A Massanetta Story: Being Caught

A Massanetta Story: Being Caught

In this season of counting our blessings, we are reminded your generosity to Massanetta makes it possible for us to create communities where grief is supported, life is celebrated, and all are welcome for pastors and guests like Jason and Jess Felici.

Both are ordained ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. They had been co-pastoring a five congregation parish in rural West Virginia for five years when they were invited to Massanetta for the first time to help dream up Called Together (CT), an event for married couples in professional ministry. “We knew about three other clergy couples roughly our age at that point, and we were spread out across the country and not really connected,” commented Jess. They were hoping to change that by helping plan the intentionally ecumenical Called Together.

At that first CT, they instantly found a community where people understood the blessings and challenges of being a clergy couple. The annual event is a touchstone that binds the group together, and the community continues to support each other year round. “Members of the group have gone through some really tough times, and we’ve been able to be there to support them,” remembered Jess, “and in the toughest time in our lives, they were there for us.”

The Felicis were expecting their second child, Lily, in 2017, but there were complications during childbirth, and Lily did not survive. Jess remembered “being grateful for the words and messages from our Called Together family at the time, but when we came back to the retreat in 2018 it was like being caught after a long fall. As pastors it’s often difficult to outwardly express and process grief because of the role we play in our congregations and communities.” Massanetta Springs and Called Together provided the Felicis a network of support and comfort.

Massanetta’s CT community also rejoiced with the Felicis as they added Eli and Noah alongside Emma, their oldest daughter, to their family over the last three years. One of the couples they met at the first CT are now Noah’s godparents.

“We’ve found a place of continual welcome for our whole family in Massanetta Springs. It's a place that feels like home.” said Jason. “CT has provided a place for their children to be around a community of kids who know how difficult it can be growing up as the pastors’ kid.” Jess added, "When we arrived at CT this year, Eli, (who was three and a half at the time) walked into the Historic Hotel Lobby for the first time in a year. He immediately said, “Hey! I know this place, it’s in my heart.”