Fr. Greg Ihm, as Pastor, is responsible for the pastoral leadership of St. Dominic Parish. Staff members carry out responsibilities within their areas of ministry and administration. The Pastoral Council, Finance Council, School Board, local church committees, and other advisory groups contribute experience, information, and recommendations. The councils are consultative; they do not replace the Pastor’s authority. Our aim is to make decisions prayerfully, with appropriate consultation, sound stewardship, and clear communication.

We seek to communicate significant proposals and decisions through the bulletin, website, parish messages, and council communications as early as practical. Some matters, particularly personnel or confidential pastoral concerns, cannot be discussed publicly in advance. When consultation is possible, parishioners should have meaningful opportunities to ask questions and offer input. We will also explain the reasons for major decisions, not simply announce their outcomes.

Transparency means providing understandable information about parish finances, pastoral priorities, major initiatives, and decisions while respecting necessary confidentiality. Pastoral Council and Finance Council minutes are available on the parish website and in our churches. We also use bulletins, announcements, email, and other parish communications. We intend to explain what is being considered, why it matters, and how parishioners can participate.

Parishioners can contact Fr. Greg, parish staff, members of the Pastoral Council or Finance Council, ministry leaders, and their local church committee. The original strategic planning survey received 215 responses, which continue to inform our work. Listening does not mean every suggestion can be adopted, but concerns deserve respectful consideration. When you raise a question, please include enough detail to help parish leaders understand the issue and respond appropriately.

The strategic plan is still being developed. A planning session is scheduled for November 14, 2026, to advance that work. As priorities, responsibilities, and timelines become clearer, we intend to provide updates through the bulletin, parish website, and parish-wide communications. Our goal is a practical plan that guides decisions and gives parishioners ways to contribute—not simply a document placed on a shelf.

Following the September 13, 2026, canonical merger, the former Transition Team became the St. Dominic Pastoral Council. Fr. Greg serves as Pastor. The parish also has a Finance Council, School Board, and local church committees serving the seven worship communities. Most local committees are operating, although their level of activity varies; the goal is for each to provide a consistent local voice. The Pastoral Council is currently developing its membership and governance bylaws in accordance with diocesan norms. These bodies advise and support parish leadership rather than acting as independent governing authorities.

Since September 13, 2026, our seven historic parish communities have been united canonically as St. Dominic Parish. We share one parish mission and pastoral leadership while continuing to worship and serve through seven distinct churches. Each community brings its own history, traditions, devotions, and relationships. Unity does not require uniformity; it calls us to support one another and make decisions for the good of the whole parish.

Parish festivals, devotions, local customs, and the anniversaries of church dedications help us remember the faithful who built our communities. Local church committees are intended to identify traditions worth preserving and to communicate local needs and opportunities. Some committees are further along in organizing than others, but strengthening this local involvement remains our plan. Parishioners can help by sharing stories, volunteering, and inviting others to participate in these traditions.

Fairness does not always mean identical spending or identical programming at every church. Facilities, participation, ministry needs, and available resources differ. Decisions should be guided by our Catholic mission, safety, financial stewardship, and the long-term health of St. Dominic Parish. Local church committees help parish leadership understand each community’s circumstances. If you have a local concern, your church committee or parish office is a useful first point of contact.

A thriving St. Dominic Parish will help more people encounter Jesus Christ, participate in the sacraments, and grow as disciples. Our churches, schools, ministries, and families will be supported by sound stewardship, welcoming relationships, and clear communication. We hope parishioners will know how to contribute their gifts and understand how parish resources serve our mission. Success is more than a balanced budget: it is a stronger Catholic community for the next generation.

Attend Mass or a parish event at another church, participate in shared ministries, get to know people from other communities, and invite others to join you. Unity also requires patience and charity when opinions differ. Pray for our Pastor, parish leaders, and fellow parishioners. Each person can help St. Dominic become one parish whose seven churches support rather than compete with one another.

Parishioners are welcome to participate in ministries and programs throughout St. Dominic Parish, even when an opportunity is hosted at a different church. Consult the bulletin, parish website, parish communications, or parish office. The Go Make Disciples Committee helps foster faith formation and ministry opportunities. If you see an unmet need, speak with a ministry leader or committee member about how to help.

Catholic education is an important part of our mission to form young people in faith, knowledge, and service. Our schools serve students and families while benefiting from the prayers, volunteer work, and financial support of parishioners. The School Board, school leaders, and Education Commissions contribute to the ongoing work of sustaining Catholic education. Strategic planning will help us identify long-term priorities and opportunities.

Financial priorities begin with the parish mission: worship, the sacraments, faith formation, Catholic education, pastoral care, evangelization, and the upkeep of our facilities. Fr. Greg and parish leadership consider financial information and recommendations from the Finance Council, School Board, local committees, and staff. The seven former parishes are canonically united, but financial consolidation is still anticipated before January 1, 2027. Until that work is completed, we will continue explaining the transition and the parish’s financial needs.

Financial health involves more than a single balance: parishioners should understand giving, operating expenses, staffing, school support, facilities, deferred maintenance, and future obligations. The Finance Council reviews financial information and advises parish leadership. Council minutes are available on the website and in our churches. The October 17–18 stewardship drive is also an opportunity to learn about parish needs and consider how we can support our common mission through sacrificial giving and service.

Our churches, schools, parish halls, cemeteries, and other facilities exist to support worship, formation, service, and community life. Decisions consider safety, usage, ministry needs, cost, maintenance, and long-term sustainability. An independent facilities assessment completed during strategic planning found our facilities generally in good condition. We remain grateful for the volunteers and staff whose work helps preserve them.

Projects are evaluated according to urgency, safety, mission impact, cost, available funding, and long-term benefit. Essential repairs, such as a failing heating system or a safety hazard, may take precedence over desired improvements. Local church committees, facilities volunteers, staff, and financial advisors help identify needs. The aim is to care responsibly for every worship community while considering the resources and needs of St. Dominic Parish as a whole.

Parish priorities emerge through prayer, consultation, pastoral leadership, financial realities, and attention to our mission. The original strategic planning survey’s 215 responses are one source of parishioner input. The November 14 planning session will help advance the strategic plan. Our guiding question is how best to bring people to Jesus Christ and strengthen the sacramental, educational, and charitable life of the parish.

Bible studies, small groups, retreats, parish missions, and other formation opportunities help adults grow in their relationship with Christ. The Go Make Disciples Committee continues to coordinate and encourage this work alongside parish staff and volunteers. Opportunities may vary by church and season, but parishioners are welcome to participate throughout St. Dominic Parish. Watch the bulletin and website, or contact the parish office to learn what is currently available.

Families need welcoming worship communities, strong Catholic schools, accessible faith formation, and opportunities to build relationships. Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith, and the parish seeks to support them through religious education, youth ministry, sacramental preparation, schools, and parish activities. We welcome ideas and volunteers who can help make parish life more accessible and meaningful for families.

In the original strategic planning survey, parishioners repeatedly emphasized faith in Jesus Christ, the Eucharist, reverent worship, Catholic identity, local traditions, community relationships, and the importance of passing on the faith. Many also highlighted Catholic education, service, and evangelization. These commitments should guide our decisions even as organizational structures and practices change.

The plan is still being developed, with a planning session scheduled for November 14. Parishioners can already contribute by praying, joining ministries, volunteering, serving on committees, and offering thoughtful ideas. The October 17–18 stewardship drive provides an immediate opportunity to consider both financial support and the gifts of time and talent. Visit 2026 Stewardship Drive for information and the online survey.

Prayer is foundational to parish discernment. Meetings, financial information, surveys, and planning tools help us act responsibly, but they cannot replace seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We ask parishioners to pray for wisdom, charity, unity, and courage as we discern how St. Dominic Parish can serve Christ and our neighbors more faithfully.

Many ministries depend on a relatively small group of generous volunteers. The original strategic planning survey suggested that fewer than half of respondents volunteered more than three times annually. We are grateful for those who serve faithfully, but we also want to reduce volunteer fatigue by inviting more parishioners into meaningful roles. Every person has gifts that can strengthen the parish.

People are more likely to volunteer when opportunities are clear, manageable, and personally inviting. Our October 17–18 stewardship drive asks parishioners to consider both sacrificial financial giving and gifts of time and talent. The survey is available at 2026 Stewardship Drive. Parish staff and ministry leaders can also help people find roles suited to their interests and availability.

Contact the parish office, a local church committee, the Go Make Disciples Committee, or a ministry leader. Opportunities include liturgical service, hospitality, faith formation, outreach, facilities, leadership, and other areas. You may also indicate your interests through the stewardship survey at 2026 Stewardship Drive. Even a modest, regular commitment can make a meaningful difference.

Share your idea with the parish office, Go Make Disciples Committee, local church committee, or appropriate ministry leader. Parish leadership considers how a proposed activity supports our mission, whether there is interest, and whether volunteers and resources are available. We welcome parishioners who bring both an idea and a willingness to help develop it.

Parish staff serve the entire St. Dominic Parish while working with local church committees, clergy, and volunteers to understand needs at each church. Responsibilities have become more specialized so staff can provide consistent support in areas such as administration, formation, worship, and facilities. Local committees remain an important link between parishioners and staff. These committees are developing at different rates, and continued participation will help strengthen them.

Send announcements to your local parish secretary no later than two Thursdays before the weekend you would like them published. Parishioners from St. Joseph and St. Francis de Sales should contact Marie Rupp; parishioners from St. Patrick should contact Sharon Stines at St. Rose. Your local office can direct you if you are unsure where to send a submission. Please provide clear dates, times, locations, and contact information.

Because space is limited, priority is generally given to liturgical information, parish activities, faith formation, Catholic school news, stewardship opportunities, and events serving the wider parish. Submissions may be edited or shortened for clarity and available space. The goal is a useful bulletin that supports participation in the mission of St. Dominic Parish.

Submit requests through the parish office whenever possible. Because time at Mass is limited, announcements are generally reserved for significant parish activities, urgent information, or opportunities affecting many parishioners. Staff can help determine whether the bulletin, website, email, or another channel would be more appropriate.

Contact your local parish office to update an address, phone number, email, family information, or parish registration. Keeping records accurate helps the parish communicate effectively and provide pastoral care. Staff can also answer questions about registration within the unified St. Dominic Parish.

To subscribe to St. Dominic Parish updates, text SAINTDOMINIC to 84576. You can also make sure your parish office has your current contact information. Parish news is shared through the bulletin, email, text messages, website, social media, and announcements, depending on the type of information.

Pastoral Council and Finance Council minutes are available on the parish website and in our churches. The bulletin and other parish communications also provide updates about important initiatives. If you cannot find a document or have a question about parish business, contact the parish office for assistance.

The canonical merger establishing St. Dominic Parish took effect September 13, 2026. Our seven historic parish communities now form one parish under Fr. Greg Ihm, Pastor. Financial consolidation is a separate administrative step and is expected, though not guaranteed, to be completed before January 1, 2027. We will communicate confirmed milestones as the remaining work proceeds.

Fr. Greg serves as Pastor, supported by clergy, parish staff, the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, School Board, Go Make Disciples Committee, and other ministry groups. The former Transition Team is now the Pastoral Council, which is developing its bylaws in accordance with diocesan norms. Local church committees provide a voice for each of our seven worship communities. Some committees are more active than others, and strengthening all seven remains a parish priority.

The St. Dominic School Board helps oversee the financial administration of Catholic education, including matters involving budgets, teacher salaries, and employee benefits. It works with school leadership, parish leadership, and Education Commissions to support Catholic identity, educational quality, and long-term sustainability. Its work forms part of the parish’s broader pastoral and financial responsibilities.

School Board members are selected for their commitment to Catholic education and their experience or abilities in areas such as education, finance, business, leadership, facilities, and communication. The goal is a board with useful expertise and broad perspective focused on students and the schools’ Catholic mission. Current membership information is available through the parish website.

St. Dominic Parish is served by clergy and lay staff responsible for worship, pastoral care, faith formation, youth ministry, Catholic education, administration, finance, communications, facilities, cemeteries, and related work. Responsibilities are organized by area of expertise to provide consistent support across our seven churches. Visit staff directory for the current staff directory and responsibilities.

Start with the staff directory at staff directory or contact your local parish office. Staff can direct questions about sacraments, schools, facilities, finances, cemeteries, communications, and ministries to the appropriate person. Local church committee members and ministry leaders can also help connect parishioners with parish leadership.

Fr. Tom Kelly remains the primary contact for cemetery administration, working with parish staff, local cemetery committees, volunteers, and contractors. Cemetery care includes grounds maintenance, records, plot sales, monuments, and assistance to families. For questions about cemetery operations or records, contact the parish office so your inquiry can be directed appropriately.

Staff, local church committees, volunteers, contractors, Finance Council advisors, and parish leadership share responsibility for caring for our churches, schools, halls, rectories, cemeteries, and other properties. A third-party facilities assessment conducted during strategic planning found our buildings generally in good condition. Continued maintenance, attention to safety, and responsible planning remain essential.

Mass schedules consider priest availability, attendance, travel time, sacramental needs, and the demands of serving seven worship sites. At present, each of our seven churches has at least one weekend Mass. Schedules are reviewed as circumstances change, and significant changes will be communicated through parish channels. We seek both reasonable access to the sacraments and responsible use of available clergy.

Parish-wide celebrations, missions, retreats, service projects, and other events are organized through collaboration among clergy, parish staff, volunteers, local committees, and ministry leaders. These activities help build relationships across our seven churches and advance our shared mission. Contact the parish office or the relevant ministry leader if you would like to help.

The parish office and clergy help families arrange sacramental and funeral celebrations, including scheduling, preparation, and practical details. For baptisms, contact the parish office or email [email protected]. For funerals, families may begin with the parish office or their chosen funeral home. Couples preparing for marriage should contact the parish office to begin the required process. For anointing or other pastoral needs, contact the parish office.

The strategic plan is still being developed; a planning session is scheduled for November 14, 2026. Once priorities are approved, parish leadership, staff, committees, and parishioners will identify actions, responsibilities, timelines, and ways to assess progress. The plan should guide real decisions and be reviewed as the needs of the parish evolve.

Financial sustainability and participation matter, but our deepest measure is faithfulness to the mission of Jesus Christ. We will look at sacramental life, discipleship, faith formation, Catholic education, parish involvement, service, and the health of our church communities. The completed plan should also establish concrete goals and indicators so parishioners can see what is being accomplished and where more work is needed.