In January, deanery planners representing parishes from every part of the diocese sent their final reports to the diocese recommending a variety of parish configurations and approaches to revitalizing parish life in the diocese.
The revised recommendations were reviewed by the Diocesan Planning Commission February 25-27. The 18 members of the Commission were separated into three groups, with each group reviewing each proposed parish configuration.
Possible configurations for the parishes within each deanery included the traditional one priest-one parish model, the merger or clustering of parishes, the priest team model, and director of parish life model (see http://www.gatheringgodsgifts.org/ for models of configuration).
The small groups assessed whether the proposed recommendation could work, whether it could work with modification or whether it was not workable and required modification. The Commission in its assessment considered whether the recommendations provided adequate personnel for the full range of ministries that would advance the six pastoral priorities, whether the priest workload was realistic, whether the recommendation was financially viable, and whether the proposed recommendation would serve the people well.
The small groups then reconvened to share their assessments with the entire group. The sessions were facilitated by Brother Paul Michalenko, ST.
“The assessments by the Planning Commission are not decisions, but advice given to the bishop as he considers other feedback in preparation for decisions that he will make next month,” said Sr. Marilyn Vollmer, director of planning for the diocese. Bishop Galante is expected to announce his decisions regarding the reconfiguration of parishes in early April.
Following the Planning Commission consultation, this week Bishop Galante consulted with the Presbyteral Council, a representative body of priests that will aid the bishop in reviewing proposed changes. The bishop is required under church law to consult with the Presbyteral Council and to obtain their advice in instances where a parish may be “altered notably” through merger, boundary change or some other configuration.
In 2005 and 2006, Bishop met with parishioners of every parish at Speak Up sessions to obtain their feedback regarding their concerns and hopes for the Church in South Jersey. In December 2006, representatives from parishes endorsed goals and strategies for advancing the pastoral priorities identified through the Speak Up sessions.
“Bishop is really asking each group-the deanery planners representing their parish communities, the Diocesan Planning Commission, the Presbyteral Council and other advisors-to consider what is best for each area of the diocese, to consider the common good of the people, to consider whether the recommendations will create more vibrant, alive parishes and contribute to the building up of the Catholic faith community in South Jersey,” said Sr. Marilyn.