In June 2007, we gathered in a Summit to consider all that was good and exciting about our faith communities and all that could be in ministry to our Lord in the next few years to come.
Your voices and thoughts heard through our Discovery and Summit processes have led to the identification of six Strategic Initiatives which will direct our future resources and energies at the Diocesan level. These initiatives are:
Worship and creative liturgy – new liturgies and music settings that invite all into a relationship with God whether in a small- or large- membership faith community. Such liturgies will maintain the core of our tradition while seeking to be responsive to our changing culture and needs.
Outreach to all in our community – reaching out in service to all who live in our local, national and global communities regardless of race, age, gender, income or any other characteristic.
Evangelism of youth and young adults – seeking out and inviting the youth to engage in the experience of a faithful relationship with God. This will require us to understand the needs of our youth so that we may speak their language and be present in their lives wherever they are.
Ministry Development – creating educational and formational opportunities for all to discern and develop their baptismal gifts on an individual and corporate basis. Providing faith communities opportunities to seek God’s call to ministry and implement strategies for health.
Increased cooperation between parishes – a clear call was heard to discover ways of being in ministry together – on a parish-by-parish, district, and Diocesan basis. We will work together to discover ways of sharing resources, ministries and our faith activities.
Grow in faith/spirituality/participation – providing opportunities for all ages to discover practices that will strengthen our faith, deepen our spirituality, and encourage participation in our faith communities.