Letter to the Editor As the two Parish Communities of Lindsay and Humphrey are challenged with the changes that have been dealt to us, there have been so many prayers, disruptions, opinions, controversy, agreements, disagreements, more prayers, committees, etc., etc., etc. Through it all, many questions remain unanswered, however, both communities are moving forward into new ventures. Recently a friend of mine shared an article that was written 35 years ago (1989) and published in the Catholic Voice. This article was written by the principal of Holy Family at the time, who was also new to the community. As I read this article, I felt it really hit home for both the Lindsay and Humphrey communities. I've always related the disruption and changes placed upon us, to the effect that it would have on each of these communities. Losing our schools, the history, the sacrifices, the identity among many things, will take its toll on these communities. This article references the dependency between schools and communities. I diluted the article somewhat to reflect the highlights. It is titled:
THE LITTLE PARISH THAT COULD
The destiny of Holy Family Parish in Lindsay may have been settled a century ago when the parishioners asked if a new church could be built and the Franciscan prior gave permission as long as a school was built as well. And so it has been ever since. The fates of the community of Lindsay and Holy Family Parish are also intertwined. When Lindsay celebrated its 100th anniversary last July, the centennial seal featured both the parish Church and school. How a parish of 400 families has operated its own Catholic grade and high school for more then 80 years is a continuing miracle, a symbol of everything good this community believes about Catholic education. The financial sacrifices of the Lindsay parishioners are enormous. 400 families must provide $400,000 a year to operate the parish and its programs. How could this be possible? Holy Family is able to accomplish so much because it maintains a delicate balance. Main Street Lindsay provides jobs; prosperous farms offer stability. District #29 provides kindergarten end special services while the parish provides elementary and secondary education for the community. But then Lindsay has a 100 year history of balancing needs and priorities. Today, the elementary school feeds the high school, and the high school nourishes the community. Lindsay flourishes because it has its priorities in order. Parishioners have the conviction and good sense that it must be the grace of God that makes Holy Family School and this Community a remarkable story.
