as a parish to welcome people to share a relationship with God as members of our faith community.  We believe that our hopes can become real when we minister together, worship together, and put our trust in God together.  Not just a few, but all of us!!.  Let me make three points in this letter. 

First, Sunday worship with our Choir is KEY to our Catholic Christian life.  God invites us all to be fed and nourished EACH Sunday in the context of the issues that confront our daily lives.  The reality is that we really miss the people who used to worship with us, but no longer do.  I want to be clear:  We want to welcome you back- with open arms.  We invite you, in God’s Spirit to make Immaculate your spiritual home.  In addition, when each parishioner makes an effort each Sunday to participate in the Eucharist, this presence reenergizes the life and the hope of our faith community, and we all can benefit from this.  Our community is “spirited”!

Second, there are lots of good things happening here at the Immaculate, and there are many graces from those who are carrying out our mission.  We want to attract new members to evangelize our neighborhood, to be evangelized ourselves, and to reach out to young people of all ages.  I want to be clear:  We welcome your input and your feedback because this is your home.  We invite you in God’s Spirit to help empower Immaculate to be a renewed sign of hope and energy in our neighborhood.  Our community is “spirited!

Third,   during the next couple of months, we will be conducting a census of the registered parishioners here at Immaculate.  Two members of the parish will visit your home to speak with you about your questions and concerns.  We also need updated information so we have a record of each parishioner in the rectory.  This will help us with future planning.  Please welcome these parish members into your home and provide them with the necessary information to make our census accurate and complete. There is a question on the information card that asks if you would like me to visit with you in your home.  Please be sure to indicate your desire in this regard.  I would be honored to bless your home and your family during this visit

I am looking forward to hearing from you.  I pray that the Lord Jesus will bless you and the Immaculate Conception Parish in these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Rev. Charles P. Strollo, C.M.

Pastor