what is pastoral planning?
Pastoral planning is discerning the will of God for the Archdiocese of Hartford. It is a strategy-driven, future-oriented planning process that will include a review of all the parishes, churches, schools, cemeteries, etc. that currently make up the Archdiocese (Hartford, Litchfield and New Haven counties), followed by a discernment process that informs how best to re-structure the Archdiocese in light of today’s realities in service to the Church’s mission going forward.
Pastoral planning initiatives take into account current situations facing each parish while simultaneously anticipating conditions likely to be confronted in the future as determined by reliable/fact-based analytics.
Pastoral planning is designed to help pastors and parish leaders:
Pastoral planning initiatives take into account current situations facing each parish while simultaneously anticipating conditions likely to be confronted in the future as determined by reliable/fact-based analytics.
Pastoral planning is designed to help pastors and parish leaders:
- Effectively respond to Pope Francis’ charge to embrace and actualize “a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything” (Evangelii Gaudium 27)
- Consider how best to position their parish to become a creative, mission-driven community of faith.
- Assess how to best serve the faithful in their respective faith communities and empower them to lead future generations.
why are we embarking on this initiative?
Pastoral Planning is being done as a response to Pope Francis’ call to: “review and renew our parishes…, to bring them nearer to people, to make them environments of living communion and participation, and to make them completely mission-oriented.” (EG 28)
Shifts in demographics, economic conditions, urban and suburban development are among the dynamics causing unprecedented amounts, types and rates of change throughout the state of Connecticut. These and other conditions have resulted in parishes being composed of entirely different groups of people. As a result, each parish must reevaluate its identity and the circumstances they are confronting, including and especially those with elementary schools, in an effort to continue to serve the people of God and preach the joy of the Gospel.
Simultaneously the Archdiocese of Hartford, like other dioceses across the country, is experiencing a decline in priestly vocations as well as an aging Presbyterate. Over the last 40 years, the total number of active priests continues to decrease, while the total number of parishes has not diminished proportionately. This has resulted in a great number of understaffed parishes, overworked pastors and young/inexperienced men being called on to serve as pastors. The collective result of these conditions impedes the ability of our priests to effectively and joyfully shepherd their flocks.
The Archdiocese currently owns 1,100 buildings, spread across three counties (Hartford, New Haven & Litchfield) many of which are older, not energy efficient, a few currently unoccupied and maybe unsafe. This situation results in ever increasing resource and monetary demands with no benefits.
There are a significant number of parishes that currently cannot or will not be able to sustain themselves financially in the near future. This necessitates the decisions to be made that will require consideration of several options to ensure a Catholic presence in the communities we serve.
Shifts in demographics, economic conditions, urban and suburban development are among the dynamics causing unprecedented amounts, types and rates of change throughout the state of Connecticut. These and other conditions have resulted in parishes being composed of entirely different groups of people. As a result, each parish must reevaluate its identity and the circumstances they are confronting, including and especially those with elementary schools, in an effort to continue to serve the people of God and preach the joy of the Gospel.
Simultaneously the Archdiocese of Hartford, like other dioceses across the country, is experiencing a decline in priestly vocations as well as an aging Presbyterate. Over the last 40 years, the total number of active priests continues to decrease, while the total number of parishes has not diminished proportionately. This has resulted in a great number of understaffed parishes, overworked pastors and young/inexperienced men being called on to serve as pastors. The collective result of these conditions impedes the ability of our priests to effectively and joyfully shepherd their flocks.
The Archdiocese currently owns 1,100 buildings, spread across three counties (Hartford, New Haven & Litchfield) many of which are older, not energy efficient, a few currently unoccupied and maybe unsafe. This situation results in ever increasing resource and monetary demands with no benefits.
There are a significant number of parishes that currently cannot or will not be able to sustain themselves financially in the near future. This necessitates the decisions to be made that will require consideration of several options to ensure a Catholic presence in the communities we serve.
what do we hope to accomplish?
Our intent is to position the Archdiocese for a spiritually rich, vibrant and sustainable future by:
Make each Archdiocesan entity effective, accountable and self-sustaining in terms of finance, operations and organizational structures.
Parishes, schools, colleges, hospitals, etc., become and remain the presence of Christ and of the Church in each community where they exist - i.e., environments for hearing God’s word; for growth in the Christian life; for dialogue; proclamation, charitable outreach; worship and celebration of the sacraments.
Each parish community will be a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and centers of constant missionary outreach.
Every member of the Archdiocese will in their own way become an evangelizer - an actively engaged disciple who brings the joy of the Gospel to those whom they encounter in the course of their daily life.
- Restructuring the Archdiocese by collecting/analyzing data and information that will inform decisions as to the optimal number of parishes, priests, deacons, schools, agencies etc., required to best serve the needs of our people all for the glory of God,
- Implementing policies and programs that will ensure requisite/ongoing development of priests, deacons, religious and laity,
- Research/implement best practices in temporal affairs, human resources, finance, education, development, etc.,
Make each Archdiocesan entity effective, accountable and self-sustaining in terms of finance, operations and organizational structures.
Parishes, schools, colleges, hospitals, etc., become and remain the presence of Christ and of the Church in each community where they exist - i.e., environments for hearing God’s word; for growth in the Christian life; for dialogue; proclamation, charitable outreach; worship and celebration of the sacraments.
Each parish community will be a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and centers of constant missionary outreach.
Every member of the Archdiocese will in their own way become an evangelizer - an actively engaged disciple who brings the joy of the Gospel to those whom they encounter in the course of their daily life.
who is involved in pastoral planning?
The Office of Pastoral Planning will assume the lead role in developing, communicating and implementing a strategic pastoral plan for the Archdiocese. Pastoral Planning is an aspect of ‘discipleship,’ and thus no one is exempt. To date, lay women and men, consecrated religious and clergy and of course, our retired Archbishops, Auxiliary Bishops and Archbishop Blair, have all been involved in pastoral planning. In addition, a 26 member Pastoral Council representing parishes from across the Archdiocese has been formed to offer input on ways to position the Archdiocese to meet today’s needs and challenges, as well as those of future generations.
In the restructuring phase representatives of parishes are meeting together to consider every option possible, they pray together that they may discern the will of God for the Archdiocese. Deanery and parish meetings have been held throughout the 17 deaneries and models for restructuring will be forthcoming in conjunction with our collaborators at PartnersEdge LLC/ Teamworks International Inc. Again, options will be reviewed and studied through a consultative process.
On the local level, clergy, religious, parish staffs and councils, finance committees, trustees and parishioners will ultimately be responsible for the creation, implementation and monitoring of progress for their particular pastoral plan for a given parish.
In the restructuring phase representatives of parishes are meeting together to consider every option possible, they pray together that they may discern the will of God for the Archdiocese. Deanery and parish meetings have been held throughout the 17 deaneries and models for restructuring will be forthcoming in conjunction with our collaborators at PartnersEdge LLC/ Teamworks International Inc. Again, options will be reviewed and studied through a consultative process.
On the local level, clergy, religious, parish staffs and councils, finance committees, trustees and parishioners will ultimately be responsible for the creation, implementation and monitoring of progress for their particular pastoral plan for a given parish.
will all parishes and schools be involved in parish pastoral planning?
Yes. All parishes and schools will engage in pastoral planning, individually and/or in partnership with other parishes.
what are the factors or elements considered when looking at a parish?
There are many, and of different significance or weight, but included would be:
- Average number of sacraments
- Birth-to-funeral ratio
- Total population and demographic shifts
- Average household giving
- Savings and income (growth)
- Spiritual vitality
- Ethnic and cultural diversity
- Presence of varied languages
- Presence of a school
- Community involvement
- % of Catholicity
- Mass counts as a % of registered households
- Handicap accessibility
- Church seating capacity
- Physical condition fo the plant
- Outreach to the poor
- Historical factors
- Availability of public transportation
- Ministry to local religious communities
- Distance to other churches
does this process impact more than parishes and schools?
Yes, in fact the first phase of this work was the assessment and reorganization of Central Service Offices of the Archdiocese. This resulted in the creation of new departments and positions within the Archdiocese, as well work process improvements. In some instance where it made sense, it necessitated the closing of some offices, transitioning of work to other areas, some retirements and even a few layoffs. New initiatives such as the Office of Faith and Culture will be established that our outreach and concern will support all language and ethnic groups in the Archdiocese which include, but are not limited to: Hispanic/Latino, African American, Portuguese, Korean, Karen (Myanmar), Brazilian, Vietnamese, Caribbean islands, recent immigrants from Ghana, Nigeria and other countries of Africa, Polish, persons of the Syro-Malabar rite from India and the list continues to grow in accord with God’s plan. The Apostolate of the Deaf and the Disabled Community is also being evaluated.
is this process only about closing parishes and schools?
No, while it will of necessity result in some closings, pastoral planning is more about revitalization and ‘building’ spirituality and community; about evangelizing; about engaging all who are willing to give of their gifts and talents for the sake of fulfilling our common mission as Catholics, that being - to proclaim the gospel.
how long will this process take?
While we have created a 3 year strategic pastoral plan, this work never really ends. We always need to remain vigilant and agile, so as to respond effectively and in a timely manner to the ever-changing socioeconomic conditions in which we find ourselves - locally and globally. Decisions as to a model for parishes should evolve during 2017. Some parishes began this process on their own and are much farther along than the Archdiocese as a whole. On the local level they have asked for and received permission from Archbishop Blair, upon consulting the Presbyteral Council, to move forward on their own restructuring goals.
is prayer a part of this process?
Yes, it is the most important part. Jesus himself said: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 Archbishop Blair has asked that every Pastoral Planning meeting start with a half hour of prayer, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament whenever possible.
is this because of a shortage of priests?
One viewpoint is that we do in fact have enough priests, but there are too many separate parishes and churches! So while we do consider the number of priests, it is only one of many factors we take into account. Others include: population shifts - e.g., movement within and outside of the Archdiocese; the age, condition and location of buildings; sacramental activity; the number of Sunday and daily mass; mass attendances, priest workloads, as well as Connecticut’s high and growing outward migration trend.
what is the difference between a parish and a church?
Simply stated, a church is a building in a specific location, whereas a parish is a community of faith, under the authority of a priest legitimately appointed by the ordinary (bishop) of a diocese. In Connecticut, a parish is also a legal entity - i.e., a corporation with its own tax identification number, trustees and finance council.
what are some options for restructuring (modifying) parishes?
Merger - Parish A and Parish B unite to form Parish C - only C remains (canon 121).The recent merger of St. Augustine and St. Monica parishes is a prime example, wherein the parishes of St. Augustine and St. Monica were legally (civilly) dissolved, and a new legal and canonical entity - the Parish of St. Ambrose was formed. The assets and liabilities of the former parishes follow to the new parish, while in this case, the buildings remain and retain their names. The new parish of St. Ambrose has two church buildings: the Church of St. Augustine and the Church St. Monica.
Merger - Parish A becomes part of Parish B - only the now larger Parish B remains (by analogy to canon.121). More than two parishes could be involved. (A & B become part of C)
Hypothetical Example: St. Giles Parish (parish A) is legally (civilly) dissolved. The assets, liabilities and the people are assimilated into St. Basil parish (parish B), and only St. Basil parish remains. (Just as some parishes divided into new ones over the years, some may now be brought back together!)
Division - Parish A is divided into Parish B and Parish C, only B and C remain (c.122). In this case Parishes B and C will be new entities.
Total Division Example: St. Athanasius Parish (parish A) is divided and two new parishes are formed - St. Justus (parish B) and St. Mary Magdalen Parish (parish C).
Partial Division - Parish A is divided to create Parish B, with Parishes A and B remaining.
Suppression - a.k.a. Closure: Parish A is dissolved; nothing remains (c. 123). This might be the case of an ethnic parish which ceases to exist.
New parishes/new schools/new construction/new names/new purpose.
Merger - Parish A becomes part of Parish B - only the now larger Parish B remains (by analogy to canon.121). More than two parishes could be involved. (A & B become part of C)
Hypothetical Example: St. Giles Parish (parish A) is legally (civilly) dissolved. The assets, liabilities and the people are assimilated into St. Basil parish (parish B), and only St. Basil parish remains. (Just as some parishes divided into new ones over the years, some may now be brought back together!)
Division - Parish A is divided into Parish B and Parish C, only B and C remain (c.122). In this case Parishes B and C will be new entities.
Total Division Example: St. Athanasius Parish (parish A) is divided and two new parishes are formed - St. Justus (parish B) and St. Mary Magdalen Parish (parish C).
Partial Division - Parish A is divided to create Parish B, with Parishes A and B remaining.
Suppression - a.k.a. Closure: Parish A is dissolved; nothing remains (c. 123). This might be the case of an ethnic parish which ceases to exist.
New parishes/new schools/new construction/new names/new purpose.
will names be changing?
In some cases yes; in others, no. It is up to the community - e.g., the parishioners of Saint Monica Parish and Saint Augustine Parish merged and chose to call their new parish Saint Ambrose Parish, while maintaining the names of their two churches. So in this case, it’s the Parish of Saint Ambrose, which consists of Saint Monica Church and Saint Augustine Church.
what happens to buildings that are vacated?
Decisions about buildings will be made on a case by case basis. Ultimately pastoral planning is intended to bolster discipleship and spirituality vitality - i.e., it’s about people and mission, not buildings. That said, there are several practical things that we can do. We would look for new uses for some of our buildings - e.g., pastoral ministry centers and offices, housing, senior or community centers, places for religious education, etc. If there are no realistic alternative purposes, parishes could consider selling the buildings and the assets would remain with the parish.
what happens to the money when a building is sold?
The general rule is that money follows the people. If for example a merger takes place, combining two separate parishes into one, the money from both parishes is combined - i.e., it follows the people to the new parish, according to the specifications of Canon law.
who makes the rules?
Every parish modification is guided by several sources: Canon (Church) law; Civil (State of CT law), the Office for Pastoral Planning and the ordinary of the diocese, who in our Archdiocese is Archbishop Leonard P. Blair.
how long will pastoral planning take?
When done effectively, pastoral planning (in theory) is a never-ending process. It involves the on-going monitoring of social and economic conditions and responses to those conditions that ensure our spiritual, financial and pastoral viability for the long term.
We hope to create and put a prioritized implementation plan into effect during 2017. Due to many factors under consideration, we need to remain as flexible as we can. We recognize however, that some situations will require immediate action due to the fact that delays will only make deteriorating physical, financial, social and/or spiritual conditions worse.
We hope to create and put a prioritized implementation plan into effect during 2017. Due to many factors under consideration, we need to remain as flexible as we can. We recognize however, that some situations will require immediate action due to the fact that delays will only make deteriorating physical, financial, social and/or spiritual conditions worse.
what can i do, or how can i help?
Pray and trust the work of the Holy Spirit. Pastoral planning seeks to discern the will of God for the Archdiocese of Hartford - i.e., not our will. It’s also very important that we remain optimistic and speak factually, being careful to avoid speculation or allowing our personal fears and/or assumptions to distort the truth.
is there a prayer that guides the process of pastoral planning?
Yes, and it is prayed each time people gather to participate in the work of pastoral planning. You may find it on our website here.
Where To Get More Information:
Currently there are several sources where information is readily obtainable:
- The Office of Pastoral Planning can be contacted via email, phone, and mail (see more on our Contact Us page).
- Be sure to follow the social media platforms of the Archdiocese of Hartford (accessible through our Contact Us page).
- Your parish bulletin will contain periodic pastoral planning updates.
- The Office of Pastoral Planning website (you are here!): www.stewardsfortomorrow.org; as well as the Archdiocesan website: www.archdioceseofhartford.org.
- Secular news sources (television, radio, newspapers, and magazines) will be covering Pastoral Planning-related events and stories.
- Meetings will be taking place on the parish and deanery levels. You can speak with your pastor or parish administrator.
- Videos will be made available (see some on our Testimonials page).
- The Catholic Transcript Magazine, available in the new year, will make available Pastoral Planning-related content.