NEW DIOCESAN PLANNING COMMISSION RECEIVES ITS MANDATE

Bishop Paul S. Coakley

In late May I met for the first time with the newly appointed Diocesan Planning Commission in Russell to launch a process of strategic pastoral planning. The thirteen member commission is composed of clergy, religious and lay persons from virtually every part of the diocese.  They are pastors, directors of religious education, Catholic educators, parents and grandparents, parish leaders and persons passionate about the future of Catholic life in the Diocese of Salina.   

The genesis of this pastoral planning initiative flowed from the series of pastoral visits that I began shortly after arriving in the diocese over three years ago.  These visits have now taken me to nearly every parish in the diocese.  (I will visit the last parish in the fall).  During each visit I have met with parishioners, parish leadership and staff; celebrated Mass and listened to what was on the minds of Catholics in each part of our diocese.  I have learned about the histories, strengths, challenges and hopes of the Catholic communities throughout our large diocese.  It has been a valuable way for me to gain an in-depth appreciation of the church entrusted to my care.

The impressions and understanding gained since coming to the diocese, especially through these pastoral visits, as well such important events as Pope Benedict’s recent apostolic visit to the United States, provide the primary raw materials for this planning effort. 

Through the work of the diocesan planning commission and the expertise of our consultant, Dr. Dave Byers, who spent over thirty years as a staff member of the United States Catholic Conference, our task is to develop a clear set of pastoral priorities and goals.  If these are to be useful in pointing to a hopeful future they must address the real needs of this diocese at the beginning of the twenty-first century.  While they will inevitably require much creative thinking they will also express continuity with our rich tradition and communion with the Universal Church.

The commission will look at every aspect of diocesan and parish life with a view toward the renewal of the whole diocese.  Even when addressing the most critical issues, our focus will be anchored in the hope that finds its security in Christ’s victory over death.  One of the real challenges which we will address is the staffing of parishes as so many of our communities throughout the diocese decline and grow older. 

The planning commission intends to complete its work by January 1, 2010.  (That may be an ambitious goal.)  The implementation phase will follow.   Look for updates.  Please keep this important work in your prayers.