As you may have already heard through various news outlets, Archbishop Rozanski has announced a five-year strategic planning effort to review all facets of the Archdiocese — parishes, schools, offices, and agencies. He believes it is time to assess everything to ensure the overall health of the diocese, a new approach to evangelization, and more effective ministry. Father Chris Martin has been chosen to oversee this effort as vicar for strategic planning.

This month, Father Martin will be meeting with clergy and pastoral representatives from all parishes. The first year of the project will focus on information-gathering, the second year on developing a plan.

Because no one yet knows what this plan will look like, for the next two years no clergy will be reassigned and parishes have been directed to put all major projects on hold which are not safety- or maintenance-related.

That is the only information I have to share at this point in time. The Archbishop and Father Martin have asked us all to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit during this process. Please join me in prayer for wisdom and understanding as we work together to create a church that will foster the faith of future generations!