What is pastoral planning?
Pastoral planning is a step-by-step process. It begins with lots of listening and discussion in order to assess the needs of the diocese. In the midst of prayer and dialogue, the Church is eventually able to name what is most important for it to focus on at this point in time. Taking available resources into account, a diocese can set long-term goals, make short-term action plans, and implement what has been decided. It is also necessary to figure out how to support those people who are responsible for carrying out the plans. Evaluation completes the cycle. Pastoral planning is ongoing. The cycle is repeated every 3 to 5 years to ensure that plans are responding to current needs, and remain focused on the mission.
Why is pastoral planning important?
A pastoral planning process helps the Church to focus on the mission of Jesus and choose what actions best serve that mission. It has been said that "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Pastoral planning helps the Church to get its priorities in order and to develop or improve needed ministry. It considers how the Church can use its resources most wisely. Having a Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Trenton will encourage people, parishes, and the diocese to all work together --improving our ability to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
How will pastoral planning shape the Church?
Through the years, many dedicated individuals have tried to understand how to bring the Good News to people in changing circumstances. Without a plan, these efforts – while they may be good – tend to become scattered and lack coordination. A Diocesan Pastoral Planning Process gathers all of these disconnected efforts and finds out how they are related. This "whole system" or integrated approach can improve our ability to work together toward a common goal. Most importantly, it enables us to recognize and appreciate the communion we share, rather than generating rivalry or competition. The Church can best fulfill the mission of Christ when all its parishes are vibrant and the people are working toward what is most important together.
What does faith have to do with it?
Pastoral planning depends on prayer. In every phase, the Church relies upon the Holy Spirit to guide its work. Pastoral planning does not proceed by majority voting, or according to what is most expedient. Instead, the process turns to Scripture and Tradition to help dioceses, institutions, and parishes to be attentive to the gentle promptings of the Spirit and the bold challenges that the Gospel presents to the followers of Jesus.
In addition to prayerfulness, pastoral planning also requires patient listening and wide-participation among the people of God. The diocese has a Diocesan Pastoral Council, a Presbyteral (Priest) Council, and a Council of Deacons who provide recommendations to the Bishop and his diocesan staff on a regular basis. Catholics believe, however, that wisdom lies not only among the clergy, religious, and lay leaders of the Church, but also within the hearts and minds of the Catholic faithful. It is vitally important to hear from all members, clergy and laity, during this pastoral planning process.
Is this anything like strategic planning?
A Pastoral Plan is primarily concerned with the issues of mission and ministry which, as Pope John Paul II wrote, "will enable the proclamation of Christ to reach people, mold communities, and have a deep and incisive influence in bringing Gospel values to bear in society and culture" (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 2001). A pastoral plan does not give undue attention to current operational details; though suggestions may be made during the process. It focuses on the pastoral issues and how we address them over a defined period of time.
The integrated approach to pastoral planning that I have been describing can be understood in three movements or phases: directional, strategic, and administrative. In the "directional" phase, we seek to describe our vision for the future and name our pastoral priorities. In the "strategic" phase, we look at what we want to achieve and allocate our resources accordingly. In the "administrative" phase, we develop action plans that describe what we will do in a step-by-step fashion, and then do it.
What will this Diocesan Pastoral Plan have to do with my parish?
A Diocesan Pastoral Plan provides direction for the whole diocese. It lays out a framework for ministry efforts in the diocese. The plan will include action plans that make plain how the different areas of church life are interconnected. Each diocesan office will focus its particular expertise on ways to help parishes and the diocese as a whole accomplish the goals and objectives expressed in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
Each parish and deanery will allow the Diocesan Pastoral Plan to inspire its planning and ministry efforts. Plans on the deanery and parish level will include action plans that relate to objectives in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan—AND--may include additional objectives and action plan to respond to local concerns. Responsibility for the goals articulated in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan will be shared goals by all of the parishes, agencies, and institutions in the Diocese of Trenton. These goals will express our common "pastoral priorities" and require the best of our energy and resources for the years ahead.
You are a vital part of this process.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more and contribute your perspective. The only way things can change and grow is if we pledge to work together.
