In 2000, Bishop Clark appointed Sr. Joan Cawley, SSJ as the Pastoral Administrator of the four church cluster of St. Mary, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Patrick and Immaculate Heart of Mary that had been formed in 1990 as the Corning-Painted Post Roman Catholic Community. In 2001, consistent with previously plans, the four parishes were suppressed (canonically closed) and reestablished by Bishop Matthew Clark as All Saints Parish with four worship sites. In 2003, St. Patrick Church was closed as a worship site and place of ministerial activity. The property was put up for sale. The decision was made for financial reasons and to partially fulfill the stretegic plan recommended by parish’s Implementation Oversight Board (IOB).
In 2006, Bishop Clark appointed Deacon Dean Condon as Pastoral Administrator. At this time the parish was facing serious financial difficulties. The 2006-2007 budget predicted deficit of $355,000. Fortunately, over the next two years, large bequests helped fill the financial gaps, saving the parish from financial peril. With the final sale of the St. Patrick Church, significant reduction of expenses, and an increased giving appeal, All Saints Parish now has a balanced operational budget.
Over the past five years, lay involvement in ministry and service has increased in a variety of ways. Enrollment in children’s faith formation classes have increased significantly and our attendance at our vacation Bible Camp is at an all time high. Our youth ministry has expanded to a full time youth minister, fully implementing the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops vision and curriculum for youth ministry.
Among support ministries, there have been several great developments. In addition to more fully involving the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils, Deacon Dean established a new Facilities Council, a Communications Team, and a Stewardship Team, all of which collaborate to strengthen our parish. A major accomplishment of the Communication Team has been the formation of this website.
Other developments include a new Healing Prayer Ministry Team through which the miraculous power of God has touched the lives of many people. The Pro-Life team has begun great work for the cause of the unborn. A recently estalished Visitation Ministry Team visits hospitals, hospice patients, nursing homes, and our home bound parishioners. In the fall of 2011 we are looking to begin small group ministry.
Underpinning these new developments has been the development of a strategic planning process that permeates every ministry. The parish has a very clear mission and vision with metrics for measuring progress in achieving our mission. The same process is being applied to every individual parish ministry. Each ministry has clear objectives and metrics for measuring progress and continuous improvement.
It is our mission to enthusiastically build up the kingdom of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. In achieving that mission it is our hope to serve you in the best way possible and to afford you every opportunity to serve others. As we look to the future, it is bright – even in the midst of the many challenges that face our culture. The best lies ahead and we hope that you will join with us as we serve God and His people together.
Read the complete parish history here.