Speak-up Sessions to Pastoral Planning
Second Consultation in Diocesan Parishes
In August, six sessions were held to train two parishioners from each parish who facilitated parish meetings in September and early October to obtain concrete, specific suggestions on how to best implement the six pastoral priorities that were gleaned from the Speak Up Sessions. Each parish was asked to submit the two suggestions for each pastoral priority to the Diocese's Office of Pastoral Planning. After suggestions were sent in by all parishes, a committee consolidated them into a format of goals and strategies to be proposed, discussed and recommended for Bishop's approval at a diocesan-wide Assembly (see below) which was held December 9, 2006. These will then be incorporated into the diocesan and parish planning process that began in January, 2007.
From Speak-up Sessions to Pastoral Planning
When Bishop Joseph Galante met with parishioners during the parish Speak Up sessions, he promised to come back "to teach and for further dialogue." With this in mind, Bishop in October and November gave six presentations on the theme: "Moving Forward: From Speak Ups to Parish Planning."
The sessions were attended by Parish Planning Teams, and parishioners. The sessions were held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Absecon (10/17), St. Padre Pio, Vineland (10/19), St. Joseph, Woodstown (10/23), St. Aloysius, Oaklyn (10/25), St. Mary, Williamstown (11/7) and St. Mary, Cherry Hill (11/8).
Diocesan Assembly - December 9
Each parish sent two (2) delegates who, along with your pastor, attended a Diocesan Assembly on Saturday, December 9. At the Diocesan Assembly the proposed goals and strategies for addressing the six Pastoral Priorities were voted on and submitted for Bishop Galante’s approval. These will be the blueprint for pastoral planning in the parish.
Preliminary Goals and their Strategies English | Spanish
Final Approved Goals and Strategies