“I was Christmas caroling with Life Teen.  We were walking around the neighborhood knocking on doors; then singing I felt like I was part of something; we were spreading the Word of God.”

 

“My wife and I find a spiritual excitement in the liturgy.”

 

“I remember that same day a stranger, a Eucharistic minister, when I went up for my blessing, she wiped the tears from both sides of my face with her hand, gave me

a blessing and touched the side of my face.  That was so amazing!”

 

 

Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s:

 

The quotes at the top of the page are just a sample of the experiences we have received as we have interviewed parishioners for the Appreciative Inquiry Process.  This has been an amazing time for Saint Joseph’s as we have conducted these conversations/interviews which are enabling us to learn more and more about how our parish enriches people’s lives.

 

As you may remember, Saint Joseph’s has spent the spring and summer engaging in a process called “Appreciative Inquiry.”  This process requires that we interview as many parishioners as possible about their positive experiences of church life and ministry.  The entirety of the information is gathered and discerned in an experience called a “Summit.”   At the Summit we invite those who were interviewed, those who conducted the interviews and our parish friends and neighbors to review all the stories and reflections and begin the process of articulating the future of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Community.

 

We scheduled the Summit for Friday evening October 10 and Saturday October 11 however, we have found that we have been overwhelmed by the response of parishioners willing to share their experiences and stories with us.  Because we want everyone’s voice to be included at the Summit and because we need more time to process your information we must postpone the event to January 9 and 10^th 2009.  While changes in schedule are always inconvenient, it is imperative that we take the necessary time to acquire as much input as possible in order for the Summit experience to accurately reflect the character of the parish at this moment in time.

 

In the meantime take a look at some of the stories and reflections posted in the church vestibule in the next few weeks and please save this new date on your home calendar, for I believe that the Summit will be one of those experiences that fill us with renewed gratitude and hope as we make our spiritual journey every Sunday at Saint Joseph’s in Capitola by the Sea.

 

 

 

 

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor