THE TABLET
March 1, 2008

The Joy of Visiting Parishes

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

For me, since coming to the Diocese of Brooklyn, among the many joys and challenges have been the pastoral visits to parishes.  The obligation to visit parishes at least once every five years is something that was included in the 2003 Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II, “Pastores Gregis” (“Shepherds of the Flock”).  In the document, we hear this wonderful description of the parish pastoral visit as an authentic moment of grace and “a special, indeed unique, moment for encounter and dialogue between the Bishop and the faithful.”          

I have already visited all the parishes at least once on a type of whirlwind tour.  At least I celebrated Mass on either Saturday night or Sunday, or celebrated Confirmations. 

In the last year, I began visiting parishes on Sunday, celebrating at least two Masses and meeting with the pastoral and finance councils of the parish.  This has proven to be a wonderful opportunity, as the document says, for dialogue and exchange.  I have used the sessions to explain the current situation of the Diocese, especially in regard to consolidation of parishes and schools, and also to explore the parish’s current planning process.  In preparation for my visit I do read the planning documents that have been submitted by the parish, and also review the current sacramental and financial information that we have on record.

The greatest joy is obviously the celebration of the Eucharist with the people of the parish.  If I can celebrate one of the language Masses I certainly will, since Italian and Spanish are common, but I can also celebrate in French when needed.  If I am not able to celebrate myself, I will attend one of the other language Masses.  To see the people of Brooklyn and Queens attend the Eucharist is certainly a sight that makes a Bishop and a priest stop and recognize the great faith of our people and their devotion to Christ and His Church.

In a large Diocese such as Brooklyn, the pastoral visits are also part of the obligation of our territorial vicars.  Territorial vicars usually meet with pastors, associates and pastoral staff to review the sacramental records as well as to deal with any practical matters concerning parish management.  This leaves the Bishop free to deal with pastoral matters as I have done in pastoral visits thus far.

The question-and-answer period during these visits is always the most stimulating.  It is very informative to know what is on the minds of the people of the parish, and it is a challenge to be able to respond in a way that people can understand the true situation of the Diocese and the Church.

In “Pastores Gregis,” which was his final Apostolic Exhortation, and in his 2004 book, “Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way,” Pope John Paul stated his love for pastoral visits. He said:  “I particularly enjoyed pastoral visitations.  I liked them very much because they put me in direct contact with people.  I had a strong sense that I was ‘forming’ them.”  The words of Pope John Paul II, of beloved memory, certainly resonate with me as I travel in Brooklyn and Queens to meet the people, clergy and Religious together on Sundays.

Although not every Sunday can include a visitation, most Sundays give me the opportunity to see the Diocese alive and at worship.  Parish visitations are truly an exercise in “putting out into the deep,” since every visit in every parish is different and unique.  They always reveal something new about the life of the Church in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

With God’s help and asking for the physical strength to continue, I will continually visit and revisit the parishes and people of our Diocese as part of my pastoral responsibilities. It truly gives the greatest joy.