The / A Pivotal Pastor

When I’ve told people I’m writing a story called The Pivotal Pastor, I have sometimes explained it as a recollection of a project at a former parish. More accurately, it is about an historic achievement of the parish. I believe there were some unique aspects to it.  

First, the pastor: Ron Lewinski. Despite my seemingly negative observations of him in Reflection #4, I think he was the right person at the right place at the right time.  

Second, the architect: Dirk Lohan. Lewinski later explained a primary reason for selecting Lohan from the initial twenty-one candidate firms: “We felt that he fed back to us a real spirit, and a spirituality, about what a church ought to be that we didn’t hear from any other architect.” Lohan reportedly was also the only architect to come out (from Chicago) and walk the property to better understand the “context” of the project.  

Third, the project required both change and transition management. “Change” refers to developing physical campus facilities for worship, administration, social functions, etc. “Transition” involves the psychological, social, and theological challenges of transforming a quiet inward-focused parish into an active center of outreach.  

Fourth, Lewinski enabled parishioners to explore and use their talents. He expanded the staff with skilled and dedicated people. He empowered the Pastoral Council and parish leadership, including the school children.  

Fifth, after Lewinski’s arrival, parishioners recognized a regime change. Unlike before, parishioners were encouraged to share their time, talent, and treasure. He was a product of Vatican II, and his action was akin to opening the windows and letting in fresh air. He intentionally invited people he knew disagreed with him to become involved. Some did; some didn’t.  

The story is about a particular pastor and his parishioners. However, the phrase “the pivotal pastor” describes not just Lewinski but is a reference to the potential of any Christian pastorate. The story isn’t about “the pivotal priest” but about a person of faith in a position of influence and their impact on others. It is not influence derived from power or money but from an earnest desire to honor the scriptures.  

That was something to which Lewinski had dedicated his life. Transforming St. Mary’s was just part of it.  

In my next installment, I’ll finally share an experience I alluded to in Reflection #2. It was a time of self-doubt. What happened persuaded me to keep working on The Pivotal Pastor.

Send me your comments/questions.

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