ALL THINGS NEW – Steadfast in Faith - Forward in Hope
Strategic Pastoral Planning Initiative for the Archdiocese of St. Louis
Now that the online webinar meetings presented by the Catholic Leadership Institute are complete, parishes throughout the Archdiocese are hard at work. The members of our Key Parish Leadership Team will be meeting over the next few weeks to:
1. Analyze the results of our parish’s Disciple Maker Index surveys
2. Review our Parish Workbook (a report of parish data, prepared by the Archdiocese).
3. Complete the All Things New Parish Feedback Form.
4. Gather additional feedback from parishioners.
A report is expected from each parish by June 24, 2022.
Since there are specific steps-and-stages for this Initiative, we can see our present work in the context of A TIMELINE. We are told: This is a multi-year project, involving ongoing prayer, listening sessions, and collecting feedback from various stakeholders that will develop options for a strategic plan for the entire archdiocese which will be finalized by Pentecost 2023.
July 1, 2021: Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski announced a new strategic planning effort that will examine all parishes, schools and curia offices and agencies in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Summer 2021: Data gathering from parishes and schools begins. Priests and Deacons surveyed. Focus groups held with ministries and stakeholders. Scripture, guiding texts and prayer unveiled the name, logo, guiding principles and goals.
Fall 2021: Presented and collected feedback for All Things New from Priests, Deacons, Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly, Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Curia, Elementary Principals and Presidents, Youth Ministers and teenagers, Young Adults, and Consecrated Religious.
January 25, 2022: All Things New is officially launched on the celebration of The Conversion of St. Paul.
March 2022: Disciple Maker Index is administered through the parishes of the archdiocese. Parish and school data are analyzed. Current reality is assessed.
Summer 2022: Disciple Maker Index results are shared; draft modeling begins; draft of parish planning process is completed.
Fall 2022: Listening sessions at each parish to receive input and feedback on draft models.
Winter 2022: Discernment and refinement of models.
Pentecost 2023: Archbishop Rozanski announces the plan for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Summer 2023: Pastors and parish leaders begin preparing for implementation.
Why does the process take so long?
The initiative is planned for a two-year time period in order to allow for prayer to root and ensure the proper time for discernment, consultation, and the refinement of models based on the feedback collected. It is vitally important to Archbishop Rozanski, priests and diocesan leaders involved to ensure plenty of time for listening and consultation with the people. With 178 parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, this requires time for listening as well as adequate time for analysis and refinement.
Sincerely yours in Jesus,
Fr. John Seper