It was a rough weekend for my dogs, Barnes and Noble. Like all golden retrievers, they are good-natured and affectionate. They also enjoy having the run of the backyard which they are loathe to share with Canadian geese, deer, wild turkeys, and other dogs.
Of course, they are willing to share the yard with people, but only to a point. When a large tent goes up behind my house and many guests start arriving, Barnes and Noble are none too happy; after all, we're occupying their space. And when I return to my room after greeting my guests, they look at me with rueful eyes. Forgiveness comes only when the tent is removed and order is restored in the garage. So much for the myth of unconditional canine love!
The displeasure of my dogs, however, did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of a recent gathering at which, among other things, Year II of the Pastoral Plan for Evangelization, "Following in the Footsteps of Christ," was presented. Sister Alejandra Keen, who oversees this initiative, spoke to nearly 350 guests and showed a video describing the Plan, launched last year at this time. She spoke of the effect which it has had in many parishes, schools, and other faith communities — progress on which we can build as we begin Year II of this five-year plan next weekend, October 13-14.
The Pastoral Plan for Evangelization began with a conversation in the Presbyteral Council (Council of Priests) several years ago. Priests representing their various age groups and regions of the diocese spoke about the challenges of spreading the Gospel in the parishes and through the various ministries in which they serve. They expressed concern for the spiritual welfare of those no longer practicing the faith and, at the same time, shared with one another some steps they were taking to help both active and inactive Catholics deepen their friendship with Christ and their participation in the Church's mission. They also spoke of outreach to those searching for a church, for a spiritual home.
As I continued to visit parishes throughout the diocese, it dawned on me that there were a lot of good ideas, best practices, and energy to be harnessed and shared throughout the 87 parishes. With that in mind, a series of listening sessions throughout the diocese was held, first with clergy and then with lay people and Religious serving parishes and schools in a variety of roles. Participants discussed obstacles and challenges encountered in advancing the Church's mission. They were also invited to list what they consider the main priority areas of their parishes. Participants were also asked how the diocese could better support activities and strategies already under way in their parishes. I was very moved as these leaders spoke of their desire to inspire those they serve by witnessing to Christ's love; to teach the faith in fidelity and completeness; and to encourage greater participation in the life of the Church. Their witness became the foundation for our plan, "Following in the Footsteps of Christ."
What came out of these listening sessions was a plan based on the essential mission of the Church entrusted to her by Christ: to proclaim God's Word, to celebrate the Sacraments, and to exercise the ministry of Charity. Arising from these three pillars were five priority areas, reflective of what clergy, religious, and lay leaders had told us: the Centrality of the Liturgy, Cultivating Family and Life, Inspiring Youth, the Faith Formation of Adults, and Serving in Charity. The Pastoral Plan then offered a menu of ideas to spark discussion among parish leaders on practical ways in which parish life can be strengthened, year by year, in each of the priority areas. It also offered a menu of programs designed to help support parishes in their initiatives to proclaim the Gospel so as to lead many to the Sacraments and to involve them in the Church's mission of charity and social justice.
Of course, human effort and ingenuity is not what makes such a plan work. It has to reflect the Lord's plan for his people and it has to be rooted in prayer and living faith. And, during this past year, the Pastoral Plan was greeted and implemented in just that spirit in many parishes. A survey taken at the close of Year I found that over 57% of the parishes reported being "very involved" in the plan with others starting to communicate and become familiar with the plan. Some 74% of responding parishes indicated that they have lay leaders committed to the Plan, and 90% of the parishes could cite meaningful outcomes from participation in the Plan — such as an increase in Sunday Mass attendance, new initiatives for young people, an adult men's ministry, discipleship talks from Easter to Pentecost, an annual parish leaders' day of formation and renewal, ESL classes, helping fix the homes of the needy, and offering service to elderly parishioners.
This sampling of results was heartening but it also indicated that much remains to be done. We heard constructive criticism on ways to communicate the plan more effectively, especially by better use of the website. We also heard the need for additional support in the areas of youth ministry, adult faith formation, and pastoral outreach to persons with disabilities.
I am happy to say that the diocese has recently welcomed new personnel to serve in those important capacities — three splendid individuals I hope you will have the opportunity to meet.
While Year I was focused on launching the Plan, the theme for Year II focuses on building on the foundation now in place and inviting the laity to greater participation in the life of their parishes. A key challenge is to encourage participation among those who are not currently involved in parish life, including those who do not come to Mass frequently.
Another challenge is to unlock the potential of parishioners who do indeed come to Mass Sunday after Sunday — to encourage them to share the precious gifts of their time and talent to advance the spreading of the Gospel among family members, friends, and colleagues through a variety of parish projects and ministries.
My invitation in Year II of the Plan is this: If you are not already involved in your parish, please consider prayerfully how you can share your gifts with your parish. After all, participation in the life of the Church isn't just something nice to do — like a hobby or an avocation; participation is part of our calling and responsibility by virtue of our Baptism.
I invite you to be in touch with your pastor or other parish leader to see how you can contribute to the life and vitality of your parish family.
Clearly, if we are to participate in the life of the Church, we must know Christ ever more deeply and grow in our love for Him and for His Church. Through this friendship we will learn how to share His message with others and participate more fully in proclaiming the Word, in encouraging our contemporaries to share in the Mass, and in serving Christ in the poor, the needy, and the marginalized.
This past June, Pope Benedict XVI declared that he will be dedicating the coming year (June 2008-June 2009) to the great evangelizer Saint Paul. I see Year II as prelude to this important year in which we will benefit from the Apostle's prayers for us and learn from his example of zeal for evangelization.
…and while I love Barnes and Noble, I hope there will be many more occasions when they will have to cede their backyard to visitors with whom I can continue to present this Pastoral Plan and who can continue their journey, following in the footsteps of Christ!
