It was at a January 2019 meeting of pastors that one of the priests spoke passionately about moving from maintenance to mission. The energy in the room changed, the phrase captured the great task that has now been set before us with Beacons of Light and the implementation of our Families of Parishes. This is why we have invited Fr. James Mallon and Dan Cellucci to present at the upcoming Presbyteral Convocation Sept 26-29; each of them will bring tremendous wisdom, experience, and expertise to the priests of the archdiocese as we
take steps toward greater parish vitality in the future. It was Fr. Mallon who coined the phrase "from maintenance to mission" in his book, Divine Renovation. The book will be given to all the priests at the convocation; pastors have already received Divine Renovation and the accompanying guidebook, as these resources provide a solid foundation and framework for much of what we hope to accomplish through Beacons of Light.
I hope the convocation will prompt many discussions among parish leaders upon the priests’ return and serve as a springboard for transformation in the future. We have all likely had the experience
of attending an inspiring and informative conference and quickly losing steam once we return home to the daily responsibilities in our parishes.
Here are a few strategies to build on Fr. James’ and Dan’s time with the priests.
In July of 2020, as much of the world, including Catholic parishes, was locked down due to Covid-19, the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy issued a new Instruction aimed at "the pastoral conversion of the parish community in the service of the evangelizing mission of the Church." Not only were we grappling with the pandemic in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in July 2020, we were also in the beginning stages of a new process of pastoral planning which became Beacons of Light.
The Instruction has helped to inform and inspire the vision and goals for Beacons as we strive toward renewed pastoral life through our Families of Parishes. Beacons is essentially about "pastoral conversion" – the change of mind, heart, and practice of our people and our parishes that will lead all of us to deeper relationships with Christ, living as disciples who enthusiastically share the love of God in word and deed in our daily lives.
Now it is time for parish leaders to study and reflect on the Instruction, its guidance and insight, to bring about the conversion needed in order to more effectively foster such living faith in our parishes and people. When we embrace pastoral conversion in our Families of Parishes, our parish will lead us to deeper conversion in Christ, the change of life – gradual and on-going – to which each of us is called as followers of Jesus. As people who are constantly growing closer to our Lord, our Families will grow as communities of people who live and share
the Gospel.
Welcome to Deacon Mike Lippman, our new Director of Pastoral Planning in the Center for Parish Vitality! Mike brings decades of experience in organizational leadership, project management, and a service-oriented mindset. In his 12 years as a deacon, Mike has also served as a parish leader and brings experience "from the trenches" in planning for parish health and growth!
Deacon Mike will be managing our Beacons liaisons, developing content for the Pastoral Planning Pathway, and supporting parish leaders in all efforts related to pastoral planning for vital and growing Families of Parishes!
Don't Forget...
OCTOBER COUNT: Each parish will be doing the annual October Count, but is also asked to update your church's seating capacity. Read More >
LOVEINACTIONRETREAT: As Parish Families begin to enter into relationships, you have the opportunity to participate in a retreat to bring together the leadership of various groups at each parish that engage in charity and justice work—such as Catholic Charities/Social Services, St. Vincent de Paul, Respect Life and Social Justice. You can read the agenda for the retreat on the Pathway platform. Contact us to learn more!
PARISH WORSHIP COMMISSIONS: FAMILY STYLE! Join fellow liturgical leaders for our annual With Zeal and Patience workshops on the role of the Parish Worship Commission...this year: Family Style! Read More >
Deans & Deaneries
As part of the Beacons of Light planning process, the deaneries of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have been re-organized. In addition, 12 Archdiocesan Deans have been appointed to lead these deaneries and to play a key role in in the pastoral planning process over the coming years. You can check out the maps of the deaneries and read more about the role of a dean on the new Leadership page of the Archdiocesan website!
The vicar forane (dean) holds an office of considerable pastoral importance: he is a close collaborator with the Bishop in pastoral care of the faithful, and an attentive ‘elder brother’ towards the priests of the deanery, especially those who are ill or in difficult situations. It falls to him to coordinate the common pastoral activity of the parishes, to see to it that priests are living lives in conformity with their state and that parochial discipline is duly observed, particularly with regard to the liturgy
Our
second session of the fall will focus on the Leadership principle and the meaning of co-responsibility in parish leadership, as well as the Family Leadership Team.
