PASTORAL PLANNING IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Insights and Learning From September 21-22, 2011 Upper Midwest Diocesan Planners Meetings A Partnership Opportunity organized by Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Diocese of Sioux Falls and TeamWorks International
PARTICIPANTS Diocese of Superior, WI Richard Lyons Peggy Schoenfuss Diocese of Duluth, MN Father Peter Muhich Jack Worachek Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD Katie Mellor Deacon Roger Heidt Diocese of Winona, MN Gary Martini Rev. Edward F. McGrath Rev. Kurt Farrell Diocese of St. Cloud, MN Deacon Mark Barder Jane Marrin Diocese of New Ulm, MN Karla Cross Tom Keaveny Dan Rossing Father Ron Huberty Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, MN Marty Frauenheim Mary Kane Gary Wilmer Laurie Acker Bill Casey Emily Gorman Dale Hennen Estela Villagran Manancero Julie Meyer TeamWorks International Dennis Cheesebrow Rich Swanson
KEY POINTS OF LEARNING A. Bishop s Vision Narrative is critical and the narrative in enhanced by measures and numbers B. Pastoral Planning is a different focus than typical business strategic planning C. Pastoral Planning is about the relationships between Bishop, priests, staff and faithful, the living of faith and effective ministry D. Pastoral Planning requires data and analysis from demographics, parishioner choice, sacraments, schools, ministry and stewardship to inform the Current Reality and provide balance to in-place stories, politics and personalities E. Pastoral Planning is ongoing, adaptive and not predictive and episodic.
KEY MESSAGES FROM PARTICIPANTS 1. Good Theology and Planning is not in conflict 2. Pastoral Planning is enhanced by the context of a Bishop s Vision and the parameters of sound Decision Making Processes 3. Pastoral Planning is adaptive, continuous, comprehensive and requires resources 4. Demographics and resources raises questions about re-merging dioceses in the Upper Midwest 5. A Provincial Council might be a starting point for seeing and discussing the current reality and regional opportunities increased sustainability
WE REFLECTED AND DISCUSSED The Power of a Bishop s Vision for the Healthy and Sustainable Catholic Life for Priests and Deacons Catholic Faithful Example: Diocese of Sioux Falls How measures and metrics of the above provide clarity and focus during engagement of parishioners and staff in consultation Example: Diocese of Sioux Falls The need for catechesis of all in the varying and complimentary roles and responsibilities of: Priests Deacons Faithful Example: Diocese of Sioux Falls
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PARTIAL EXAMPLE FROM DIOCESE OF SIOUX FALLS PASTORAL PLANNING DOCUMENTATION
BISHOP S VISION METRICS PARTIAL EXAMPLE FROM DIOCESE OF SIOUX FALLS PASTORAL PLANNING DOCUMENTATION
BISHOP S VISION METRICS PARTIAL EXAMPLE FROM DIOCESE OF SIOUX FALLS PASTORAL PLANNING DOCUMENTATION
WE REFLECTED AND DISCUSSED The Power of a Demographics and Analysis in table and geo-spatial formats at the Census Block level for: General population demographics Overall population growth and decline by Age, Race/Ethnicity, Gender Financial Conditions: HH income; median gross and after-tax HH value Diocese Catholicity Index to total population at the Census Block level Tracking and assessing parishioner Choice patterns with Pastoral Leadership Sacramental Loading Analysis for assessing of Priest workload and assignments Modeling of Catholic parishes and schools clustering, merging and expansion Examples: Diocese of Sioux Falls, Diocese of Fargo, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis See CD and Handouts Provided for Illustrations
WE REFLECTED AND DISCUSSED The Power of a Demographics and Analysis in table and geo-spatial formats for: Catholic Parishes Registered Parishioner HH addresses Stewardship performance by % of Est. Median HH Income Debt capacity estimation and conditions Catholic School financial support and limitations analysis Catholic Schools Catholic Student HH addresses Tuition and Scholarship by Est. Median HH Income Market share and potential analysis Examples: Diocese of Sioux Falls, Diocese of Fargo, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis See CD and Handouts Provided for Illustrations
WE REFLECTED AND DISCUSSED
WE REFLECTED AND DISCUSSED Decision Making Roles inside of the Decision Making FrameWork and Process Adapted from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Catholic School Shared Resources Process The Decision Making FrameWork is used to clarify roles, responsibilities and timing of any key decision process, especially processes involving several entities and public input. In the process map there are five (5) key groups of participants: Choice makers (Phase C: Choice making) : those who actually decide and hold accountability for the implications of that decision. Archbishop Superintendent of Schools Dean of Parishes and Pastors Design Team(Phase B: Options): those representatives of each school and parish who engage in the research, assessment, development and design work and interact with both the Choice makers and those who provide Input. Generally, the Design Team consist of those who will manage the implementation or who have the specialized knowledge and experience needed for wise and sound development of Options Principals Parish administrators Finance Council Chairs Lead teachers / Catholic School Advisory Council members Key community and new community leaders Input Group ( Phase A: Stakeholders): those who are stakeholders in the schools and parishes and present and future participants in Catholic education. Input may be gathered through large meetings, dedicated small groups, online surveys and communications and manual, hand written feedback and input. Implementation Groups (Phase D: Implement): Principal, staff and parents Refinement Groups (Phase E: Refinement): Catholic Schools team, Catholic School Advisory Councils or Boards
WE REFLECTED AND DISCUSSED
WE REFLECTED AND DISCUSSED SHARED RESOURCES PROCESS PARAMETERS ESTABLISHED BY THE ARCHDIOCESE Guiding Change Document Reality The Why Current financial, market share, facility and development structures for Catholic education appear unsustainable and are from a different time for a different student and family demographic Non-school parishes are currently not required to financially support Catholic education Increased public, charter and home school competition for students and family choices Facilities are underutilized and may not meet 21 st century learning needs and MN state and local laws Decrease in the number of school- age children, yet serving children who are not parishioners and from a wide array of zip codes Archdiocesan funding of Catholic schools is shifting to better meet student needs Composition of families/family structure is varied and changing Majority of tuition is not paid by families Catholic education is seen by some as a service and convenience, not a Mission of the Church Economic climate of today negatively affects enrollment and ability of families to pay tuition Unacceptable Means The Not How To do nothing and protect the status quo Charter school options Parish obligation to school cannot be less than 20 % nor greater than 45 % of ordinary revenue (plate and envelope) at a fullcost basis Sacrificing of core parish ministries for the access to Catholic schools Design solutions around individual staff or pastors Results The What 3 year regional Catholic Schools Plan by September 01, 2011 to: o Maximize access to Catholic education o o o o o o Operate with a preference for the poor, marginalized and immigrant populations Inclusive and respectful of multiple cultures and communities Living within the Area C financial means Retention of current students is assured Parishes must be able to meet capital debt, operational expenses and obligations Addressing barriers and challenges to transportation, technology, special education, gifted and talented programming and affordability
PASTORAL PLANNING IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH We are in challenging times We have opportunities to improve We have the need to collaborate We have the people to lead and guide We have the faith to sustain, energize and discern We have the hope and optimism needed to change A Partnership Opportunity organized by Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Diocese of Sioux Falls and TeamWorks International