WHY do we need a planning process for Faith In Our Future?

Planning is an ongoing responsibility in any organization. At present, there are many indications that it is time to take a comprehensive look at the configuration of parishes, their facilities, their staffing, ministry practices and outreach in order to more effectively proclaim the Gospel and pass on the faith to a new generation. Among these indicators in the Diocese of Trenton are:

• The percentage of Catholics in the general population is declining.
• The number of Latino Catholics in the total Catholic population is growing.
• Weekly Mass attendance and number of individuals celebrating sacraments is decreasing.
• Many parishes struggle financially.
• A large number of priests and religious in active ministry are reaching retirement age.

WHO will be involved?

Each parish will have a core team composed of the pastor and four parish members. Core teams have the responsibility to see that the required work is completed, but they don’t do that alone. They will collaborate with the parish pastoral and finance councils, as well as engage with parishioners across all ministries and populations in the parish. Parish staff members do not serve on the core team, but should be active participants in the process as it is implemented in the parish.

DIOCESAN PLANNING COMMISSION Grouped by county in which they serve. View full profiles HERE>>