Recently assigned pastors are required to submit a report on their first year in
their new assignment. This is part 1 of 2 of my report to Bishop Libasci. FB

April 30, 2009
Most Reverend Peter Libasci
Eastern Vicariate
P.O. Box 5046
Southampton, NY 11969

Dear Bishop Libasci:
The people of Saints Peter and Paul parish have been very warm and welcoming to me, despite
grieving the change of assignment of their founding pastor, Rev. John McGratty. More than 1300 families
are currently registered. Weekly mass attendance for the four parish masses averages 800 people. The
church building seats 300. Canonically, parish boundaries include the entire Manorville ZIP code, 4000+
households.
I have studied the parish reports and Pastoral Council minutes of the past few years. I have been
listening attentively to the Parish Staff, the Pastoral Council, the Finance Committee and the parishioners
at large, to develop an understanding of this faith community and the surrounding area of Manorville and
the Moriches. The Staff and the Council have been involved in a group process to uncover the hopes and
dreams for the spiritual development of this faith community in the coming years. From this process of
prayer and discernment, the parish will grow in Christian maturity and meet the challenges of the future.
I have met with the Parish Staff for prayer and agenda items every other week; convened the Council
monthly, and held a joint Council-Staff meeting for shared planning. With the encouragement of both
Staff and Council I have reestablished monthly meetings of a Liturgy Committee, and a Stewardship
Committee. I have responded positively to men in the parish desiring to reestablish a local Knights of
Columbus Council, Our Lady of the Pines. More than 60 men have registered at this time and are
gathering regularly.
Saints Peter and Paul parish is a healthy faith community. Outreach to the needy is extensive with a
coordinator of PSM. Faith formation is effective with a DRE and support staff assisting in sacrament
preparation, in a home based program with catechists, parent involvement and special grade level Sunday
Masses focusing on assisting the less fortunate. Next year in collaboration with our Faith Formation
director, I am planning to offer teaching throughout the year that will target the parents of children
preparing for the sacraments. The parish youth program including Confirmation preparation and retreats is
exemplary. In adult faith formation, I have taught Basic course accredited classes in Liturgy, the
Sacraments, and Old and New Testament this past fall, winter and spring. On-going spiritual formation of
liturgical ministers has been well attended during my tenure.
The parish offertory income has been breaking even. Some funds have been donated by parishioners
for new building. No renewal of Stewardship of treasure has been made in many years. The Stewardship
Committee and I have renewed the time and talent ministry component of Stewardship, and we have
contracted with the diocesan office for assistance in that for this May. We plan to renew stewardship of
treasure in the fall 2009.
While the church building is not aesthetically pleasing in comparison with others, participation at
Mass in song and responses is very good. The intimacy of the building with its low ceilings and close
proximity to the altar, encourage active involvement in worship. This building was not intended to be a
permanent structure. There are no stained glass windows, no main aisle leading to the altar, and no access
to the tabernacle for prayer.

Next week: Part two of Father Bruce’s report to Bishop Libasci...
April 30, 2009
Most Reverend Peter Libasci
Eastern Vicariate
P.O. Box 5046
Southampton, NY 11969