BEGINS SEPTEMBER 2010Last week’s bulletin insert addressed the reason for another planning process. This week’s questions are about change.
Q #2: What kind of changes might parishes expect? A: The planning process depends and builds upon the wisdom of the leadership of the local parishes.
The process is a “grass roots” approach to discern how parishes can better share ministries in a collaborative way. Priests will most likely be serving multiple parishes. Future parish staffing will most likely include qualified laity (e.g., parish life administrators, catechists, liturgists, business managers, etc.) as well as deacons and religious to serve the needs of multiple parishes. The Diocese of Davenport has had the foresight to offer a Ministry Formation Program for many years to help prepare people for such parish staffing.
Q #3: Is there an existing plan to close more parishes? A: This is a question that concerns many people. The current planning process calls for better collaboration between parishes. It enables parishes to examine their strengths and opportunities for growth. Fewer priests in the future may mean that not every parish will be able to celebrate Eucharist every Sunday. The plans that will be created in each area of the diocese might include additional steps such as clustering or consolidating. These plans will be created by local parish leaders.
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Next week’s question is:
Where is the good news?All parish leaders are being asked to attend one of the following seven area meetings (about 2 hours long) which will be held throughout the diocese to present the planning process. Parish leadership includes pastors, parochial vicars, parish life administrators, parish lay trustees, all members of the parish pastoral council, all members of the parish finance council, staff (DRE, youth minister, secretary, bookkeeper, etc.) and commission chairpersons.
Sunday, Sept. 19 St. Mary, Solon – 4:30 pm
Sunday, Sept. 19 Holy Trinity, Richmond – 7:00 pm
Monday, Sept. 20 St. Mary, Albia – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, Sept. 21 St. Alphonsus, Mt. Pleasant – 7:00 pm
Sunday, Sept. 26 St. Mary, Pella – 5:00 pm
Sunday, Oct. 3 St. Paul the Apostle, Davenport – 3:00 pm
Sunday, Oct. 3 St. Joseph, DeWitt – 5:00 pm
Phase 2 will include grassroots meetings at the parish level for all parishioners.