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Off the Top of My Head…
In last weekend’s column, I shared my intention to remain in active ministry as Pastor here in the Anderson-Alexandria Pastorate until retirement in 2031. I’m not always as clear as I think I am, so a few clarifications seem necessary.
First, I don’t get the final vote. As I’ve said before, this is ultimately up to God and the Bishop. I’m not making a defiant five-year declaration of independence.
Second, aging is a real thing, and if I discover that I no longer have the energy or sharpness to do what needs to be done, I’ll need to change course.
And finally, remaining here as Pastor until 2031 does not mean simply spending five more years here. There is a difference between being engaged and hanging on!
That’s why I also shared my pastoral and personal priorities for the next five years, and will be discussing each of those priorities over the next few weeks.
My first pastoral priority was to lead a transition to a culture of evangelization and a mindset of growth throughout the Pastorate.
It’s fair to say without blame or complaint that much of Madison County has been struggling economically for some time and that important segments of our parish populations are both shrinking and aging. It’s not that there is no hope, but, for some, there is a sense of simply waiting helplessly to see what will happen next, and in the long run.
I’m not sure that this is the general stance throughout the Pastorate, but I am fairly sure that a culture of evangelization and a mindset of growth throughout the Pastorate would represent a true transition, or maybe even a transformation. This is a big undertaking, and I am approaching it as a “team sport,” not an individual quest.
This pastoral priority is the foundation for the other three. A transition or transformation of the culture does not simply mean that everyone comes to an agreement that parish growth would be a nice thing and that we should all evangelize. Cultural change requires changes in attitudes, assumptions, and actions. If this cultural transition comes about, there will be changes in our parishes, schools, and pastorate. And I don’t even know what those changes will be.
So, are you game for a challenge? Maybe you can adopt this priority for yourself!
Fr. Tom Metzger
September 20, 2026
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A Special Message From Father Tom
Un Mensaje Especial Del Padre Tom-
Dear brothers and sisters,
As you probably know, ICE agents have been carrying out detention operations in Indianapolis over the past few days. There are now credible reports of ICE agents being present in Madison County. Some parishioners have expressed fear about coming to church while such operations are active in our community.
Bishop Timothy Doherty has issued a dispensation for Catholics in our diocese, which Includes Madison County, for those who reasonably fear detention, separation from family, or other threats to their safety related to immigration enforcement. They are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. This dispensation applies regardless of immigration or legal status.
We would like to offer Holy Communion to families who stay home for this reason. I am asking Communion Ministers throughout the Pastorate to make themselves available to visit these parishioner homes. Even if you do not speak Spanish, you can still minister to these families. In the coming days, we will communicate the procedures we are putting into place for this special ministry.
As always, our most important response to any crisis is prayer. Please pray for the safety of all our parishioners, for God’s guidance for government agents and officials, and for compassion from all citizens who are not subject
to these actions.
Father Thomas Metzger
Pastor
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Queridos hermanos y hermanas,
Como probablemente ya saben, en los últimos días los agentes de ICE han estado llevando a cabo operaciones de detención en Indianápolis. Ahora hay informes creíbles de que agentes de ICE están presentes en el condado de Madison. Algunos feligreses han expresado miedo de ir a la iglesia mientras tales operaciones estén activas en nuestra comunidad.
El obispo Timothy Doherty ha emitido una dispensa para los católicos de nuestra diócesis, que incluye el condado de Madison, para aquellos que razonablemente temen ser detenidos, separados de su familia u otras amenazas a su seguridad relacionadas con la aplicación de leyes de inmigración. Están exentos de la obligación de asistir a la Misa dominical. Esta dispensa aplica sin importar su estatus migratorio o legal.
Queremos ofrecer la Sagrada Comunión a las familias que se queden en casa por esta razón. Estoy pidiendo a los ministros de la Comunión de toda la parroquia que se pongan a disposición para visitar los hogares de estos feligreses. En los días venideros les comunicaremos un procedimiento que estamos formulando para llevar a cabo este ministerio especial.
Como siempre, nuestra respuesta más importante ante cualquier crisis es la oración. Por favor, oren por la seguridad de todos nuestros feligreses, por la guía de Dios para los agentes y funcionarios del gobierno, y por la compasión de todos los ciudadanos que no están sujetos a estas acciones.
Padre Thomas Metzger
Párroco
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INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE DEL PASTORADO ANDERSON-ALEXANDRIA SOBRE LA PRESENCIA DE AGENTES DE INMIGRACIÓN Y CONTROL DE ADUANAS (ICE) EN EL CONDADO DE MADISON.
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El obispo Timothy Doherty ha emitido una dispensa, con fecha del 4 de septiembre de 2026, para los católicos de nuestra diócesis, que incluye el condado de Madison, para aquellos que razonablemente temen ser detenidos, separados de su familia u otras amenazas a su seguridad relacionadas con la aplicación de leyes de inmigración. Están exentos de la obligación de asistir a la Misa dominical. Esta dispensa aplica sin importar su estatus migratorio o legal.
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Catholic Ministry Appeal 2026
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Pastorate Events & Encounters
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Tuesday, October 6, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
The Faith Sharing Group at Primrose Senior Living is welcoming new participants, and we’d love to have you join us! Come check us out!Read More -
Wednesday, October 7, 6:30 PM
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is recited every Wednesday evening at 6:30pm in the Church at St. Mary in Alexandria. Everyone is invited to come and join in prayer. Click here for more details!Read More -
Thursday, October 8, 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM
Join us for silent prayer and reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your faith and spend quiet time with the Lord.Read More -
Monday, October 12, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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The Catholic Moment: October 4, 2026
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