January 1, 2022 (Click here for Letter as PDF)
Dear cherished member of St. Matthias Parish,
My name is Rev. James B. Farnan, and, in case we haven’t met, I am the newly appointed pastor of St. Matthias Parish. I will be ordained 23 years this year. I believe that today we are not only beginning a new year, but we are embarking on a new time of Catholic Christianity in Greene County. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. We have beautiful buildings, a wonderful culture of prayer, love and service, and the resources to move into the future boldly. Now is the time to make a plan. Not to forget the past but to embrace the mission we all share today so that those that come after us can securely stand on our shoulders.
In order to do this we need to hear from you. God is, by nature, a community of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As a Church and a parish we also are, by nature, a community of persons. Each of us has a unique perspective. I believe the Holy Spirit is inspiring you in a personal and unique way. In fact, that is our greatest resource: your relationship with God.
Click here for a questionnaire. Please take the time to complete it (mail to: Rev. James B. Farnan, 408 S Route 88, Carmichaels, PA 15320), and feel free to use additional pages if you wish, in order to tell us what you’re thinking and feeling. If you need to make copies for each family member, feel free to do so. You can also fill out a questionnaire online (see below form). I ask you to please pray over this and to let the Holy Spirit guide you as you respond to this request. Your perspective will help us move into the future together. Beginning in January you can leave them in the marked boxes at each church. Both parish councils and the staff will be reviewing your responses beginning in February.
Thank you very much in advance for your attention to this important part of our mission.
In the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ,
Reverend James B. Farnan BS, STL
Pastor, St. Matthias Parish, Greene County