Annunciation, Ottawa, whatever we may think of its worship space, is actually the second or third largest group in the Canadian Deanery. Most are barely in double digits. But it has certainly failed to grow much beyond the original 30 who joined five years ago, although there have of course been arrivals (and departures). Mrs Gyapong wonders regularly why people are not "lined up to get in the door" of her church, but she apparently never really pauses to reflect on possible reasons. As a journalist writing regularly in Catholic publications, as well as on three Church-related blogs (two closed) she certainly has more opportunity to get the word out than most parishioners. Why is it falling on stoney ground?
Let's think of St Mary of the Angels in contrast. Over the past five years, it's had its facility closed to all use for nearly a year, with services in the parish building limited to a tiny group of angry dissidents for nearly three years additional. It's struggling back financially from having its commercial tenant leave, on the watch of the dissident group in charge. The dissident group took out a $600,000 mortgage without having title to the property, which the legal parish is forced to pay for the time being.
Under Fr Kelley, despite its continued struggles, the parish is attracting new members and continuing a program of community outreach. Meanwhile, Houston sends Fr Phillips out to tell groups how to grow and thrive.
