Letter From The Pastor

Letter From The Archdiocese

October 3, 2022
Dear Parishioners,

 I am pleased to announce that the parishes of St. Mary of the Annunciation and St. Richard of Chichester will begin as a collaborative in June of 2023. Moving into a collaborative means that Cardinal Sean will appoint one priest as pastor to both parishes in the collaborative. As a collaborative, you will be encouraged to work together to develop a pastoral plan that has a focus on strengthening our evangelization efforts as designed in the pastoral plan ~ Disciples in Mission.

 Over the years, you may have heard some discussion as to when you would move into a collaborative, some ways to prepare while preserving the unique characteristics of both parishes. This announcement brings with it a variety of feelings - of excitement about potential new beginnings, a sense of hope and perhaps some hesitation about potential changes. Even so, it is good to remember that you share one faith, one Church, one loving God! You are also a community with a deep awareness of what it means to be disciples of Jesus Christ and are fortunate that a relationship already exists between the two parishes. That spirit will certainly aid you in the days ahead. Becoming a collaborative will give you the opportunity to build with renewed energy, a strong community of faith in the town of Danvers.

 As you move forward in the process, a consultation session, conducted by the Clergy Personnel Office for the staffs, finance and pastoral councils of the two parishes. Sister Lucille, from the Clergy Personnel Office will be in contact in a few weeks to schedule that consultation meeting for late October or early November. As more information becomes available, we at the Archdiocese will be sure to share it with you.

 For now, please pray each day with the intention that the Holy Spirit will give guidance and direction in all your actions as a new collaborative.

Sincerely in Christ,
Sister Pat Boyle, CSJ
Associate Director, Office of Pastoral Planning
Archdiocese of Boston