Beloved Good Shepherd community,
This week we shared the momentous news of our call to a new Priest in Charge, Mthr. Maddie Hill. In anticipation of this announcement, during this past Sunday’s parish conversation, we reflected on the strengths of Good Shepherd, Rosemont, as well as areas where we can continue to grow. Our discussion was guided by the framework of Brother Ephrem Arcement, who visited us this spring. He proposes seven dimensions of “ecclesial wholeness” that together can help us to live into the fullness of what it means to be a church together. The dimensions he names are:
evangelical (proclamation of the Good News)
pentecostal (openness to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit)
sacramental (recognition of the inherent sacredness of the liturgy and Creation)
intellectual (discernment of divinely revealed truths)
mystical (contemplative seeking of union with God)
pastoral (community-oriented care for all souls)
prophetic (attestation to truth and justice).
Our parish conversation paralleled a discussion by the Vestry during our recent retreat. We found that we experienced repeated surprise and excitement at the breadth and depth of the ways that Good Shepherd lives into the different dimensions listed above, even in areas we initially felt might not be our strengths or most central to our identity as a parish. (If you are interested in seeing the notes from that discussion, please ask a Vestry member for a copy.) As you look over the list, what strikes you as central to Good Shepherd, Rosemont’s identity? Where do you see strengths and room to grow in each of these dimensions?
In previous parish conversations we asked parishioners to reflect on what qualities they are looking for in a new priest. This past Sunday we asked participants to reflect on the qualities we as a parish offer our new priest. Once Mthr. Maddie settles into her new role, together we will create a joint vision statement for Good Shepherd, Rosemont. We know from our meetings with her that she is eager to start working with the parish on this unified vision. Sunday’s deliberations were a promising preamble to that process, and I hope we as individuals and as a parish will continue to ponder these dimensions as we prepare for the arrival of Mthr. Maddie.
In Christ,
Jason Crockett
Rector’s Warden