We are the North East Tompkins Roman Catholic Parishes, for short N.E.T. Catholic.  A network of sister parishes (Holy Cross Parish Dryden, Saint Anthony Parish Groton and All Saints Parish Lansing.) in Tompkins County, NY, that in Christian spirit support one another and share some resources to allow the Mission of Jesus Christ to continue in Tompkins County and that respecting the peculiarities and identity of each parish give testimony to the world of unity in diversity, of the unity that only the Holy Spirit can bring about that is never uniformity.  This name reflects the Mission the Lord has given us to proclaim the Gospel in North East Tompkins (N.E.T.), shows that we do that as a network (NET) of sister parishes that in Christian solidarity give testimony of unity in diversity, and that we do this as Roman Catholics (Catholic). 


In Sacred Scripture, when God gives someone a new mission and/or when someone undergoes a profound change and transforms his or her way of living, they are given a new name. Leaving the old name behind, they leave behind the sorrows of the past, the wounds, the pain. Taking on the new name they look into a bright future filled with hope through God’s grace and God’s healing.
In the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures, this is the case of Abram and Sarai, who have reached their old age in sadness because they have been unable to have children. God promises Abram and Sarai that they will be parents to many children, to a whole people chosen by God, and along with this new mission and healing hope he gives them new names: Abraham and Sarah. It is also the case of Jacob, to whom God gives the name Israel.
In the New Testament or Christian Scriptures this is the case of the two major figures of our Church, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Jesus renamed Simon, Peter when he gave him the mission to lead the Church, and Paul, left his former name Saul behind when he converted from persecuting Christians to preaching the Gospel.
Following in this tradition, for many centuries, members of religious orders, have taken a new name when they profess their vows as a sign of leaving behind the sorrows of the past and taking on a new identity in Christ.
In line with this, it is the custom in some countries, including the United States, that we take on a new name at our Confirmation as we make a conscious decision to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
For 13 years, we called ourselves the North East Tompkins Cluster. Many good things have happened in these 13 years. Ties of solidarity have been built and sharing certain resources such as the priest has allowed for less expenses and the possibility to continue open. Along these years, there have also been some difficult moments, hurtful experiences, decisions and situations and there are some wounds that need to be healed.
After consultation with many and prayerful discernment, we resolved to ask the Lord to help us heal and to help us find ways to move into the future with hope and joy, as we leave behind the sorrows of the past and build upon the good things that have been part of that same past.
Let us reclaim our mission to be very strong independent parishes that proclaim the Gospel and build the Kingdom. Let us think of ourselves not as a cluster, an aggregate forced together, but as a network of sister parishes that in Christian spirit support one another and share some resources to allow the Mission of Jesus Christ to continue in Tompkins County and that respecting the peculiarities and identity of each parish give testimony to the world of unity in diversity, of the unity that only the Holy Spirit can bring about that is never uniformity.
As we strive to leave behind the wounds of the past and to dream of a bright future, in the tradition of Sacred Scripture and Christian practice let us leave behind our old name and take on a new name as the North East Tompkins Roman Catholic Parishes, for short N.E.T. Catholic. This name reflects the Mission the Lord has given us to proclaim the Gospel in North East Tompkins (N.E.T.), shows that we do that as a network (NET) of sister parishes that in Christian solidarity give testimony of unity in diversity, and that we do this as Roman Catholics (Catholic).
May, the taking of this new name and renewed spirit, be one more healing and cleansing step towards healed hearts, revival and a new life for our parishes.
Let us also hope that N.E.T. Catholic will be a more appealing and welcoming name, that will draw more to come and share faith with our communities.
In the back of church you can find fridge magnets and cards that have our new name, our revised Mass and Confession schedule, contact information for Fr. Gagnier, and the address to our new N.E.T. Catholic Facebook page, that provides news and daily resources for our faith life. Legally and canonically we remain three independent parishes and our names remain unchanged: All Saints, Holy Cross and Saint Anthony. May God help us heal and restore our hope.