by Laura Zoeller

When I received a copy of Archbishop Kurtz’s pastoral letter, Your Parish: The Body of Christ Alive in Our Midst, I felt a deep sense of pastoral care from our Archbishop in addressing the needs of each parish in our Archdiocese. Being asked to facilitate the Parish Discernment Process, based on this letter, was both an honor and a pleasure. The parishioners and pastor (Father George Illikkal, C.M.I.) of the two parishes with whom I worked were faith-filled, exuberant, and eager to serve their parishes.

My experience began as I celebrated Mass with the parishioners at Saint Theresa of Avila parish in Meade County, which was such an uplifting experience. Seeing the care and attention given to the buildings and grounds, the parishioners, and the liturgy was lovely. Later in the process, I had the opportunity to celebrate mass with the Saint Mary Magdalen of Pazzi parish community, also in Meade County. The experience was wonderful. I felt welcomed at both parishes.

As we got into the process itself, I began to see just how brilliant it was. Not only was it good to see the leadership (Core Team) come together, but giving every parishioner an opportunity to share was so important. Listening to people of all ages reflect on family life, education and lifelong formation, and service and outreach, in their parishes was heartwarming and a privilege.

Although the prayerful discernment portion was new to some people, everyone made great efforts to fully participate. As the decision-making for action steps unfolded, the energy level seemed to increase even more! I was just as excited as Father George was to hear the plans to move forward in each parish. It was amazing to see the Holy Spirit at work in these holy people.

While working through the process, I also discovered that my maternal grandmother had spent part of her childhood in those two parishes! I couldn’t help feeling grateful for my ancestors from those communities and all the work they did to carry on our Catholic faith. I believe they would be so proud of all those at Saint Theresa of Avila and Saint Mary Magdalen of Pazzi parishes who continue to carry it on today.

Laura Zoller is the Associate Director in the Office of Youth and Young Adults for the Archdiocese of Louisville.