St. Anthony's Parish  Your English speaking Roman catholic parish in Kraineem   

- News - News - News- News - News - News - News - News - News - News - News -

Printable version     

The Future of St Anthony’s: FPG report

Kraineem (19 May 2005)

By Yvonne Stausboll

As reported in the last edition of the newsletter, a Future Planning Group (FPG)
was constituted in January this year from members of both the Finance and
Pastoral Councils to examine the future of the Community of St Anthony's in
view of the fact that the Irish Franciscans will no longer be able to supply
priests as in the past. The FPG concluded its deliberations in May of this year with a report and recommendations to the Finance and Pastoral Councils, which they will now consider for appropriate action.

At this stage, it is important to stress how highly dependent our Community
is on the support of its parishioners, not only financially but also in
terms of service in the numerous ministries. As our priests are approaching
retirement age, the need for an active community is even more apparent and
all parishioners are invited to once again reflect on the role they play in
our church community and if there are any ways in which they can increase
their involvement.

As far as the future of our priests is concerned, we will not know more
until the conclusion of the General Chapter of the Irish Franciscans, which
will be held in July this year. The Chapter may decide to allow both our
priests to remain in service here in Kraainem until their retirement. But
this is by no means certain, although indications are that at least Father
Vincent would be permitted to stay as Parish Priest until his retirement.

Once the outcome of the Chapter is known, it is proposed that a further
report will be provided to parishioners, with the possibility of holding an
open meeting to further discuss the future and present the options which we
face.

▲up