My name is Shannon Nelson.

I am a long-time parishioner of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity (legacy St. Thecla).

I know that some parishioners struggle with how to identify themselves – perhaps using the term “transplant.” I would like to suggest that we all embrace that St. Elizabeth of the Trinity is really a continuation of St. Cornelius, St. Tarcissus, and St. Thecla.

Our histories come with each and every one of us.

Do you know that each of our legacy parishes celebrated their first Masses within about 6 months of each other — 100 years ago?
(For the history enthusiasts, St. Thecla – Aug 15, 1925; St, Cornelius – Oct 4, 1925, and St. Tarcissus–- May 23, 1926.)

Five years ago, we formed St. Elizabeth of the Trinity with a vision to “Renew” and “Build a New Reality”. We are all likely in different places of acceptance and peace with the merging of our parishes.

Additionally, we have parishioners who have only known St. Elizabeth of the Trinity in its merged state.

As I personally reflect on where I am in this journey, I’ll use the spiritual model of the Easter Mystery: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

Early in the Renew My Church process I sat in Holy Thursday. I knew something big was coming. I didn’t quite know what it was going to feel like. I knew God was calling us to do something hard and I prayed for a different path.

Then, in November of 2019, I was thrust into Good Friday where grief consumed me. My Mom always said that a Parish is really about the people. Yet the buildings and campus held so many memories for me and my family. Ultimately, many people I knew went different places.

Good Friday was a lonely place to be.

I can’t point to when or how I transitioned to Holy Saturday, but I eventually did and here is where I remain. I have mostly moved past the sadness. Logically, I understand why this change had to happen. I anticipate there is something wonderful ahead.

I know that where I am in this journey is my decision. I admit that I am a bit jealous of those who are in Easter Sunday already.

I continue to push myself to get closer, trusting in the Lord and the work of the Holy Spirit.

The community of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity is here for us to support each other on our journeys and respect the challenges we experience. I invite you to pray with me that we all find ourselves rejoicing in Easter Sunday soon!

What are your thoughts about the merging of our parishes and our new reality as St. Elizabeth of the Trinity? We urge you to share them.

As best as you are able, please use the Easter Mystery model: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Where are you on the journey?