August 2006
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
In June I completed the last of 138 Speak Up sessions, a 15-month process of visiting every parish in the six southern counties of New Jersey in order to meet face to face with you, the people, the Church of Camden. I did this to obtain your input on what you believe the planning priorities for our Church should be so that we may—as our Vision states—grow “ever more into a dynamic community of faith, hope and love.”
Over 8,000 participants had the opportunity to respond to the question, “Looking to the future, what are the three most important areas about which the Church of South Jersey should be concerned?”
I heard the voices of young and old, married and single, lay, clergy and religious. I was moved by your heartfelt concerns for the future and even your fears for the Church in rapidly changing times. I heard the hurt, disappointment and anger of men and women who feel the Church has abandoned them or has broken bonds of trust. I also was consoled by the strength of your faith and your willingness to embrace your baptismal call for active participation in the life of the Church. I was inspired by your optimism and your hope for our Church.
Every comment made at the Speak Up sessions was recorded, collated and consolidated by category. I am now pleased to report back to you on the key priorities that were identified through your input. Six pastoral priorities, those which were identified most often by Speak Up participants, are outlined in the enclosed brochure, along with details of the next steps that will occur in this process of consultation with you that began last year.
I also invite you to complete the enclosed postage-paid reply card or log onto our website (www.464edee1fa.nxcli.io) in order to receive regular email updates on the progress of the planning process that is now underway. You also will find detailed information in upcoming issues of the Catholic Star Herald.
As we begin the next phase of establishing strategies for advancing the priorities identified through the Speak Up sessions, I thank you for participating in this important work and I ask for your prayers as we confidently look forward to a future of hope.
Fraternally,
Most Reverend Joseph A. Galante, D.D., J.C.D.
Bishop of Camden