For Church of the Transfiguration and St. Catherine of Siena

Hello everyone,

This past Friday Bishop Salvatore Matano appointed Rev. Robert Scott Bourcy the third Pastor of the Church of the Transfiguration; I am absolutely delighted by this news!

I extend my sincere congratulations to Rob and look forward to continued cooperation and collaboration with him during these days of transition. The official day of transition is Tuesday, June 29 at 6:00 PM.

May Rob’s years at Transfiguration be filled with the same blessings and happiness I have enjoyed for 19 years!

Blessings in 2021!

Be safe, be well!

Let us pray for peace and take action to end terrorism in our world!
In peace and courage,
Fr. Mike

"Let everyone that comes be received as Christ" Rule of St. Benedict

Click HERE for the survey results, a 14 page report.

>>>>>New Mass schedule from the Cluster Committee<<<<<

Communication to Parishioners – March 27-28, 2021

On March 22^nd we, the Clustering Committee, met to reach a decision about the Mass schedule.  We discussed the input received from parishioners through the Mass survey, paid attention to Mass attendance over the previous five years, considered the experience of other clustered parishes, and spent time in our own discussions sharing insights into each parish’s personality and traditions.  We then agreed on the following weekend Mass schedule.  The two parish Pastoral Councils have endorsed this decision; Fr. Rob and Fr. Mike are supportive of the new schedule.  Beginning the weekend of June 26-27, Mass times will be:

• Saturday 4:00 pm at the Church of the Transfiguration
• Saturday 5:30 pm at St. Catherine of Siena
• Sunday 8:45 am at the Church of the Transfiguration
• Sunday 10:45 am at St. Catherine of Siena

We noted the following:

• This schedule involves a minimal (15 minute) time change for the two Sunday morning Masses with the highest attendance.
• As the times are not too different from the current schedule, it is less disruptive to parishioners in their current Mass attendance patterns.
• It is most equitable, since both parishes have to adjust their times and by the same amount of time.
• Time with the priest can occur prior to Mass (e.g., chatting, anointing) and afterwards.  There is a strong likelihood that the Pastor will be assisted by a retired priest, allowing this to happen. 
• Fellowship time for parishioners will continue; we can work to enhance/expand it.  Clustering provides an opportunity for people to expand their social circles to include the other parish community. 
• There will be one Pastor, two parishes, four weekend Mass time options.

The Clustering Committee acknowledges that this change will be hard, more so for some, particularly Mass goers at St. Catherine’s 8:15 am Mass and Transfiguration’s 11/11:30 am Mass.  Grief is normal, especially when it involves what we deeply love--our Eucharist and our parish community.  We are committed to working through any problems that arise to find solutions.  Please continue to seek out any Clustering Committee member for additional conversation or with questions.

The Clustering Committee

Church of the Transfiguration

Fr. Mike Bausch (Pastor) - [email protected]

Rich DiMarco (Parish Pastoral Council) – [email protected]

Sue Gangemi (Parish Pastoral Council) - [email protected]

Mike Goonan (Parish Pastoral Council Chair) - [email protected]

Ann Smith (Parish Pastoral Council) - [email protected]

Mary Beth Sullivan (Parish Pastoral Council) – [email protected]

St. Catherine of Siena

Fr. Rob Bourcy (Pastor) – [email protected]

Denton Clark (Parish Pastoral Council) - [email protected]

Pam McInerney (Parish Staff) - [email protected]

Jennifer Yates (Parish Pastoral Council Chair) - [email protected]

Karen Zielinski (Parish Pastoral Council) - [email protected]