Archbishop Nienstedt Speaks to Parishioners
The main goal of the Archdiocesan Planning Process is to foster a revitalized and sustainable local church, responsive to the pastoral needs of all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Archbishop John Nienstedt's videotaped message to those who attended the regional parishioner meetings scheduled throughout the Archdiocese in September and October of 2009 is available below.
If you were unable to attend a regional parishioner meeting, you may still offer your input. Find out how by visiting our contact page.
The Planning Task Force will consider information gathered from parishioners, along with input from pastors, parish leaders and ministry group members when formulating its recommendations regarding future planning for the Archdiocese. The Planning Task Force will submit its recommendations to Archbishop Nienstedt next summer.
Task Force will focus on parish and school planning
By Archbishop John C. Nienstedt
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Originally published in TheCatholicSpirit.com
We live in an age of constant change. From the cell phones we use, to the style of clothing we wear or the model of television we watch, changes are all around us. It has been said that “to live is to change, and change often.” As I grow older, I find even my body cannot often do what it once used to do; hence, change is inevitable.
Called to stewardship
The one area in my life where I do not expect change is in the tenets of faith. “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). His teachings rooted in objective truths do not change, but my depth of appreciating and understanding those teachings can and does change; hopefully, I am constantly growing in faith.
The structures of parish life can and do change, i.e., demographics shift, pastoral needs are altered, resources, once abundant, diminish. As good stewards of the gifts we have been given from our forebearers, we must constantly be reading “the signs of the times” to determine our proper response to the changes taking place around us. Full article continues here.
Feedback
Your input is important to the planning process. Please click on the logo above to share your feedback. All comments are read and treated with respect and care. Your response will only be available to those working with the Planning Task Force.
7 Principles
- Full sacramental ministry
- Competent pastoral leaders
- Special concern for the needs of the poor, marginalized, and immigrant
- Catholic school support and inclusion in the planning process
- Every parish will be involved in this discussion
- Every parish will be expected to evaluate their own resources and adjust accordingly
- Respect, patience and honesty in all discussions to build on strengths