Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo
Diocesan Pastoral Plan: A Future Full of Hope
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are a list of Frequently Asked Questions gathered to assist in the understanding of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan introduced by Bishop Bradley. Implementation of the plan began with the announcement of the parish collaboratives on January 28, 2016 and continues through the year. Visit updated information.
What is the purpose of the Collaborative Plan? What is the long-range vision that led us in this direction?
The Collaborative Plan has been developed to better distribute available priests to ensure that all Parishes receive necessary pastoral and sacramental care. Over the past several years, the number of priests in the Diocese of Kalamazoo has decreased significantly, and if this trend were to continue without some change, it would result in lessened pastoral and sacramental care for the faithful. The obvious solution is an increase in vocations to the Priesthoodand that solution is being vigorously addressed.
How long will the Diocesan Pastoral Plan be in effect?
The plan will be in effect for the length of time it will take to identify those with priestly vocations, train men for the Priesthood, and then give them a few years after ordination to fully acclimate to their new state in life. That means we are looking at a probable fifteen to twenty-year time frame.
Is the Diocese going to close any parishes or schools during this time?
The Diocesan Pastoral Plan does not call for the closing of any Parish or school.
Do the priests support the Diocesan Pastoral Plan?
The priests are supportive of this historical moment for the Diocese. Bishop Bradley has met with the priests and other consultative groups since mid 2015. The first goal of Bishop Bradley and the priests is to serve the faithful in the best possible way. The collaborative will allow priests to use their gifts and talents more broadly and in service to the faithful.
When will the priest assignments be made? What is the process for assigning them?
Priest assignments were announced on May 23, 2016 and the majority are effective July 1, 2016.
What are the first steps for the laity to assist in parish collaboratives?
Parish Transition Committee Teams met beginning in March 2016 to discuss any necessary adjustment to Mass and sacramental schedules; using the provided diocesan Mass guidelines The role of the laity has been critical in this discussion. Please fully consider what opportunities you might embrace to assist your Pastor, and what ways the collaborative can support your parish.
Do the collaboratives impact my gift to my parish? To the diocese? (Where does “my envelope” go?)
Both your Sunday envelope and donation to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal will go to your home parish and be used in accordance with the guidelines established by the Pastor, parish Finance Council and other appropriate parishbodies.
What information is available to better understand the Diocesan Pastoral Plan?
The Diocese has a dedicated section on its website which includes video from the seven regional meetings Bishop Bradley held January through March 2016. Additionally, The Good News, the diocesan newspaper, has published a series of cover articles beginning with the December/January 2016 edition (see also February 2016, March 2016, April 2016 and May 2016.) The Diocesan Communications department will be working closely with Parish Collaboratives to assist in resources to distribute at the Parish level.
If parishioners choose to attend a different Mass to fit their schedule how will this change impact Sunday collections? Have the financial implications been taken into account?
Parishioners and the faithful will still be encouraged to utilize their Sunday giving options to their parish of record. Also parish registration will also continue to be encouraged.
How will the collaborations affect our schools, especially if there is no resident pastor?
Assigned pastors are expected to support the Catholic schools in the diocese.
What roles will Finance and Parish Councils play in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan?
Parish councils need to actively engage and support the parish and maintain parochial identity. However, councils cannot take over running parishes. The pastor has that responsibility.
Will my parish Finance Council still decide the financial direction for our parish or will we be sharing financial resources?
It is the intent at this time that current parish Finance Councils will continue to operate as usual. It may be, over the duration of the collaborative, that parishes may change to alter this arrangement, but that decision would be made at the local level.
What training and resources were provided/offered to priests, parish staffs and laity to assist in the transition to Parish Collaboratives?
The Diocese offered a number of training and resource opportunities. Priests and parish staffs were encouraged to attend a Diocesan Plan and Finance workshop on March 30th and the “Best Practices for Shared Parishes” workshop on April 20th. Additionally the Diocese enlisted the assistance of Catholic Leadership Institute for specific training for the clergy (priests and deacons) which was held in early May. Parish Support Teams are in place and will be working with Parish Collaboratives through December (and beyond) to assist with specific needs.
Updated June 1, 2016