CONCERNING THE

MERGER

When will the merger take place?

The merger is scheduled to take place July 1, 2010.

Where does that leave us as a parish?

Once the merger is announced we will no longer be a parish as we know it. The new Parish is St. Gabriel the Archangel with the seat church being Corpus Christi Church in Carney’s Point.

Will we still use our church?

Yes, during the transition time or period, the church will be used for a Sunday Mass at 9:30 am. At this time, the 4:30 Saturday Mass will be discontinued. Eventually, everything will be moved to Corpus Christi Church.

Are the facilities being sold?

Presently, no properties can be sold until the merger is announced and all legalities cleared. Presently, the River Church (Pennsville) is sharing our facilities on a full time basis. The Apostolic Light House Church (Woodstown) will also be sharing our facilities beginning May 2^nd. Both churches are looking for property and are interested in making bids on the property when the time comes. The diocese will do an appraisal on the properties under the direction of Ken McIvane. Family Promise is interested in the rectory for future use.

Why can’t we continue to use our church even despite the merger?

To merge means eventually bringing things together. A corporation may merge offices; that means that two or more departments will be merged into one. The other two departments will no longer be. The same applies here. A merger means that we will eventually come together. We will use one facility. Share our various ministries and personnel. We will in time become a blended community. Remember, it is diversity that brings unity, not conformity. The blend of doing things together and sharing will bring new life, a sense of freshness and flowing waters – new life.