August 17-18, 2024
Dear parishioners,
With last weekend’s announcement that the Dicastery for the Clergy at the Vatican upheld Bishop Thomas’ decrees of relegation for our churches in Antwerp and Payne, I would like to clarify a few items that have come to my attention. The first item is that our 4:00 Mass will remain in Payne for the near future, until the Diocese provides further guidance as to finalizing the relegation process. I will be sure to provide an update once I have more information. Be assured that future discontinued use of the church will not likely be instantaneous with my next announcement about moving forward, but will likely allow some time before we discontinue use.
Also, I would like to allay concerns that have been brought to me concerning our school. I have been informed that, given the situation with our churches, a misunderstanding has unfortunately spread around, by which people have come to think that our school would be closing. But this is not true! Neither I nor the diocese have plans to close the school, and we remain committed to the mission of our Catholic school. Our doors remain open, and we hope to continue providing a solid Catholic education for our families for many years to come!
Lastly, please pray for our parish. Please pray for those in our parish who are hurting right now because of our church situation. Please also pray for those who have fallen away from the practice of the Catholic faith, that they return to the sacraments of the Church. I keep this intention in my prayers often- for those in our county, and those in my family who have, for whatever reason, wandered away from the practice of the faith. Collectively, we make this prayer first and foremost for the sake of others themselves. But, we also make this prayer for the health and stability of our parish. May Jesus grant our parish growth, not only in numbers, but also in our knowledge and love of him.
Be assured of my prayers for all of you!
In Christ,
Fr. Ammanniti
