Next July, Queen of Angels and St. Matthias Parishes will merge to become a new parish. The archdiocese’s Priest Placement Board is working to identify a pastor whose gifts and skills will fit well with the particular needs of the new community. The board will propose a candidate for Cardinal Cupich, who will make the final appointment decision. All priests across the archdiocese, including the current pastors, may apply to become pastor of the new parish.
This week, representatives of the Placement Board will meet with our parish staff, the Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Council. The staff and councils from St. Matthias will also be present and contribute to this conversation. The purpose of this consultation is to gather input from leaders about the current state of both parishes, the expectations and challenges for the staff, and all that the pastor does to support each parish. The Placement Board takes this input into consideration. Because Father Larry McNally from St. Matthias and Monsignor Jim Kaczorowski are both candidates to be the new pastor, they will not be part of these conversations.
Parishioners are also asked to share their input. There is a simple, two-question form which we invite all parishioners to complete, either in the back of church after Mass or on the parish website:
Online version (type in your answers)
The paper form can be returned directly to the Priests’ Placement Board or brought to the parish office or the church gathering space. Comments can remain anonymous.
Please pray for this process, so that the new parish receives the best leadership available. We will need to pray for a successful transition and renewal that will lead to greater discipleship, community and witness for our parish, your loved ones, and our entire Church.