Planning Implementation Training Day CATHOLIC DIOCESE of RICHMOND Office of Pastoral Planning November 2009

Update on Diocesan Pastoral Plan 5 year plan describing new models of inter- parish collaboration to be implemented between Implementation will occur over time

Our Journey of Faith TWO MAIN FOCUS POINTS: Collaboration Priest Allocation

Our Challenge: Decreasing number of priests In 2007, we estimated a net decrease of priests from 2007 to current priests will reach retirement age by 2011 We assumed no additional priests would be added from other dioceses

Retirement vs. Ordinations chart

Retirement vs. Ordinations chart Current priest projection

Portions of the plan implemented to date Parishes closed: St. John the Baptist, Crewe St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Brookneal Studies undertaken: LPA 19 - two parish consolidation study LPA 11 – four parish cluster study Clusters implemented: Greater Roanoke Moneta and Bedford

Other key recommendations: More Senior Pastoral Associates More Deacons – 8 LPAs Provide training

Training initiatives: o Deacon Candidates and Aspirants o Training for lay ministers

Deviations from the Plan… LPA 3 – St. Nicholas and Holy Family, Virginia Beach LPA 4 – Smithfield and Suffolk May be some others as we go along…

Cluster implementation examples… Eastern Vicariate: LPA 1 – Pastoral musicians meeting in Norfolk; combined RCIA retreat for Sacred Heart and Blessed Sacrament LPA 2 – LPA Mission statement LPA 4 – Pilot Confirmation program LPA 7 – cluster-wide youth convocation being planned on the Eastern Shore

Cluster implementation examples, continued… Central Vicariate… LPA 9 – monthly parish staff and priest meetings LPA 10 quarterly parish finance council meetings LPA 11 – Holy Rosary, St. Patrick and St. John sharing staff

Cluster implementation examples, continued… Western Vicariate Many examples already in place prior to the Pastoral Plan completion Hear from panelists next… LPA 16 Youth Retreat with Eastern Kentucky youth planned for Spring 2010 LPA 18 – “pulpit exchange”

Still needed For Parishioners o More prayers for and encouragement of religious vocations o A better understanding of various roles and responsibilities For Pastors o Balancing demands o Managing staff at more than one place

Where do we go from here? Continue to look at national and local demographic trends, including increases in ethnic populations Work to foster better communication among parishes and parishioners Recognize adjustments may need to be made along the way

NOT in conclusion, but rather, in continuation … Web-site: We pray for our diocese, we pray for all who work in our parishes and schools; we pray for an increase in vocations to the ordained and religious life, for a deeper understanding of our own personal vocations, and we pray for peace and unity which is a sign of God’s presence among us. Amen.