Scenes from a Parish

James Rutenbeck's fine documentary identifies the city of Lawrence as Massachusetts's poorest, but the community's poverty is only one of the problems facing Father Paul O'Brien, a Harvard graduate from a privileged background who is now the young pastor of Saint Patrick's church. O'Brien is actively accommodating the parish's transition toward becoming predominantly Hispanic, a reality that upsets older Irish congregants like Edna McGregor, who expresses her displeasure by leaving after services start being presented in Spanish as well as English. Made over four years, Scenes from a Parish follows O'Brien's careful but determined efforts to reach out to all segments of the community while continuing to reassure long-time church members. The documentary also chronicles the parish's attempt to express faith through social action, including the establishment of a center for distributing meals to the needy. Several committed parishioners are also spotlighted, including food drive organizer Frank Martin; Peggy Oliveto, who volunteers to assist unwed mothers; church musical director Pat Romero, who encourages a young Hispanic woman to join her staff; Bobby McCord, a disabled man who embraces parish duties while also facing family difficulties; and Elvys Guzman, a Dominican trying to extricate himself from gang life. Scenes from a Parish is a compelling mosaic of a film that effectively captures a multifaceted flock undergoing traumatic change, offering insights that are not only applicable to the Roman Catholic Church in America, but other denominations, as well. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)