Welcome, Fr. Matthias Feldmann
Spirited Times - September 2007 

By FR. BILL TKACHUK

Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, has entered into collaboration with Loyola University, Chicago entitled Crossing Over. This program has been inspired by the desire of the Catholic Church in Germany to learn from model parishes in America how what we are doing might help them revitalize their own parishes.

This is the second summer in which priests and pastoral associates from various parts of Germany will spend a month in Chicago area parishes. Church of the Holy Spirit has been selected as one of the “model” parishes for this year’s program.

On Monday, Sept. 3, Fr. Matthias Feldmann arrives from the diocese of Essen, Germany, and will be with us until Oct. 9.  He will live in the Kane Center residence during this time and will participate as an observer in the day-to-day life of our parish.  Fr. Matthias was ordained in 2002, is fluent in English and Spanish, and has served as an area youth pastor for the past year.

In his words, “The present concepts of pastoral work can no longer be put into practice. I feel that many people are still hanging on to these old structures and in many people I perceive neither creativity nor courage to look for new pastoral approaches. In this context I expect and opportunity to reflect on our own situation on the background of pastoral practice in Chicago and new inspirations for my work.”

We welcome Fr. Matthias and expect that we will be learning from him even as he learns from us.  Please feel free to invite Fr. Matthias over for dinner to experience the “home church” as well as the parish church.  I am sure he would enjoy the experience (and the home cooking).