Using Our R e s o u r ce s W i s e ly
PASTORAL PLAN FOR DEANERIES I, II & XI presented at St. Mark Parish Article and photos by Megan Marley
P
arishes in Deaneries I, II and XI are implementing a strategic plan that responds to a changing world, while continuing to support the faithful in spiritual growth and missionary dis-
cipleship. A livestreamed and in-person presentation of the plan took place at St. Mark Parish in Independence May 19. The plan is
the second created as part of an ongoing comprehensive resources strategy for the diocese, and similar studies and planning will take place across the diocese.
CR AF T IN G A P L AN TO US E RE SO U RC E S WISE LY
R ead an e x pa n d e d v er s ion
In 2018, listening sessions were held throughout the diocese to help craft a vision for the future. Following much study, consideration and prayer, a diocesan vision — One Family: Restored in
of this story on catholickey.org, including a video of the May 19 presentation. Find the full Deanery I, II & XI Pastoral Plan on kcsjcatholic.org/ our-vision
Faithful and leaders from parishes in Deaneries I, II and XI gather at St. Mark Parish to hear details of the final pastoral plan approved by Bishop Johnston.
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Catholic Key • August/September 2022 • catholickey.org
Christ, Equipped for Mission — and three goals — Healing our Family, Growing God’s Family, and Using Resources Wisely — were identified. Using Resources Wisely is the inspiration for the pastoral plan, developed with the help of Meitler, a data study
and planning firm for Catholic communities. The firm collected data on parish statistics, community demographics and forecasted regional changes, interviewed pastors and parish representatives, toured parishes and provided structure for developing the pastoral plan with an Area Planning Committee composed of representatives from each parish. “As with any household, our local Church has limited resources; our personnel and money, time, facilities and so forth are not infinite,” said Father Charles Rowe, Vicar General for Pastoral Affairs, at the presentation. “Now is the time to take a careful look to see whether resources are being deployed effectively or not, in the service of making our local Church ‘One Family: Restored in Christ — Equipped for Mission.’”
