Continuing the commitment of the Assumptionist Center's goal, in word and action, to be a place where, " we can learn together and discuss what it means to be Church," the final conversation for the academic year recently focused on the theme of "Today's Catholic Parish."

Our guest celebrant at Mass and presenter was Msgr. William Fay, our pastor at St. Columbkille's, neighbor and friend here in Brighton. Before returning to Boston his home diocese, Msgr. Fay was Secretary of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops in Washington, DC. Coming home at a time of transition and transformation, Msgr. Fay requested to be assigned to a multi-cultural, diverse, urban parish with a school. St. Columbkille's fit the bill perfectly.

In his presentation to those present, Msgr. Fay focused on three challenges which have driven all his parish efforts.

Firstly, and most important of all, he has directed all ministerial endeavors, programs, and activities to the growth of the parish as a Eucharistic community of faith and action, from the youngest to the most senior of members. Secondly, the parish, like so many in the archdiocese, is blessed with peoples coming from many countries, especially Latin and South America, eastern Europe, and Asia. They bring their own cultural traditions, devotions and rituals that must be respected, honored and as appropriate, integrated into the total parish faith community. Thirdly, there is the on-going need to face and mend the pain, suffering and hurt caused by the clergy scandal of recent years. As Church, we are a people in constant need of conversion and transformation, totally dependent upon God's healing and limitless mercy, compassion and love. And as Church ministers, we must do all we can, through the power of prayer and the sacraments, to be instruments of these gifts. Enriched by Msgr. Fay's presentation, a lively an insightful discussion was followed by a shared meal. Gratitude was then expressed by all!