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My Brothers & Sisters in the Lord:
At the fall 2003 Priest Convocation, many members of our Presbyterate requested a strategic plan for the Archdiocese. Our response to that request is a process of strategic planning entitled, "TOGETHER IN FAITH." The goal of Together in Faith is to strengthen the presence of the Church, support the Church's ministry, and use our resources in the most effective possible manner as we plan together for the future of our parishes and schools.
Many of our priests are serving over and above the call of duty, often pastoring two or three communities, some even dealing with more than one language and/or cultural tradition. While we have high hopes and plans for increasing vocations to the priesthood, for the foreseeable future, we will be dealing with an ever-increasing priest-to-people ratio. Something needs to be done for the well being of our priests and to ensure the best possible service of our people. Many of our religious and lay staffs are also aging and we need to identify and educate a new generation of lay leadership for parish ministry and Catholic education. And it is not just a question of human resources; obviously, there are many challenges that come with maintaining large parish plants and schools.
I want to allay a fear that I am sure is in everyone's heart—the fear of some "hidden agenda" in this strategic planning. This plan is not about closing parishes or schools. Obviously, there may be some parishes and/or schools which will need to close or merge. But there could be other "solutions" which will emerge as well. The plan is about how we want to use our resources to serve our people in the best possible way.
The planning and discussion will be taking place at the local level, in parishes and vicariates. The central administration of the Archdiocese does not intend to control or shape the dialogue; the Department of Parish Life and Services and the Department of Education will be there to assist you in the process and keep it moving along. This plan is basically a continuation of the process of Vicariate Pastoral Planning, which has been underway for several years now.
As chief shepherd of this Archdiocese, I deeply appreciate your dedication to ministry and I marvel at all you do so well. I want to assure you that our sole object in this planning process is to make our ministry more effective and more efficient, to use our human and material resources in a manner that realistically meets the present and future needs of our parishes and schools.
The plan has three stages that will need your commitment and leadership, as well as the support of religious and deacons, professional and volunteer staff, and parishioners at-large. The first stage happens at the parish level—and will be facilitated through use of a tool designed to help the parish and/or school produce a "snap-shot" of itself. The resulting picture and narrative will help parishes and schools identify their strengths and challenges. In light of this self-study, the parish and/or school can begin to formulate a plan for the most effective use of its resources.
Phase Two takes place at the vicariate level. Over the past several years, every parish and vicariate in the Archdiocese has already developed a vicariate plan and identified action steps and priorities. As parishes submit their own plans in early spring 2005, they will be read against the backdrop of the existing vicariate plan, and then, if necessary, both the parish and vicariate plans can be revised accordingly. Each vicariate will determine the manner in which it can best utilize its strengths to enable its parishes and schools to facilitate dynamic ministry. At the same time, it will also engage in dialogue on how it relates to the other vicariates of the Archdiocese. Vicariates will then submit their plans to an Archdiocesan Coordinating Committee for review and comments.
The Coordinating Committee was created at the suggestion of the auxiliary bishops to provide objective oversight and impartial review of the plans. Composed of three clergy, one religious woman, and five lay persons of diverse backgrounds with expertise in planning and familiarity with the issues of the city, suburbs, and rural areas, the Committee will be a good "sounding board" for all of us.
The Coordinating Committee will review, discuss, and make suggestions based upon the overall reality of the Archdiocese. In particular, the Committee will take into consideration particular matters left out of the plans or raise questions for further discussion in the vicariate. This exchange should ensure that all challenges are being addressed in the most effective manner, while also allowing the vicariates yet another opportunity to focus or widen their perspective.
The third or final phase in this process is the submission of the findings and recommendations to me. I will spend considerable time going over the plans with our regional bishops who have close personal experience and understanding of our priests and parishes and also of most of our schools. By means of this process, I believe we will be able to clarify the general direction of our ministry, as well as focus on our resources. During this third phase, the Strategic Pastoral Plan will emerge with a projected timetable for implementation over a five-year period with due regard for the fact that, in some instances, further refinement of the plan may be necessary. The plan will continue with consultation and evaluation throughout the entire process.
Undoubtedly, there will be certain cases that will require immediate action; there may be parishes or schools which, by necessity, will require immediate attention. Throughout the process, the normal work of the Archdiocese will continue while this new and dynamic plan of ministry is being developed and implemented.
As members of our consultative bodies, I ask your personal support for this planning process. No plan or process is perfect, but the important thing is giving everyone a chance to offer their insights, and I believe this process allows ample opportunities for personal investment by all and will strengthen the Archdiocese as we look to the future Together in Faith.
†Adam Cardinal Maida
Archbishop of Detroit
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