Cluster - Catholic Community of South County
For a number of years now vocations to the priesthood have declined and within the the
next few years we will be faced with more parishes than there are priests to serve in them. As Catholics our
numbers are growing which only exacerbates the fact we have fewer priests available across the country. With this information
we know some significant changes are coming to us in the near future. The distinct probability is that we will
have two priests supporting three parishes in the ever expanding Catholic community here in South County.
To prepare for that possibility, OLPH along with Our Lady
of Sorrows and Holy Family formulated a Cluster Committee that has been developing a "cluster plan" over
the past two years. Last year the Cluster Committee presented the options it had discussed to the cluster parishes'
Staffs, Parish Councils, and the parishioners at large. Since then they have met every month and have nearly completed
the Plan. At his request, a Draft of the Plan was hurriedly presented to Bishop Rozanski in March. As
we now know, that request was made because Fr. Barr from Holy Family was about to be reasigned to Immaculate Conception
parish in Towson. Therefore, for a brief period this spring it looked like the Plan may be implemented sooner rather
than later - in fact even before it was completed. That will not be happening as a new pastor for Holy Family will
be assigned in July. However, the fact remians that at some point in the future there will only be two priests to serve
our three parishes. Fortunately the Plan is near completion and will be ready for formal presentation to
Bishop Rozanski on June 28th. Once that is done the Plan will be posted to this site so that the parishioners of
Our Lady of Perpetual Help can become familiar with it. In addition, the Cluster Committee is actively working together to
develop a website that will provide resources for all three parishes to use. We will publish that website
information as soon as the website is built and populated.
These are exciting times
for the Archdiocese of Baltimore and for the three parishes of south Anne Arundel County. We have a unique opportunity
to grow together in faith and service to the Lord. Let us continue to pray for and support one another.
United in Faith picnic 2010
Third Annual Cluster Picnic, Sunday, August 22nd
at Camp Barrett, MD. Gates open at 10:00 a.m., Concelebrated Mass at 11:00 a.m., and then the food and fun begins from Noon
until 6:00 p.m. We request that you bring a side dish, salad, snack or appetizer to share for 8 to 10 people. Admission fees
to be decided - will keep you up-to-date regarding the fee per family. If you missed either of the last two picnics,
don't let this one pass you by! What's better than a "Good Olde Summertime Picnic?"
Letter to the Parish - April 2008