Pastoral Vitality

Dear friends in Christ, 

As we celebrate the hope and promise of the resurrection in this Easter season, let us also consider our responsibility as leaders to bring new life to our Families of Parishes. I know this first year of implementation of Beacons of Light has at times been marked by stress and great challenge. I hear from many pastors and leaders, too, that much is being put into place and being accomplished as Families focus on the guiding principles and milestones of Phase 1 of Beacons…there is good work being done and so much that is positive beginning to happen thanks to your concerted efforts.  

With this in mind, let us look forward to how much more we can accomplish in the coming months! In doing so I offer a few reminders: 

Please remember that the five phases of Beacons of Light are not timed with the calendar. Phase 1 may be complete by June 30, but you may not have met all the Phase 1 milestones by that date. The only calendar date in effect is the goal of canonical unification of the parishes in your Family of Parishes by July 1, 2027. I would liken our process to that of a marathon, not a sprint and that is important to keep in mind.  Especially in this first year of Beacons, it is essential for you to take your time. Get to know and talk with your people, especially the leaders in your councils, commissions, and ministries; dream together; take stock of all that is in place in your parishes and consider what you have upon which to build. Remember that Phase 1 is focused on leadership because with the best people in each role, the Family will be poised to become the mission-focused community of faith it is called to be. 

Many of you are likely working on your first Annual Planning Report. This report is an opportunity for your Family Leadership Team and others who are responsible for aspects of the pastoral life in your Family to look back at the year that is passing and then forward to the one to come. We’re all familiar with the quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” The plan you and other leaders in your Family are developing for the coming year will be the framework for envisioning and creating new life together. The Annual Planning Report, signed by your pastor, is due June 30 and will be reviewed by your archdiocesan dean before being presented to Archbishop Schnurr.  

These are very important times in which we live and minister together. A healthy and life-giving future in Jesus Christ lies ahead for our Families of Parishes if we remain diligent and focused in our efforts, if we remain close to the Lord and if we make great strides in listening and appreciating the hopes and dreams of our people. Keep up the truly good work that is going on and remember that whatever help you need we are close by. Please reach out, to me, to Jeremy Helmes or any member of our Center for Parish Vitality staff should you have need. 

May the Lord continue to bless you with the joy and new life of the resurrection!