MERRILLVILLE – Parishioners within the community of Merrillville recently received a letter and heard words from the pulpit during Sunday Mass regarding some scheduling changes as the three parishes take the next steps in the process of coming together as one parish.
Since Father Ted Mauch arrived two months ago, he has endeavored to support the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Catholic community in Merrillville with extreme care. He joined the ongoing conversation which began last year regarding the future of the five Merrillville parishes.
Conversations he has had with the leaders who participated in Bishop Robert J. McClory’s consultative process, members of the pastoral councils, and input provided by other groups has led to a clear consensus on several key topics. Father Mauch recently presented these items to Bishop McClory and received approval to move forward.
In the near future, St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Joan of Arc, and Ss. Peter and Paul will be united as one new parish. This blended community will inherit the rich legacies of all three parishes. For now, daily Masses, Funeral Masses, and Masses on special occasions, including Christmas, will continue to be celebrated at all three sites.
With low Sunday Mass attendance at all three of the locations and the continuing need to schedule visiting celebrants, Saturday evening and Sunday Masses will be consolidated at St. Andrew effective Dec. 8. The new Mass schedule respects each parish’s previous customs and the ability for one priest to celebrate all of the Masses without assistance. Each site will keep one Mass time and give up one Mass time. Masses will be offered at similar times as before, albeit at different locations in some instances.
The next step of this process will require collaboration.
“We are committed to bringing our ministries together. Your participation in this effort, to bring long-cherished ministries and traditions from each parish, will make the St. Andrew site a new home for everyone,” said Father Mauch. “No ministry, no group, or any tradition will be left behind. We cannot do this alone. To do this successfully, we all must commit to fully engage in the process and work together to make this new community as bright an experience of faith as each of us experienced in the past.”
When the community no longer needs the ministry and worship space at Ss. Peter and Paul and St. Joan of Arc, there will be an opportunity to celebrate a solemn closing Mass at each site before it is permanently closed.
Father Mauch said he is honored to serve these congregations as their priest. He understands in times of change, the experience of many emotions can be expected, and he encourages everyone to practice patience, charity, and ongoing communication in these circumstances.
“I invite you to share your feelings and thoughts with me,” he told parishioners. "Don’t ever hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of service. I am very thankful for the support you have shown.”
SIDEBOX
New Schedule
(as of 12/8/2021)
Sunday
8:30 a.m. Mass @ St. Andrew the Apostle
10:30 a.m. Mass @ St. Andrew the Apostle
Monday
8 a.m. Mass @ St. Joan of Arc
Tuesday
8 a.m. Mass @ St. Joan of Arc
Wednesday
8 a.m. Mass @ St. Joan of Arc
1 p.m. Confessions @ Ss. Peter & Paul
Thursday
8 a.m. Mass @ St. Joan of Arc
Friday
8:30 a.m. Mass @ St. Andrew the Apostle
Saturday
3 p.m. Confessions @ St. Andrew the Apostle
4 p.m. Mass @ St. Andrew the Apostle