Merger Information
Parish Planning Update
New Parish Boundaries
Unity Prayer
Fact Two: The parishioners of St. Edward & OLMC will become the new parish.
Fact Three: The Regional elementary School [OLMC/SAA] will stand alone.
Fact Four: Mater Ecclesiae will remain a specialized mission.
Fact Five: The “Core-Team’s” responsibility is to recommend all other facts; e.g.: new parish name, use of facilities, RE program, sacramental times and preparations, chairs for all committees, hiring of new staff members, etc. and finally, a time-line for the merger.
Fax: 856-767-8791
E-mail: frjoeferrara@comcast.net
Click the New Parish link.
New Parish Boundaries
Unity Prayer
What would you like to know?
Fact One: The worship site has been named: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.Fact Two: The parishioners of St. Edward & OLMC will become the new parish.
Fact Three: The Regional elementary School [OLMC/SAA] will stand alone.
Fact Four: Mater Ecclesiae will remain a specialized mission.
Fact Five: The “Core-Team’s” responsibility is to recommend all other facts; e.g.: new parish name, use of facilities, RE program, sacramental times and preparations, chairs for all committees, hiring of new staff members, etc. and finally, a time-line for the merger.
Once the “Core-Team” assembles a “recommendation booklet” for Bishop Galante, his review committee will visit our “Core-Team” and make recommendations and/or accept it. When accepted, the “New Parish” will be named and a new parish ministry begins.
Contacts: If you wish to learn more…
Fr. Joe Ferrara
Phone: 856-767-2563Fax: 856-767-8791
E-mail: frjoeferrara@comcast.net
Web page update (this page)
Go to www.olmcparish.netClick the New Parish link.
Diocesan Vision Statement
We, the Catholic church of South Jersey, envision growing ever more
into a dynamic community of faith, hope, and love wherein we reveal the mind and
Heart of Jesus through our actions and worship.
Empowered by baptism, inspired by the Holy Spirit,
and formed by the Word of God and the sacraments, especially Eucharist,
we will-with Jesus living in us-reach out with love:
To proclaim and teach the truths that save,
To welcome back those who have left our family of faith,
To forgive and seek forgiveness,
To care for our sisters and brothers in need,
To work for peace within our families and communities,
To promote respect and justice for all people,
To strengthen unity within our diversity,
And to celebrate the sanctifying love of God that heals and transforms our world.
Amen.
into a dynamic community of faith, hope, and love wherein we reveal the mind and
Heart of Jesus through our actions and worship.
Empowered by baptism, inspired by the Holy Spirit,
and formed by the Word of God and the sacraments, especially Eucharist,
we will-with Jesus living in us-reach out with love:
To proclaim and teach the truths that save,
To welcome back those who have left our family of faith,
To forgive and seek forgiveness,
To care for our sisters and brothers in need,
To work for peace within our families and communities,
To promote respect and justice for all people,
To strengthen unity within our diversity,
And to celebrate the sanctifying love of God that heals and transforms our world.
Amen.
Merger Letter
The Catholic Parish of…
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (1902)
- Saint Edward Parish (1953)
- Mater Ecclesiae Mission (2000)
In 2009, the Catholic Christian Community serving Berlin, Pine Hill, Albion, Sicklerville, Erial & Clementon, will create a “New Parish” experience dedicated to “Unity within Diversity”!
“Gathering God’s Gifts” calls you and me into a new era, a new history of Church, one that is exciting, challenging, and spirit filled. As we begin 2009, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (OLMC), St. Edward (SE), and Mater Ecclesiae (ME) will merge into a “New & Vibrant” parish. The “Core-Team” will be the catalyst to “Revitalize the faith experience of the parish & diocese in South Jersey.”
The “Core-Team” will be making NEW history; remembering the past, learning from it and creating something to treasure. This new entity will become our vehicle to continue our journey to God’s Kingdom. The “Core-Team” is made up of five members from OLMC, four from St. Edward parish and one representative from Mater Ecclesiae. This team will be in close contact with all the staff, volunteers, councils and Clerics/Religious, to put together a new parish. Each week the “Core-Team” will keep you informed and updated. Each individual parish will be asked to contribute to the new parish in “Prayer and in Faith Action.”
What makes up a “Vibrant-Dynamic” Parish?
[According to the ”National Pastoral Life Center”, Washington DC]
- A Clear Parish Vision & Mission
- A Welcoming Community
- An Active Eucharistic Celebration
- A Strong and Prayerful Spiritual Life
- A Calling to Evangelize
- A Caring, Pastoral Community
- A Compassionate Outreach
- A Strong Lay Ministry
- A Strong Lay Pastoral Leadership
- A “Life-Long” Faith Formation
The representatives on the “Core-Team” will be the group that will coordinate efforts and make recommendations to the Bishop for the creation of a New Parish for all of us, so please contact any of them with your concerns and/or questions … they are…
Core-Team Members by Sub-Committees
Convener: Fr. Joe Ferrara
Consultant & Recorder: Ron Katkocin
- Spiritual & Liturgical: Tony Ziccardi (OLMC) & Mark Buscher (SE)
- Finances & Accounting: Sheila Tartamosa (SE) & Kevin DiPietropolo (OLMC)
- Facilities & Staff: Joe Grassi (OLMC) & Bill Harle (SE)
- Catechetical & Life-Long Formation: Larry Pursell (ME) & Don Williams (OLMC)
- Pastoral & Ministries: Bonnie Vadino (OLMC) & Joe Lang (SE)
In addition, the “Core-Team” will meet with staff and moderators from both parishes. These parish leaders, called Consultants, will be called upon to offer their expertise and/or respond to various issues, concerns and/or questions that the “Core-Team” may have regarding the merger. The “Core-Team” will also consult with priests, deacons & religious sisters as they begin this “new” venture.
Please pray for us, support us and help us in the “New Year Venture!”
In Jesus’ Name, Fr. Joe Ferrara
In Jesus’ Name, Fr. Joe Ferrara
Temporary Administrator of OLMC
Convener of Merging Parishes
Convener of Merging Parishes