September 11, 1971

Dear member of the Community of St. Malachi,

On August 13 representatives of our Community met with Bishop William Cosgrove, who received us cordially and informed us that the Chancery was studying our request to make St. Malachi’s a nonterritorial parish. Rather than waiting for formal approval, the Bishop urged us to begin now to implement our proposed programs of Christian action, education, and development.

Some efforts in social action are already under way, working through established organizations in the community such as the Crisis Center and the Urban Community School. However, our greatest unmet need is in the area of Christian education, both for ourselves and our children; yet it has proven most difficult to specify the format, goals, and scope of such a program. Therefore, all members of the Community interested in participating in a program of Christian education are asked to attend a meeting, followed by liturgy, in the school hall at 8 P.M., Saturday, September 11. A general unease prevails with CCD programs as they now exist; let us come together, pray, and plan what we would have instead.

The time has come when we must call for the financial support which many of you have indicated you were willing to commit to the Community, Our financial needs at this point are not enormous, but they are persistent. For example, the cost of printing the song sheets used at the Sunday liturgy has been borne by a single individual, there is seldom enough sheet music to go around for the musicians, and communications among our Community will require paper, postage, and a duplicating machine.

Father Wallace Roth has graciously offered us office space in the rectory and will set up a separate account for all donations made payable to the Community of St. Malachi. These funds will be controlled by the Community and a complete accounting of all income, expenditures, and assets will be distributed periodically to all members. The size of your contribution to the Community of St. Malachi will always be your private business, but we estimate that an average donation of $10.00 at this time will be necessary to get our organization under way.

We look forward to seeing you at the education meeting next Saturday.