Dear Parishioners of the Assumption,
There are certain moments in one’s life that truly define the direction in which one proceeds. These moments change one’s outlook from that point forward. A defining moment may or may not lead to a change in direction, but it always creates a new reality. It cannot be ignored, even if it is temporarily set aside.
In one’s natural life, there are a few defining moments that are obvious. Some are truly reasons for rejoicing – like one’s wedding day or the birth or a child; some are heartbreaking, like the death of a family member or friend; and some cause us to truly see the world differently, like when we realize our parents are human just as are we.
In the Faith, there are also moments that are defining. For the Faith as a whole, there are many – a few are the incarnation of Christ, the Resurrection and Pentecost (although there are many that are not listed). For the Faith in America, the establishment of the Archdiocese in 1922, the declaration that its primary reason for existence is the Faith (which wasn’t declared until some point in the 1960’s due to the fraternal ethic nature of the laity) and the creation of Metropolises in 1996.
Our Parish in Louisville has had a few significant defining moments: its establishment in 1925, the purchase of our current property, and the building of our new church in 2009. Of course, there are many other defining moments that are more categorical and have led to the growth that we now enjoy. Many of these defining periods in our history didn’t occur naturally, but were the result of key individuals of vision who were able to lead the parish forward. There are so many people that created the foundation of what we enjoy today as a parish, so many former priests, parish council members, festival chairs and many others that built the Assumption.
Today, we are at such a defining moment. We are pushing against the boundaries of how we are able to minister. We have activity that we cannot service. We have youth that have inadequate places for Sunday School, Greek School, Dance and fellowship. We have no kitchen. We are immensely grateful for what we have and for those who made it a reality, but we now need to add onto what we inherited, so that we may continue strongly into the future.
2020 is the year. If we act as the moment is requiring and urging us to act, we will be able to look back at it and see how our action contributed to the continued growth and thriving of this community, and will recognize that we helped realize this defining moment.
The capital campaign committee, building committee, architect and I are working hard to ensure that all that has been built by those who came before us will continue and progress. Let the vision of the future infect you – help the faith to be a great beacon in Louisville! Do the following: come to the December 14th event, make a sacrificial pledge, talk to and inspire others, herald the vision of the great future of the Assumption, be part a part of something greater than yourself!
In His Service, I faithful remain your humble servant,
Fr. Jon
Proistamenos
“Attract, Serve, Illuminate”
