Dear Parishioners and Friends,
October is Respect Life Month, an opportunity for us to highlight the importance of embracing the gift of life and the dignity of every person. One of our core beliefs is that life is to be protected from “conception until natural death.” This is not mere rhetoric but is actually at the very heart of our Catholic Social Teaching. When we discuss the rights and dignity of every human person, we understand this to be a unifying
force. This fundamental right of every human being must transcend cultural, religious, and philosophical boundaries.

Arguments for recognizing and defending life, therefore, is a universal principle – that is, all people of good will, regardless of where they live, or the religion they practice, or the philosophy they hold, have the capacity to recognize this essential gift of life. Unconditional respect for life is no easy task, as evidenced by the ongoing debates within society (and even within our Church community). How do we support the lives of our unborn sisters and brothers? How do we manage immigration policies while honoring those who genuinely seek asylum or a better way of life? What does economic justice for all look like? What respect is shown for the elderly? How is basic healthcare accessible for everyone? What is just punishment for the murderer? How do we honor the dignity and rights of those with debilitating mental illness? How do we care for the Poor, Hungry, and those without shelter?

To address each and all of these important topics, we must start with the fundamental premise that all life is sacred, that every human person matters. It really is that simple. The consistent call to respect life is not an appendage to our discipleship. It is foundational because respecting all life takes seriously our fidelity to the two great commandments: to love God with our whole heart and to love one another. Let us pray throughout this month – and every day of our lives – fora true appreciation for Life, the greatest gift that comes from the Author of Life.

Respectfully yours in Christ Our Life,
Fr. Gurnick

ADMINISTRATOR’S COLUMN
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Patrick and St. Malachi,
I was joined by our Collaborative Steering Committee Co-Chairs, Pat Masterson and Stephanie Williams, for our meeting with Bishop Malesic and members of his staff on September 18. As parishioners know, we requested that he formally proceed with changing the status of
St. Malachi Parish to that of an oratory with sponsorship through St. Patrick Parish. The strategic plan for the partnership was also reviewed. The bishop was very pleased with the proposal and will proceed with the plan moving forward. The following steps were offered by the
bishop and his staff:
1. Bishop Malesic will officially consult with his Presbyteral Council in November to present and review this proposal;
2. A formal letter of decree is anticipated at the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025;
3. The partnership between the new oratory and the sponsoring parish will go into effective 1 July 2025. The rationale for this date is to align it with the time-line for combining various commissions and committees, as proposed by the Steering Committee.

Bishop Malesic and his staff inquired if there were concerns raised by parishioners, even if not objecting to the process. We responded that the two main concerns had todo with 1) balance between our mission and that of financial stewardship, ie. budgeting for operations and staffing, as well as respecting specific designated funds, and 2) retaining our mission and ministries to the poor and others
in need. The bishop concurred that both areas need to be honored and was satisfied with plans for us to have specific Memoranda of Understanding created to honor these priorities.   the meanwhile, the bishop gave his approval that we may begin to move toward our goals and timelines, as prescribed in our proposal.

At the conclusion of our meeting, Bishop Malesic expressed his gratitude to the Collaboration Steering Committee, the Working Groups, and to the parishioners for their sincere efforts to make this a fruitful process. The bishop then offered his blessing, extending it to all of you. Our next phase for implementation is underway with more information available in the weeks ahead. I also extend my sincerest thanks to our parish leaders and to everyone who has been engaged in this important process. Through the intercession of Ss. Malachi and Patrick, may we continue to grow as experience this next chapter – together.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Gurnic