When the Israelites left Egypt, they also left with "people of various ancestry" who joined them in the desert. This diversity became problematic in the desert, but by God's plan, it is an essential part of the story of God's "chosen people." The parishes of St. Patrick and St. Hedwig were separated int eh 19th Century to accommodate diversity and now have to work to manage that diversity as they once again become one parish. Managing diversity is always difficult, but it is essential if we are going to all be God's children.
St. Patrick St. Hedwig Parish website is at: https://www.saintpatricksainthedwig.church/
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Welcome from Fr. Scott at St. Patrick–St. Hedwig Parish
00:18 First Reading: Exodus Begins with 600,000 Men
00:29 Exodus Included People of Diverse Backgrounds
00:44 Sons of Abraham Were Not Alone
00:52 Open Invitation: Many Joined the Exodus
01:04 Diversity Brought Blessings and Challenges
01:16 Diversity as Central to God's People
01:22 Gospel: Jesus Confronts the Pharisees
01:30 Pharisees Plot to Kill – Jesus Withdraws
01:34 Quietly Continues Healing Ministry
01:44 Avoiding Division While Continuing Mission
01:52 Diversity as Blessing and Struggle
02:03 Parish History of St. Patrick’s and St. Hedwig’s
02:08 Two Churches Just a Block Apart
02:15 Irish/German vs. Polish Communities
02:26 St. Hedwig’s Built for the Polish Community
02:33 Now Merging Into One Parish
02:37 Question of Consolidating Worship Spaces
02:46 Hard Decisions: Which Church to Keep?
02:51 Managing Diversity in Parish Life
02:58 Many Opinions, Real Difficulties
03:04 Importance of Embracing Diversity
03:08 Let Diversity Enrich, Not Divide Us
03:15 God Created Diversity as Part of the Plan
03:32 Choose to Let It Be a Blessing Today