'We Shall Move Forward'
As many of you are aware, for some months we have been discerning the possibility of a shared diocesan-parishes campaign. Most dioceses throughout the country have undergone such campaigns, many doing so more than once. Some even adhere to the notion of having a campaign every 10 years or so. Of course, while many parishes have engaged in campaigns over the years, this will be the first diocesan-wide campaign for the Diocese of Evansville since its inception in 1944. As a pastor, I was involved in four campaigns, two for the parish alone and two in a joint venture with the archdiocese.
After much prayer, consultation and discernment, I have determined that we shall move forward with the proposed campaign. Doing so, some might wonder about the significance of a shared diocesan-parishes format. In a shared campaign, in addition to the diocese identifying its particular needs and goals, each parish has the opportunity to develop its own case study of needs and goals. The monies raised in each parish are split between the parish and diocese. For those who wonder about the benefit of a portion going to the diocese, two points should be kept in mind: (1) The funding for diocesan needs and goals are ultimately intended to benefit persons and parishes throughout our 12 counties; (2) The diocese would be funding the entire campaign costs from its portion.
How is such a campaign different from the annual CPC? The annual CPC helps to cover the ongoing costs or expenses of the annual budget for the diocese, which provides personnel and programs to assist parishes. A campaign allows us to address some broader needs and goals beyond the mere daily or annual operational budget.
As bishop, I have both hopes and concerns for the Church in Southwest Indiana. The Diocese of Evansville, though the smallest of the five Indiana dioceses, is rich in Catholic faith throughout the 12 counties that make up who we are as a local Church. We are blessed with wonderful priests, deacons, religious and lay leaders throughout the diocese. I have been especially impressed with the incredible faith of our youth and young people. I look forward to every opportunity I have with each and every parish. We have some very effective ministries and services. Very few dioceses our size can boast of such an amazing diocesan newspaper, Catholic school system and Catholic social outreach, just to name a few.
Many are also hurting. The parish reorganization process has left some disillusioned, disappointed, wounded and even angry. No matter how necessary something may be, change is rarely easy. Consequently, parish life has been impacted by changes in Mass times and the shifting of parishioners. A few people have reportedly left the Church altogether. Keep in mind, however, that our numbers have been decreasing for several years prior to the parish reorganization process. Those of us who remain are in various stages of the grieving process. The healing process can be long and arduous. Yet, life and mission must go on. We must continue as missionary disciples, as instruments of mercy, as witnesses to the Good News, in and through our various ministries and services as Church. There are those in need and, as noted so clearly in the Gospel of Matthew (cf. Mt 25:31-46), we must not neglect them.
As many have heard me repeatedly remind people, we profess to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. This cannot be something which we merely give lip service or make conditionally. We must be so in both good and challenging times. Our focus must remain on striving to be as effective instruments of the Gospel as possible in our Catholic identity, presence and witness. To authentically and effectively do so, we cannot play a “we versus they” game. We are united as one, not based on the instruction of the bishop but that of Jesus Christ. While we have some wonderful ministries and services, we can and need to do more. Whatever we are about, however, must be rooted in Jesus Christ and his two-fold commandment of love for God and neighbor.
For me, it is all about spirituality and stewardship. All of us need a sense of renewal, a reawakening, at times, both as individuals and as community. It all must begin and end in a spirit of gratitude. I have heard it said, and I agree, grateful people are the happiest people in life. Mission, like life, cannot remain stagnant. If we are not growing, we are dying. Not despite of, but because of our blessings, we somehow need to invigorate new life, new energy, new awareness and appreciation into the identity and mission of our Catholic faith. We have both the right and responsibility to do so.
While not dependent upon each other, the reasons for a diocesan-wide campaign are not unlike the purposes for a proposed Diocesan Pastoral Plan and a Signature Event to celebrate our Catholic heritage. Carrying out the Church’s mission is not just about raising monies or funds to be most effective. Even more so, though it takes funding to carry out ministry and service, it is about raising attitudes, awareness and conviction regarding the beauty, goodness and truth of the Catholic faith. Sure, there is imperfection and sinfulness in its members, including clergy and laity, but the Church remains the Bride and Body of Christ, and each and every member is called to holiness. Holiness is more than just praying. As Jesus makes quite clear, the path of holiness necessarily involves action in ministry and service, especially on behalf of the most poor and vulnerable. Ultimately, any endeavor of a diocese and/or its parishes is not so much about getting one’s way as it is about following the way of Jesus Christ. We have been mandated as Church, particularly in this local Church known as the Diocese of Evansville, to carry out the mission that Jesus Christ has entrusted to us. We do so most effectively in a spirit of gratitude through stewardship of time, talent and treasure. May God fill up what is lacking in us.
