How’s Your Social Life? “Self-imposed solitude might just be the most important social fact of the 21st century in America.” (Derek Thompson, “The Anti-Social Century”, in the February issue of The Atlantic). That quote really caught my attention. In it, Thompson summed up a concerning trend. Many people have reduced their out-of-home socializing over the past couple of decades. Rather than go out to eat, or to a movie, or to church, or whatever—people might stay home to eat, watch television, or scroll on their phones. I’m not saying that home, television, or phones are intrinsically bad. … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – January 19, 2025

Compliments (post December 21) “Phil, I have never been to a better organized funeral. The army of gracious volunteers were ready with assistance at every turn. The liturgy was exquisite. It was such an honor to be there.” (one of several emails) That was just one of the many complimentary emails I received after Fr. Steve’s funeral last month. Emails highlight our gracious, talented, and committed volunteers. We say we’re a volunteer parish—and we took volunteerism to another level for Fr. Steve’s funeral. I also heard many compliments in the course of events. Recall that we welcomed Fr. … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – January 12, 2025

2024 Moments (in reverse order) When I sat down to write this week’s column, various moments from 2024 kept popping into my head: • On the 4th Sunday of Advent, Fr. Thomas preached on Mary and Elizabeth meeting each other. He noted that this is a good way to experience God—in ordinary moments, not just spectacular moments. Case in point: during his homily, while talking about Mary, Elizabeth, and the baby Jesus, one of our St. Matt’s infants was providing background music. • At Fr. Steve’s funeral, I marveled at how so many things came together for a wonderful celebration of his life and … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – January 5, 2025

Rejoice! Rejoice, be glad, and give thanks! Our Lord is come. That’s unusual grammar, but it points to a religious reality. God came in person two thousand years ago. God continues to come into our lives. That reality leads us to say again, Merry Christmas! According to our religious calendar, we’re in the Christmas season until January 12, the Baptism of Our Lord. (After that, we’re in Ordinary Time until Lent.) I don’t know what music the malls are now playing; we’ll sing our Christmas songs for two more weeks. Our community’s Christmas joy is tempered by the loss of our long-time pastor, … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – December 29, 2024

Funeral, Advent, Christmas Many thanks to all who helped with Fr. Steve Adrian’s funeral on Saturday, December 21. It was truly a celebration of the life of our long-time pastor, mentor and friend. How we can continue to honor Fr. Steve’s life and legacy? Suggestions: • Pray—for Fr. Steve and his family, our St. Matt’s parish community, our West Side friends and neighbors, and Community of Saints (COS) Regional Catholic School. • Work—for social justice, peace, and the common good. • Contribute—stories, photos, and remembrances of Fr. Steve. We expect to share some at Soup & Story … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – December 22, 2024

Life Eternal, Life on Earth Fr. Steve Adrian passed into eternal life on Sunday, December 1. I know everyone is keeping him and his family in their prayers. Thank you for those. I’m also grateful for the countless parishioners, volunteers, staff and friends who have met, prayed, and planned for his 11:00 a.m. funeral next Saturday, December 21. Per Fr. Steve’s wishes, visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. the day before—on Friday, December 20. There will be a brief ceremony to “Welcome the Casket”. After that, visitation will continue until a Vespers service at 7:00 p.m. After Vespers, there … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – December 15, 2024

Institutional Matters It’s time for an update from the institutional church. That is to say, I recently attended another APBA meeting. (APBA stands for Association of Parish Business Administrators, my professional association.) I generally enjoy the meetings, as I like to ask questions of knowledgeable colleagues, learn what I can, and offer support to new administrators. You see, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis doesn’t do all that much to support new administrators. The Arch has some required trainings, focused mostly on ensuring compliance with canon law and civil law. Those … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – December 8, 2024

Have a Blessed Advent Happy New Liturgical Year! I say that because the season of Advent is the beginning of our church year. I look forward to Advent each year, because we get to sing special Advent hymns—great hymns full of anticipation and longing. I also like Advent’s gradual build up to the full glory of Christmas, as opposed to skipping straight from Thanksgiving to Dec. 24-25. It’s Complicated . . . . . . to prepare for heaven. That was my main takeaway from a seminar we hosted a year ago, aptly titled “Preparing for Heaven” (PFH). As we look towards the end of 2024, PFH has been on … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – December 1, 2024