People have been asking me if there are any updates from the “Journey in Faith” process, the Archdiocese’s discernment process to restructure parishes to better and more effectively serve the mission of Christ.  You may recall we had parish meetings last fall in October and November to give feedback about the process.  The Archbishop and his “Core Team” and the more expanded “Planning Commission” (A group of 30 or so representatives, both priest and lay, from all over the Archdiocese that are helping the Archbishop make the plan), have been processing our feedback and prayerfully discerning.  Here is what Archbishop Zinkula has shared with us so far:

“Over the past several weeks, the Core Team has worked, prayerfully and diligently, thoroughly reviewing the feedback and data received from thousands of parishioners and all of you. Our prevailing focus has been how to make the best decisions for everyone, given the challenges we face, the resources we have, and the desires of parishioners and priests. We have relied heavily on the input and discernment of so many of our faithful. It has truly been a synodal process, marked by listening, collaboration and faith.

The Core Team has now developed the first version of a final pastorate plan. The Planning Commission reviewed this plan on Saturday, January 17. 

Many changes have been made since the last set of models — changes shaped directly by your feedback and that of your parishioners. There is not a single pastorate match from the original A or B Models (the plans initially proposed by the Archdiocese), that made it to the first version of the final pastorate plan.”

 On Tues. Feb. 3, we priests of the Archdiocese will have a meeting with the Archbishop to have a chance to go over the “first version of the final pastorate plan” and will have an opportunity to give input and feedback.  Please pray for us and our meeting on Tues. Feb. 3.  You may consider specifically offering our Archdiocesan Journey in Faith prayer as you pray for our meeting:

“Lord Jesus, You accompanied your disciples on the way to Emmaus.  As we journey in faith, we trust in your Spirit to open our eyes, to set our hearts on fire, and to transform our parishes.  Make yourself known to us through breaking open word and bread, that we may travel together on mission;

to grow disciples, cultivate leaders, and unify parishes, with our journey ending in You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen”

Peace,

-Fr. Kevin

“Señor Jesús, acompañaste a tus discípulos en el camino a Emaús. En nuestro camino de fe, confiamos en tu Espíritu para que abra nuestros ojos, para encender nuestros corazones y transformar nuestras parroquias. Date a conocer a nosotros al compartir la palabra y el pan, para que juntos viajemos en misión; para formar discípulos, formar líderes y unificar parroquias, con nuestro viaje terminando en Ti, que viven y reinan por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.”