I have read many of the responses given in the report of our feasibility study.
You, my parishioners, demand the thoughtfulness of your pastor.
To this end, I will share what, I hope, becomes a very clear picture of the vision I have for the Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows) Adoration Chapel. I look forward to answering your concerns in the bulletin over the next few months and archive them at our website. After all, if over 70% of those who participated in our survey wished to see this project go forward but have expressed some reservations, a pondered response is needed–one that will bring our community to a greater peace and desire for the project.
Allow me to start by answering one question that came up several times.
Question #1. “The chapel doesn’t need to be so big. If other parishes struggle to get one and two adorers each hour, why create a chapel for 65 persons?”
The Pastor’s Response:
Answer: Any prayer group or class using Mater Dolorosa will be encouraged as part of a new tradition at our Parish to begin and end classroom meetings with a personal visit to the Lord, and so a space capable of welcoming a larger gathering needs to be created.
We must take into account that the Inquiry Classes (One in English, one in Spanish) attended by those interested in exploring Catholicism and the Catechumenate Classes (one in English & one in Spanish) attended by those who have been officially welcomed as members of Holy Cross, but not yet baptized) currently consist of several dozen participants including sponsors. Then, Yes, we need a large space to ‘kick off’ the meeting for a programmed quick visit to the Blessed Sacrament. I am confident that any exposure to the Blessed Sacrament, and more so in a habitual way, will begin planting the seeds of many conversions. Our classes are growing in number.
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