Good Shepherd Church

• Deb Ballou
• Don Callen
• Jason Cote
• Sue Desjourdy
• Roger Poulin

Saint Augustine Church

• Colleen Curis
• Gerry Finn
• Ann Lesperance
• Herve Richer
• Joe Walden

Saint Paul Church

• MaryAnn DeRestie
• David Guertin
• Mike Perron
• Tom Tenerowicz

Saint Theresa Church

• Dan Curtis
• Toni Harvey
• John Marino
• Tom Signa
• Robert Vose

Saint Mary Church

• Randy Colonero
• Jim Fish
• Sue Fish
• Peter Fritz
• Diane Moriarty

Since the last group meeting of the five parish representative teams, on January 8th, each parish representative team has been working independently to formulate a scenario (rationale) of how they believe the restructuring of the five parishes in the Lower Blackstone Valley should take place. The following guidelines have been provided by Father Nick to assist in their discussions…

In preparing your rationale to submit to Bishop McManus, please respond to each of the following questions. Please be as succinct as possible. Your rationale report should not exceed five typed pages. Rationales are due to Father Nicholas Desimone by Friday, February 18, 2022.

1. Which model best supports parish renewal in the lower Blackstone Valley region (a collaborative model; multiple collaboratives; parish mergers; etc.)? 

1. 1. Good Shepherd Parish, Linwood
   2. Saint Mary Parish, Uxbridge

1. Saint Augustine Parish, Millville
2. Saint Paul Parish, Blackstone
3. Saint Theresa Parish, Blackstone

2. How will this model support vitality and stability for the long-term (10+ years) considering recent trends (financial, demographic, attendance at Mass, etc.)?

3. Given the model you envision, which facilities best support the sacramental and ministerial life of the Church (worship space, meeting space, space for religious education at all levels, etc.)? Each of the following must be taken into consideration:
   1. Are they affordable?
   2. Do they provide adequate space?
   3. Do they provide adequate capacity for future growth?
   4. Are they accessible?
   5. Are they safe?
   6. Are there issues regarding maintenance and repair that need to be addressed?

4. Is the model that you envision manageable for the clergy given the number of priests expected to be available for service in the Blackstone Valley region? [Note: priests are ordinarily permitted to celebrate only three Masses in a day.]

5. Is the model that you envision manageable for a professional staff of lay persons? How many positions are needed to support the ministerial life of the parish or parishes? What are those positions? Can the parish or parishes afford to pay just wages for this professional staff? Can they provide adequate training or professional development for staff?

CLICK HERE FOR A PDF OF THESE GUIDLINES