Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

The diocese has recently made public the Introductory Guidebook for the All Things New Pastoral Planning Process on their website under ‘All Things New Resources’ in the documents tab: https://stcdio.org/all-things-new-resources/. This begins the transition to more directly talk about what it contains, what some of the expectations of the diocese are, and how we have begun to develop a draft of a plan based on those materials. 

 

The Guiding Principles for this process are on page 7 and 8 of the Guidebook. They are the foundational values that are meant to “anchor decision-making, promote unity, and keep the community focused on its mission.” The parameters that come later stem from and lead back to these principles. Our plan should always consider these principles and how any recommendations would follow them or impact them. The five guiding principles for the all Things New planning process are: Missionary Discipleship, Sacramental Life, Engaging the Laity, Listening as a Way of Being Church, and Prudent Stewardship. 

 

The Design Parameters provide the framework for decision-making. They are to help ensure the mission of the Church is carried out in line with the principles. The guidebook lists these parameters on page 9 and then has five pages providing more details for each. These parameters are given to us by the diocese and no ACC is permitted to change them. Some of these parameters may be difficult to hear because of what they entail, yet we must try to follow them to the best of our ability. For example, it specifies that there will be a limit of three (3) Sunday Masses per weekend per priest (not including weddings or funerals), and that the Mass schedule must be able to be accommodated by priests assigned to the ACC (inviting retired priests to regularly cover Masses would not meet this parameter). Since our ACC currently has its priest covering four Masses each weekend, we know from the start that things will have to change. Add in another parameter from the guidebook that specifies there is to be no rotation of Mass schedules between churches, and it further limits options. 

 

Other parameters include things about reducing the number of corporations, so we have had to discuss what is the difference between a parish and a corporation and a church.  Or how the parameter to have one administrative office per ACC might look, even if you have multiple sites for worship and faith formation.  The parameters also include topics about the usage of the buildings and that there is to be over 50% occupancy averaged over all weekend liturgies.  And that routine building operation expenses may not exceed 25% of plate and envelope collection.  Our All Things New planning committee has done its best to address those parameters and begin to draft plans in line with them and the guiding principles. 

 

These topics are complicated and can be contentious.  We will be having two (2) parish hall meetings inviting all parishioners from the ACC to attend to discuss these topics and present various possibilities the planning committee have considered for your feedback.  I highly encourage you to attend either location – the information presented will be the same at both.  Dates and locations are on the flyer included in this bulletin or on the parish website.  This will not be the only opportunity to share feedback, and information received at these meetings will be incorporated into the next one when it is scheduled.

 

Peace in Christ,

Father Timothy