• Dear Friends,


    On Pentecost Sunday, May 16, 2027, we anticipate the formal union of our parishes. This will be an important step, but it is not the beginning of our shared story. For more than fifteen years, our communities have been growing in partnership. Over the past two years especially, we have taken meaningful steps to build a common future. We have now reached the moment of discerning a name for our new parish—not a name for a building, but for the one community of faith we are becoming together: the People of God, gathered across three churches, united in faith and mission.


    Father Andrew and I, together with our Pastoral Team and Pastoral Council, have been reading, discussing, and praying with Lumen Gentium, the Second Vatican Council’s teaching on the Church. This reflection has helped us narrow the possibilities to three names. Each points toward the mission of Christ and the life we hope to share. We now invite your voice into that discernment.


    A parish name can remind us who we are, help others know us, and inspire how we live our faith. Thank you for bringing your hopes, questions, and prayer to this important conversation.


    Father John

  • A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

    • We are discerning a name for our future parish family, not renaming our individual church buildings. Our three church buildings—Our Lady of the Snows, Saint Gregory, and Saint Benedict—will retain their names.

    • Our existing churches already honor Mary and the saints under the titles of Our Lady of the Snows, Saint Gregory, and Saint Benedict. A name rooted in the mission of Christ and the Gospel allows these sacred identities to remain honored while gathering their communities around the One whom each loved and served.

    • This is a conversation, not a vote. Your reflections will help guide our discernment.

    HOW TO RESPOND

    Read the brief reflection for each name and offer whatever comes to mind. A phrase or a sentence is enough; you do not have to respond to every name. Please submit one response.  Please respond by November 22, 2026.

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  • Theological + Pastoral Meaning

    Lumen Gentium describes the Holy Spirit as dwelling in the Church, guiding her in truth, unifying her in communion and ministry, giving gifts, renewing her, and leading her forward. Through the Spirit, those who are many become the one Body of Christ. 

    Our unity is not simply the result of planning or shared structures. It is the work of the Spirit, drawing our communities together without erasing the history and gifts of each.

    As we look toward Pentecost, Spirit of Christ Parish gives renewed expression to Doors Wide Open as a Church moved by the Spirit—gathered, renewed, and sent beyond our doors in mission.

  • WHAT THIS NAME EMPHASIZES

    PENTECOST: Distinct people gathered into one Body and sent.

    GIFTS: The dignity and responsibility of every baptized member.

    MISSION:  Renewal and confidence in God's action among us.  

     

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  • Theological + Pastoral Meaning

    On the road to Emmaus, two disciples carry disappointment, uncertainty, and questions about the future. The Risen Christ draws near, walks beside them, opens the Scriptures, and makes himself known in the breaking of the bread. Renewed by this encounter, they return to the community with new faith and hope.

    Lumen Gentium describes the Church as the pilgrim People of God—a people journeying together under the guidance of Christ and brought into communion through the Eucharist.

    Emmaus gives the community a Gospel story to inhabit: people accompanied by Christ, gathered around Word and Eucharist, and sent back into the world. It expresses Doors Wide Open through welcome, listening, accompaniment, and table fellowship.

  • WHAT THIS NAME EMPHASIZES

    ACCOMPANIMENT: Christ draws near and walks beside his disciples.  

    WORD & EUCHARIST: He opens the Scriptures and is known in the breaking of the bread. 

    WITNESS:  A missionary movement from encounter to service.  

     

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  • Theological + Pastoral Meaning

    At the Easter Vigil, the light of the Paschal Candle enters the darkness and the Church proclaims, “The Light of Christ.”

    This name places Christ at the center and echoes the opening words of Lumen Gentium. The light of Christ shines through the Church so that the Gospel may reach every person. It is the light we receive and the light we are called to carry.

    Christ Our Light Parish gives renewed expression to Doors Wide Open: we welcome people to encounter Christ and carry his light beyond our doors through compassion, service, and mission.

  • WHAT THIS NAME EMPHASIZES

    CHRIST: An explicit biblical and liturgical title of the Lord.

      

    LIGHT: Christ's light entering darkness and being carried outward.  

    WITNESS:  A missionary movement from encounter to service.  

     

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    Thank you! 

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