Transition in parish communities

Archbishop Murphy begins his weekly Catholic Northwest Progress “In Joy and Hope” column by stating, “Transition can be a challenging experience for leaders in a parish and for the parish community itself.” This is a subject with which most Catholics are all too familiar. One of the biggest challenges in his opinion is the unique identity each parish develops. However, he clearly affirms Diocesan priests are ordained to serve to entire local church – not just a single parish. “Transition can be a call to new life and energy,” said Archbishop Murphy. “Transition can be the catalyst for the Holy Spirit to touch all our lives in new ways.”