Petition

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A Declaration of Position and Intent

Preface

For in the Church there are many apostolic undertakings which are established by the free choice of the laity and regulated by their prudent judgment. The mission of the Church can be better accomplished in certain circumstances by undertakings of this kind, and therefore, they are frequently praised or recommended by the hierarchy.

In response to the Second Vatican Council and, in particular, the spirit of the Decree of the Apostolate of the Laity expressed above, we are petitioning for approval for the formation of a non-territorial parish.

Development of the Community:

During a period of five years a community has formed at St. Malachi’s Church around an actively celebrated liturgy, a liturgy which strives to bring to reality the words of the Second Vatican Council"that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious and active participation in liturgical celebration which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy."

This community has grown over time primarily through word of mouth and based on a desire to experience the freedom to implement the teachings of the Second Vatican Council.

The Present Community:The Present Community:

The community at St. Malachi’s has characteristics that reflect the needs and attitudes of the members. An essential characteristic is a willingness to be open to change. This openness influences many aspects of our experience as a community, but is always characterized by a willingness to take risks for the possible gain of freshness and growth. This experience occurs in our worshipping within a spirit of involvement and responsiveness to God and to each other and in our self renewing greeting to each other as we seek and experience a Christian acceptance. The openness to that which is new is a dynamic force.

-2-

The community of St. Malachi’s has a second basic characteristic, that of Christian love. This love is extended to all and is a reflection of the presence of all members by free choice. The availability of such a community to a range of persons who are in the process of experiencing a relationship to God through community is a deep and abiding characteristic of the experience that is St. Malachi’s.

The Continuing Community:The Continuing Community:

With each week we joyfully witness the growth of Christ’s love among us and the strengthening of our ties, but at the same time the imperfections of our present relationship become more apparent. To all members of our community we wish to provide more than an inspiring Sunday liturgy; we wish to provide the full sacramental richness of the Church. Furthermore, we recognize that our Christian witness can never be perfect until we more fully participate in the work of Christ. We seek to respond to the spiritual gifts we have received here through such ways as:

1) action programs in the urban community

2) a vital Christian education for our children

3) the development of Christian experiences meaningful for youth and adults

To achieve this necessary spiritual growth and even to ensure the continuation of our present relationship, we must now assume an operational structure and seek that special dignity which is attained through episcopal approval.

We, the undersigned, petition our pastoral shepherd, Clarence G. Issenmann, to establish St. Malachi’s as a non-territorial parish for an experimental period of two (2) years.