The purpose of our Pastoral Plan, which is entitled “Embracing a Future Full of Hope,” is to identify several key priorities which will inspire us and focus the energies of the whole diocese.
The Pastoral Plan was our response to the request of the Pope John Paul II, who instructed each diocese to develop a pastoral plan, so that the Gospel would take root in the life of the Church as we began the new millennium.
I think you will find that the Pastoral Plan affirms much that is already being done in your parish. As we look ahead, the six goal statements of the Pastoral Plan establish a clear focus for our parishes. By committing ourselves to these goals, we declare that we will be accountable to one another in doing what we set out to do.
Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB
Bishop of London
Chatham Kent Family of Parishes Pastoral Plan
2020-2024
Goal One: Personal Holiness
As living signs of Christ’s presence, we will respond to the call to personal holiness given to all by committing ourselves to opportunities for ongoing conversion and spiritual renewal.
Objective: Share the faith and provide opportunities of growth for personal holiness through events, activities and resources to renew their faith and share the joy of prayer.
Implementation:
Goal Two: Evangelizing and Teaching
Called by Christ, we will evangelize through the clear proclamation of the Gospel and the constant teaching of the Catholic Faith, assuring that such proclamation and teaching is linked to the life experience of the people.
Objective: Evangelize to all through specific, targeted communication and measure teachings.
Implementation:
Goal Three: Justice and Compassion
With our sights set on the mission of Jesus we will minister with justice and compassion to the wounded, the searching, the entrapped and those in material and spiritual need.
Objective: Support and grow our ministries to serve the void in our community to bring the love of Jesus to all through our actions.
Implementation:
Goal Four: Liturgical Celebration
As a body of Christ, formed by word and sacrament, we will make provision for meaningful liturgical celebrations in our parish communities to ensure full, conscious and active participation by all.
Objective: Create a meaningful and welcoming experience that allows for full, conscious and active participation by all in liturgical celebrations.
Implementation:
Goal Five: Formation
Inviting all to co-responsible ministry, we will encourage and support the ongoing formation of laity, religious and ordained.
Objective: Encourage and support ongoing faith formation.
Implementation:
Goal Six: Governance
Imitating Christ the servant-leader, we will employ and model governance practices at all levels that seek to: meet the needs of God’s people, support the Church’s mission, ensure appropriate participation in decision-making by the laity, religious and ordained, uphold Gospel stewardship, and promote accountability and transparency.
Objective: Ensure effective governance of parish activities through active engagement by Parish Pastoral Council and other governing committees.
Implementation: