In Response: Questions asked at the Holy Spirit Parish Annual General Meeting of

26 Mar 2017 Submitted by: Father Ignatius Tran

HSP = Holy Spirit Integrated Parish HC = Hispanic Ministry Q1 – Why do we have a parallel HC Parish?

There is no parallel Parish, there is only one integrated Holy Spirit Parish.The HC had started their own parallel parish under the guidance of Father Freddy.Because of this their own ministries were formed. This was addressed by Holy Spirit Parish. HSP realized this was problematic as it went against the vision of Holy Spirit Parish which is - a unified Parish where all people come together and worship and participate in ministries and other programs in English. Holy Spirit Parish recognizes that many different cultures are part of this Parish and the Parish cannot provide Masses or groups in each of their languages so there can be only one language to celebrate Mass.

Q2 – When and How will the Parish be informed or updated about the arrangement or relationship that the HC has with the HSP and how that will be in the future?

It is hoped that by the writing of this letter all the Parish will be informed. The HC have always been welcomed at HSP since Father Jack Pereira gave them permission to celebrate a Spanish Mass once a month in 2009. They will continue to be invited to participate in Holy Spirit Parish’s vision of a unified Parish where all people come together and worship and participate in the ministries in English. Q3 – What are the next steps, the timeline, with respect to the future of the HC at HSP?

As mentioned in Q1, We no longer have duplication, but rather one integrated Parish, with a Spanish language Mass, once per week.

Q4 – When can we replace the broken photocopier in the volunteer room with one that works?

The photocopier has been replaced in April 2017, due to a generous donation from a parishioner.

Q5 – Why do we have duplication of Ministries and Groups working in the parish (HSP/HC)?

There is no duplication any more, there is only one Holy Spirit Parish. On the rare occasion that someone comes to the Parish that does not speak English, as always, Holy Spirit Parish programs will seek to find ways (people and means) to accommodate and deliver programs for those parishioners who do not initially speak English. But as a rule, all Parish ministries and programs will be in English, as we are not a bilingual Parish.

Q6 – What are the steps to be taken to eliminate the duplication and costs (dollars, resources and volunteers); and when will it happen (timeline)?

These steps have already been taken by asking HC to amalgamate with the HS. All pastors need to share the vision of a unified Parish. Holy Spirit Parish cannot support two separate churches under one roof as there are not enough rooms and resources.

Q7 – Can we address the lack of staff in the evenings?

This has been given to the Parish Finance Council to investigate options and we are rethinking the night staff position as we are no longer in financial deficit.

Q8 – Can we get more and better communications between all groups to inform and coordinate the various activities, for all groups?

We have put in place the 2 councils, Parish Finance council and Parish Pastoral council, with representation by the Pastoral Team (priests) on each to improve the awareness and communications. More work on communications is acknowledged and improvements are ongoing. These councils are actively engaging all the different groups in the 4 Ministries in the parish. For the time being, the booking of rooms should only be done through the office. Parish programs, retreats and established activities should be placed in the book at the beginning of the year and not added later bumping other programs.

Q9 – When can we start, enhance and improve the dialogue between HSP and the HC groups?

It has already begun. There is only one Parish structure and no duplication of groups in the various ministries and groups. Working collectively as a single Parish enhances getting to know all parishioners and once we know each other we will all be working towards the one goal which is a unified Parish, to achieve a vision of making disciples.

Q10 – How can we provide a more welcoming environment for all the groups, so that people can feel at home in our Parish? By every parishioner doing their part to be welcoming and getting to know different parishioners, by getting involved in any of the ministries or groups. The Parish Pastoral Council has initiated a new program to make Holy Spirit Parish more welcoming and will be rolled out in the fall 2017. All parishioners are invited to get involved in this new ‘Welcoming” initiative when it is announced.

A NOTE TO ALL PARISHIONERS : 2015-16 was a difficult year for Parish Finances and we spent a number of months in arrears.However, due to administrative cost-cutting measures, a tight rein on ministry spending and mainly due to the generosity of our Parishioners, our accounts are balanced again.. We have submitted over $ 54,000 to the Diocesan Central Fund for future major repairs. Our finances are now secure with a surplus of $ 86,000. As Pastor, I wish to thank everyone who made a concerted effort to see us through last year’s economic difficulties. I am leaving Holy Spirit Parish in a healthy financial situation as I did at Ascension Parish 5 years ago and at all the parishes I had served before that.

Father Ignatius Tran,PastorJune 29, 2017