A Pastorate Meeting for Saint Mary Saint Francis Holy Family November 30, 2016
from the Gospel of Matthew As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 18-22)
from the Gospel of John Behold, the Lamb of God. The two disciples heard what John said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, What are you looking for? They said to him, Rabbi, where are you staying? Jesus said to them, Come, and you will see. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, We have found the Messiah. Then Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. (John 1:37-42)
[W]e should recall that no one is an island, entire of itself. Our lives are involved with one another, through innumerable interactions they are linked together. No one lives alone. No one sins alone. No one is saved alone. The lives of others continually spill over into mine: in what I think, say, do and achieve. And conversely, my life spills over into that of others: for better and for worse It is never too late to touch the heart of another, nor is it ever in vain. In this way we further clarify an important element of the Christian concept of hope. Our hope is always essentially also hope for others; only thus is it truly hope for me too. As Christians we should never limit ourselves to asking: how can I save myself? We should also ask: what can I do in order that others may be saved and that for them too the star of hope may rise? Then I will have done my utmost for my own personal salvation as well. (Spe Salvi, 48)
Human life is a journey. Towards what destination? How do we find the way? Life is like a voyage on the sea of history, often dark and stormy, a voyage in which we watch for the stars that indicate the route. The true stars of our life are the people who have lived good lives. They are lights of hope. Certainly, Jesus Christ is the true light, the sun that has risen above all the shadows of history. But to reach him we also need lights close by people who shine with his light and so guide us along our way. (Spe Salvi, 49)
from the First Letter of Saint Peter Do not be afraid but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:14-16)
On this Feast of Saint Andrew: Andrew is Called by Jesus Andrew brings Peter to the Lord. During the First Week of Advent Pope Benedict reminds us that we are not merely individuals and our hope is not singular We need others to help shine the light of hope in our lives and they need us My own salvation is tied to how well I help others find hope
Why? And Why Now? What Is It? What Does It Mean? How Will It Affect Us? What Will It Look Like?
Archbishop Lori asks us to consider how we would respond to these questions: Are we equipped to fulfill the great commission the Lord has given us? Do we personally have the qualities of mind, heart, and spirit to take up this task? Are our parishes ready to respond to the challenges of the mission in our times? What decisions need to be made so that we can marshal the resources the Lord has given us to do the work of the Gospel? Are there ways we can pull together as a Catholic community to proclaim and bear witness to the Gospel more effectively in the city of Baltimore and the nine counties of Maryland that comprise the Archdiocese of Baltimore? How can we reach out more dynamically to those who have left and those who are searching?
T H E G R E AT C O M M I S S I O N GO, therefore, and MAKE DISCIPLES of all the nations, BAPTIZING THEM in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit TEACHING THEM to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. (Mt. 28:19-20)
THE WHY CURRENT REALITY Our Call The formation of disciples who are making disciples must be at the heart of the work of the Body of Christ. The creation and continuance of vibrant and sustainable centers of evangelization requires the wise allocation of resources throughout the Archdiocese.
THE WHY CURRENT REALITY Demographic Trends Demographic and cultural changes continue, including a shift of Catholic households to the suburbs, growing numbers of Hispanic, African and Asian Catholics, and increasing numbers of those who have no religious affiliation. Few changes in parish structure or ministry have occurred in response to the demographic and cultural changes of the last several decades.
Demographic Trends *
Demographic Trends *
THE WHY CURRENT REALITY Vocations and Leadership Outlook The Archdiocese relies on 150 religious priests and externs (priests from other dioceses) to serve the Archdiocese in many ways. The number of pastors is expected to reduce from 115 today to 85 by 2022. Religious vocations are influenced by positive environments that support healthy, happy and holy lives.
THE WHY CURRENT REALITY Pastoral Challenges The Archdiocese has experienced a 15 percent decrease in Sunday liturgy attendance over the past 10 years. There is a need to focus on forming the next generation of Catholics, especially by supporting families as the primary evangelizers. There is an increasing need for parishes to be portals to a network of Catholic outreach services.
THE WHY CURRENT REALITY Resource Challenges Only one-third of our parishes and half of our Catholic schools are financially strong. High levels of deferred maintenance and life safety issues in parishes and schools have not been addressed. Parish and school planning need to be interconnected and demand stability and predictability to succeed.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES Vibrant, Sustainable and Evangelizing Pastorates and Schools Pastorates will be centers of worship and prayer that promote lifelong conversion and reverence for the Catholic faith. Pastorates will recognize that their vibrancy and sustainability are integrally connected to their capacity to welcome and to evangelize themselves and others. Pastorates will recognize and respond to the pastoral needs of a diverse Archdiocese. Pastorates will function as portals to a network of Catholic social services that respond to the unique needs of those residing in the area. Pastorates will plan for the future by maintaining and regularly updating active three-year pastorate plans.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES Strong Archdiocesan Vision and Support for Pastorates and Schools A design for the creation of pastorates across the Archdiocese will result in a stable and sound structure of parishes. The design of pastorates will support the creation of a stable and sound network of Catholic schools. The design of pastorates will allow for the designation of mission parishes that are part of a pastorate and/or are made sustainable by Archdiocesan and/or benefactor funding annually.
PROVISIONS FOR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES Formation and training will be provided to enable and empower pastors and pastoral life directors to lead for mission. Pastoral life directors will be considered when appropriate to allow for flexibility in pastorate leadership where financial and other conditions can support this model. The structure of Central Services will be aligned to support the above through the provision of data, outstanding customer service and a commitment to ongoing formation as disciples.
RATIONALE FOR FORMING PASTORATES Created using both data and input Data includes: Location of current registered families; Number of Masses, sacraments and pastoral workload at each parish; Mass attendance and the utilization of church capacity; Generalized financial status, condition of facilities and size/ complexity of parishes; Demographic data and trends; Preliminary recommendations of the School Facilities Master Plan.
RATIONALE FOR FORMING PASTORATES Other influences Similar target populations for evangelization, good opportunities to share resources or staff, existing collaborative relationships among parishes or natural paths of travel in an area.
THE NOT HOW UNACCEPTABLE MEANS We will not violate canon law, civil law or Archdiocesan policy. We will not design for more than three Sunday Masses (including Saturday vigils) per priest per weekend. We will not organize parish structures around an individual or special interest. We will not organize parish structures to maintain the status quo. We will not organize parish structures around past disagreements or hurts. We will not organize parish structures without a reasonable plan for maintenance and life safety integrated into an eight-year or more financial and operational model. We will not eliminate or discount shrines or otherwise culturally critical parishes such as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore.
Current # of Parishes Current # of Pastorates Proposed # of Pastorates Baltimore City 47 35 21 Baltimore/ Harford 44 40 30 Anne Arundel / Howard/ Carroll 30 28 21 Frederick / Washington / Allegany / Garrett 21 17 13 TOTAL 142 120 85
What Does The Plan Mean for US? Opportunity to Work Together Strengths of One Parish Can Complement the Weaknesses of the Other Combined Demographics Share Resources Additional Resources Faith Formation Facilities Combination of Staffs / Realignment of Responsibilities Scheduling Faith Formation Communications Deliberative Bodies Working together and Sharing Resources Parish Councils Working Together Finance Committees Working Together Liturgy Committees Working Together Facilities Working Together
What is the purpose of the Be Missionary Disciples planning effort? How will parishes be organized? Who put together the model of pastorates? Are pastorates replacing parishes? What kinds of planning will each pastorate be asked to undertake? Does this mean that parishes in a pastorate are going to have to merge? Is my church going to close? Will I still be able to go to the same Mass? Why are we using three Masses per weekend as a parameter? Will my pastor change? What happens to the staff in a multi-parish pastorate? When are the pastorates going to be implemented? What are the next steps?
GOOD FRUITS OF MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP IN A PASTORATE Vibrant Liturgy The Good News is proclaimed and understood Music is inspiring and participatory Homilies are a source of conversion, renewal and growth Parishioners are more fully engaged disciples Belonging Outsiders are prioritized Disenfranchised and strangers are sought out and welcomed All feel they belong and value community life through groups, activities and events Spiritual Growth Growing number of adults active in faith formation, engaged in service Ongoing conversion is experienced The domestic church is sustained and enriched Young people remain engaged in the parish
GOOD FRUITS OF MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP IN A PASTORATE Conversion New people are visible in community Sharing of faith is common and encouraged Disciple Making Spiritual friendships are formed Priestly vocations are promoted Families are equipped and empowered as missionary disciples The vulnerable, grieving and neglected receive care The poor are prioritized and served Mission Support Financial support for the mission is predictable and stable Support for the mission occurs at many levels Priests and their staff are healthy, happy and holy Mission-ready facilities are safe, welcoming, attractive, accessible and right-sized
http://www.divinerenovation.net
What Can I Do Right Now? LEARN ABOUT ALPHA http://alphausa.org/about Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith run over ten weeks with a Saturday retreat. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome.
What Can I Do Right Now? ATTEND ALPHA - New Hope United Methodist Church 10 Wednesday Evenings Beginning March 8, 2017 - Holy Family Catholic Community 10 Thursday Evenings Beginning March 9, 2017 Retreat on Saturday, April 8, 2017
SAINT MARY SAINT FRANCIS WEBSITE http://www.stfrancis-stmary.org/ HOLY FAMILY WEBSITE http://www.hfccmd.org/be-missionary-disciples ARCHDIOCESAN WEBSITE http://bemissionarydisciples.org/
A Pastorate Meeting for Saint Mary Saint Francis Holy Family November 30, 2016