Discussion with NOVA: What is the future of our IEC communities?
When I reached out to Gloria (Mog) to gather here, we decided to take this opportunity to talk about how NOVA and PAX have concerns for their communities as we look ahead to the next 5 to 10 years.
Today we appreciate that our time is short but this can be a start to addressing the concerns and needs as IECs (Intentional Eucharistic Communities) that serve this region. Questions we’d like to address in the comments from you all are:
- How can our communities keep doing what we are doing as time goes on?
- What is required to continue to make a difference moving forward?
- Who do we need to connect with to support our efforts? New members? More priests? Other IECs?
As you can imagine, this is a limited address of a number of issues, but we will do our best to get as much input as possible.
Comments: paraphrased from notes taken
Stephanie: I believe that technology has enabled us to redefine what “community” means. We are now able to be far more inclusive, as Jesus taught, not excluding some because of geography, physical conditions, or other factors. Those of us who moved to other states and countries after joining PAX are able to maintain our spiritual connections. Perhaps more moving, we are able to worship with community members in hospital beds, rehab facilities and even hospice – praying with them instead of only for them. That is powerful.
Dianne (NOVA): We’re also able to worship with community members who are traveling and on vacation. We’ve been able to grow to 75-80 members thanks to Zoom.
Charlie: PAX usually has about 24 people attending in person on 2nd & 4th hybrid Sundays, and 45 connections on Zoom-only 1st & 3rd Sundays.
Meg (NOVA): This past year we have discussed where we are going (as a community). We have 4 new members over the last 6 months which has been exciting, but what is our future?
Mary B: Besides our (small) size, we also have concerns about attracting priests to preside with us while acknowledging those who do are also aging. I believe the people in our larger communities are not being served by the traditional church and we need to do more outreach. I know of a former colleague who was told not to attend church because of who he loves.
Charlie: Advertising has always been a challenge for PAX while living within the Arlington Diocese.
David (NOVA): I’m concerned about our carbon footprint (when we meet in person) since many of us do not drive electric vehicles.
Charlie: Another challenge as IECs is celebrating Eucharist on Zoom (virtually).
Joe: I love the Eucharist but we also live in the 21st century. Right now, the current (church) practice is you must be around the table.
Charlie: Can we get to heaven without the Eucharist?
Mary Lou: Today’s theme is Love over Fear. There’s been fear in PAX: we couldn’t do this, we couldn’t do that. What are the fears we have going forward?
Nancy (NOVA): I fear the Diocese could come down on the priests who celebrate with us, as already happened with Joe. 8/25/2024 PAX Announcements
John M (NOVA): Some have an image of riding off into the sunset, but there is another vision: we get up with the sunrise and get to work by attracting newer people who can become new leaders. We’ve become less timid in NOVA, but there still is a danger…
Pat (NOVA): I am a parent of someone with autism; he can’t tolerate the stimulus of our liturgies. My son’s disability makes it extremely difficult for him to be in group situations. He is stressed when touched by others, hearing many voices around him, etc. How do we reach out to others who need a different environment?
Rose (NOVA): I am now the second oldest person in NOVA. I love Zoom, it’s the only way I can attend now. At the same time, I attended Holy Thursday services in person and it was wonderful. Regarding reducing our carbon footprint, maybe we can carpool.
Amanda: My husband Mike and I are responsible for PAX’s children’s ministry. We have no ministry now. We do not attract families or young people without families. When we meet in person only twice a month, and we all are as gray-haired as I am, we aren’t going to attract any families. We need to look at our purpose in gathering, our mission. Are we meeting just to serve each other? We seem to be doing that with compassion, in person and remotely. But aren’t we supposed to look toward serving those around us, our communities, near and far? How do we reach them when our energy is focused inward?