be NE A bold vision for Catholic St. Louis JN 17: 20-21 Summer 2017 Progress Report 1
Growing as missionary disciples Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson Archbishop of St. Louis 2 Dear Faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, We are completing our second year following the adoption of beone: a bold vision for Catholic St. Louis and the progress is measurable and impressive. Our beone Vision and Priorities have allowed us to focus our ministries and services more collaboratively; specifically, our commitment to Catholic education, pastoral leadership, social responsibility and missionary discipleship give testimony of our Gospel joy and ecclesial encounter with the Lord. Additionally, we have had the opportunity to connect with our parishes. Through the Viability Study, our missionary impulse has helped us discern what needs affirmation and transformative change. I recently had the opportunity to convene an archdiocesan delegation for the Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America which took place in Orlando, Florida. This historical convocation gathered over 3,500 representatives from across our nation. Together as bishops, priests, religious, and lay leaders we prayed, reflected, engaged one another and gave witness to the power of the Joy of the Gospel in our own dioceses. In the Archdiocese of St. Louis, this convocation continues to serve as a focal point for our ongoing work of conversion and renewal. Mindful of the joy and grace we have received from the Lord, we remain resolved in our attitude and action to grow as missionary disciples sent to revitalize our various ministries and parishes and to bring others to know and embrace the beauty and joy of the Gospel through our robust and beautiful faith. The following is a detailed progress report with further relevant beone statistics. I invite you to read this report outlining key strategic accomplishments and challenges that are part of our ongoing renewal. Further, I invite you to read the St. Louis Review each week to learn about the human stories behind the numbers in addition to resources at beone.archstl.org. Let us continue to pray for one another, asking the Lord to give us the renewed zeal to advance the Holy Father s dream of a missionary option for the Church. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson Archbishop of St. Louis The examples on the following pages are just a brief introduction into the ways Catholics in the archdiocese are living out the principles of beone. Visit beone.archstl.org for more. be I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. John 17: 20-21 NE A bold vision for Catholic St. Louis JN 17: 20-21 3
Fostering Missionary Discipleship Fostering Missionary Discipleship Totally yours Totus Tuus summer catechesis program Art for the modern age St. John s Bible I felt, if I could help kids like me whose family maybe isn t at the point where they re sharing their faith then I could be that for them. I want to reach kids who don t have that right now. Grace Malinee 4 The weeklong program for first- through 12th-graders incorporates sharing the Gospel and promoting the faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness and eucharistic worship. Totus Tuus has elements of a vacation Bible school and parish mission. Younger children learn how to pray, the importance of prayer and the sacraments, and how to participate in Mass, including why we make the sign of the cross, genuflect and sing. Middle and high school teens focus on prayer and meditation, small-group discussions, adoration, Mass and reconciliation. The program s name is Latin for Totally Yours, and was St. John Paul II s motto, taken from St. Louis de Montfort s True Devotion to Mary. Chosen is the 2017 theme, with each year having a different theme tying back into Marian devotions. Story: www.stlouisreview.com/jly The Saint John s Bible is meant to be a communal experience that ignites the spiritual imagination for people of all faiths around the world. It s meant for people to gather around it, touching the pages together, Jason Engel, a docent of the bible, said. A reproduction of The Saint John s Bible will tour several locations in the Archdiocese of St. Louis in 2017. An effort of the Benedictine-sponsored St. John s University in Collegeville, Minn., the work of art which has been called America s Book of Kells is the first to be commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in 500 years. The first time anyone sees it, they have this really intense reaction, and it s hard to describe unless you witness it for yourself, Engel said. He was like, What is this? Can I touch this? Story: www.stlouisreview.com/ber One of the older monks said, I can t remember the number of times I ve encountered God in that basilica. This (Bible) is the word of God. You cannot put too high a price on the word of God. Donald Jackson, artistic director 5
Promoting Human Dignity and Social Responsibility Promoting Human Dignity and Social Responsibility Building trust, erasing divides Taizé Pilgrimage of Trust Immigrants as entrepreneurs Luis Rivero, founder of Hůga Bar I think it has become clearer what kind of trust we are seeking together: not a trust that looks away or ignores the pain of the world... A trust that can give us the courage to take risks for Christ and the Gospel. Taize Brother Emile 6 Wearing red hats and purple dresses, a handful of women from Galilee Baptist Church on Delmar Boulevard in the Central West End waved and shouted while receiving hugs and high-fives from participants in the Walk of Trust who passed by their church. The walk on the afternoon of May 28 was part of the weekend-long St. Louis Pilgrimage of Trust taking place in St. Louis May 26-29. The walk was intended to be a first step toward healing deep divisions in the community, and was led by the brothers of the aizé Community of France, in collaboration with churches of different Christian denominations. Sean O Rourke, who attends the Catholic Student Center at Washington University, said the walk was important because it brings the Church out into the world, beyond the sanctuary to make a statement for peace, justice and conversation, to be the Body of Christ. Story: www.stlouisreview.com/bti Founded by immigrant Luis Rivero, Hůga Bar is an example of many businesses in St. Louis founded by immigrants and refugees, some small-scale and others large corporations. The St. Louis Mosaic Project cites Census Bureau statistics showing that foreign-born people in the St. Louis region are 29.2 percent more likely than native-born people to start a business. The project, a regional initiative within the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the World Trade Center St. Louis, welcomes newcomers because its research shows that immigrants invigorate the region and drive innovation. Rivero, a member of Ascension Parish in Chesterfield, praises St. Louis as a great place to raise a family. We re blessed to be here. It s a very strong Catholic community. His children attend St. Austin School and Visitation Academy. Story: www.stlouisreview.com/bve We don t hide the fact that we re immigrants. We talk about our stories outside the United States while embracing the American culture and keeping our culture. We tell our stories, and people love it. Luis Rivero, founder of Huga Bar 7
Embracing a Culture of Leadership Embracing a Culture of Leadership Radical outreach to peripheries Convocation of Catholic Leaders Building a culture of life Generation Life We go forth but we do not go alone, because of... the guidance of the Holy Spirit accompanies us. When we have tasted the goodness of the Lord we want everyone to know the same goodness. Carolyn Yandel, delegate to Convocation 8 In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis reminds the Church that Christ sent His followers to preach the Gospel in every time and place, so that faith in Him might spread to every corner of the earth. Further, Pope Francis called upon us to reach all of the peripheries in need of the light of the Gospel. This commission of missionary discipleship was the primary focus of the Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America, which was attended by Archbishop Robert. J. Carlson and 19 delegates of the archdiocese. The delegates commission now is to lead the archdiocese on a renewed journey of missionary discipleship, to assist parishes in evangelization and hospitality in order to reach the peripheries of our community whatever those peripheries may be. Story: www.stlouisreview.com/j2y Those who witness to life are undergoing a trial by fire, from the historic Roe vs. Wade decision, to the recent effort in St. Louis City to protect abortion and other reproductive health decisions. More than 1,000 people attended the annual memorial Mass and prayer vigil Jan. 21 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. The Mass, organized by the archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate, commemorates the 1973 Roe decision and includes a Rosary procession to Planned Parenthood. After Mass, about 650 people continued their witness to Planned Parenthood for a prayer. Kenrick- Glennon seminarians joined with Archbishop Carlson and others in leading the Rosary. The crowd wrapped from the entrance on Forest Park Avenue, down Boyle Avenue and across the street on Boyle. Story: www.stlouisreview.com/j2v Women are being torn up by the culture, but also... by saying you re not a real woman if you don t believe in this contraception culture. We need to be the bar, the steady point of reference for the culture. Molly Judd 9
Securing the Future of Catholic Education Securing the Future of Catholic Education A huge difference Beyond Sunday campaign Renaissance in education South City Catholic Academy It s pretty exciting that 1,100 students will start benefiting in August (2016)... It s pretty exciting that we re going to do good before the campaign is even over. Mark Guyol, president of the Roman Catholic Foundation 10 More than 1,100 grade and high school students were among the first recipients of the Roman Catholic Foundation of Eastern Missouri s Beyond Sunday scholarships, with more than $1.8 million to be distributed, starting with the 2016-17 school year. Depending on family income, scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 per year for grade school and from $1,000 to $4,000 per year for high school students. It really helps our family, Beth Zoellner, mother of a recipient, said. We ve had generations and generations going to a Catholic school, so either way we were going to send our kids to a Catholic school, but it truly helps not having to struggle. The Beyond Sunday campaign began in 2015, with a goal of $100 million to fund scholarships for middleincome families. It s the largest capital campaign in archdiocese history. Story: www.stlouisreview.com/j2p To address changes, challenges and choices affecting Catholic schools in St. Louis, a plan for a renaissance in education was developed. The archdiocese will partner with selected parishes and schools as a strong stakeholder to make sure schools are available, affordable and in the right locations. The partnership will include leadership and funding to ensure educational and religious educational programs are of similar quality in all of the schools. Archbishop Robert J. Carlson stated that he is pleased to see parents and parishioners collaborating and building strong partnerships to create a new school that will ensure long-term, high-quality Catholic education for their children. South City Catholic Academy combined Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Joan of Arc schools; another partnership model school is planned for 2018 in north St. Louis County. Story: www.stlouisreview.com/bdq Leadership from the Catholic Education Office, combined with resources from the Beyond Sunday campaign, the Today and Tomorrow Foundation and the (ACA), is bringing new energy and life... Maureen DePriest, associate superintendent 11
The ongoing process of encountering Jesus, growing in our relationship and knowledge of Him, and sharing Him constantly. Committee Members: Bishop Mark S. Rivituso, lead Deanna Grither Melissa Keating Bill Saccente Jim Hooper Tony Holman Deacon Mark Jaeger Julie Bostick Chris Foeldi Michael Horn GOAL(S): All parishes will articulate and implement a local plan for Missionary Discipleship by May 2017. RESULTS TO DATE: Evangelization programs, such as men s faith groups, outreach to inactive Catholics and hospitality teams, are in place or in planning in 120 parishes. The Evangelization committee has been in operation for more than 10 months. IMPACT: Word of Mouth now runs on Covenant Network and as a podcast through the archdiocesan media platforms. St. Paul Street Evangelization Conference reached 60 people from more than 40 parishes. Parish Missionary Disciples has reached nine parishes in the archdiocese one parish in the Diocese of Belleville, IL. Collaboration with young adults has occurred via podcast assistance and speaking at Theology on Tap. Evangelization roundtables have reached over 80 parishes in our archdiocese. CALL TO ACTION: Develop mentorship programs for people aged 12-25 and men s formation programs in parishes. GOAL(S): 30-40 parishes and Archdiocesan staff will engage in an annual Peace & Justice Commission intercultural dialogue forum in December 2016. 75%-80% of parishes have developed a plan and calendar of events with a sister parish that is ethnically, socially, and/or economically different from their own by December 2017. RESULTS TO DATE: Multiple intercultural programs and initiatives have been facilitated or are scheduled More than 175 parishes have completed surveys. IMPACT: More than 78 intercultural programs have been offered in the Archdiocese Parishes and agencies continue to share and plan intercultural programs together More than 60 parishes have sister parish in more than 30 partnerships At least 30 parishes additional have reported interest sistering CALL TO ACTION: Support parishes with inter-cultural programming, fostering sister parish relationships and developing human dignity and social responsibility service opportunities. The shared duty to practice mercy, forgiveness and compassion. Committee Members: Theresa Ruzicka, Catholic Charities of St. Louis F. Javier Orozco, Intercultural and Interreligious Affairs James Comninellis, Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Dave Baranowski, Office of Stewardship John Foppe, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Marie Kenyon, Peace & Justice Commission Karen Nolkemper, Respect Life Apostolate Jim LaVictoire, St. Cletus Parish Lynne Squires, St. Augustine Parish & St. Charles Lwanga Center Jean Monahan, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish 12 Colleen Smyth, Catholic Charities of St. Louis 13
The accountability of all the baptized to use/share our talents fully to forge new leadership models for the Catholics of St. Louis. Committee Members: Nancy Werner, lead Deacon Chris Ast Reverend Richard Bockskopf Rob Bouche Peggy Brinkmann Dr. John Gresham Julie Ramacciotti John Schwob Jennifer Stanard GOALS: Have 30 to 40 parishes send at least two participants to the second cohort of the Lay Formation Program in September 2016. By July 2017, all parishes will prepare a plan for improvement building on strengths and addressing deficits based on their completed viability study. RESULTS TO DATE: There are 134 participants from 64 parishes in the second cohort of the Lay Formation Program, compared to 109 participants in the first cohort. Of the parishes represented in the second cohort, 31 are new to the Lay Formation Program (did not send participants to cohort 1). Parish viability studies were prepared and submitted by 170 parishes. IMPACT: All first-cohort participants were sent a survey, most of which have been returned. Results are being tabulated and evaluated. The combined top 10 assets and deficits for parishes have been summarized. Viability plans and actions were the focus of the April 30, 2016 and January 28, 2017 beone Resource Days, and the October 29, 2016 Pastoral Assembly. In the fall of 2016, three groups of pastors assessed how the Curia might improve service to parishes A Strategic Planning Coordinator was hired to assist parishes in and planning and needs assessments, including solutions to be provided by Curia services. CALL TO ACTION: Develop appropriate action plans based on survey results from the first cohort o f the Lay Formation Program. Create a strategy for assistance to be provided to parishes by the Curia, coordinated by the Strategic Planning Coordinator. GOAL(S): Execute a successful capital campaign-beyond Sundayto invest in our parish communities and transform Catholic education throughout the Archdiocese with total pledges to exceed $100 million by June 2017. RESULTS TO DATE: Beyond Sunday surpassed $100 million in pledges and gifts in May 2017, with several parishes still completing their campaigns. IMPACT: $10.7 million returned to our parishes to address their own local needs through March 2017. $1.8 million in Beyond Sunday Scholarships awarded to over 1,100 students of middle-income families attending 123 Catholic schools in the 2016-2017 academic year. $1.9 million in Beyond Sunday Scholarships awarded to over 1,200 students of middle-income families attending 126 Catholic schools in the 2017-2018 academic year. $780,000 in Academic Capacity Enhancement (ACE) grants (for STREAM curriculum) and Transformational Innovation (TI) grants for the 2017-2018 academic year to 47 Archdiocesan and parish schools and PSR programs. CALL TO ACTION: Conclude active solicitation Beyond Sunday, accept and process applications for second round of ACE and TI grants, and track performance metrics of current grants. The effort to make quality Catholic education accessible to as many families of school aged children as possible. Committee Members: Mark Guyol Kurt Nelson 14 15
ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. LOUIS