Strategic Planning Continues

 As listening sessions continue during the second phase of the Diocese’s Strategic Plan, important work also is moving forward toward implementation of the plan’s first phase.

 On April 10, Bishop Charles C. Thompson issued a decree changing the name of the merged Christ the King Parish to Annunciation of the Lord Parish, effective July 1, 2014. Annunciation was formed last September when Bishop Thompson announced the merger of Christ the King and Holy Spirit parishes in Evansville. 

The names of the parish’s churches will not change. Annunciation of the Lord Parish will be home to Christ the King Church and Holy Spirit Church.

Members of Christ the King and Holy Spirit, who have been at work on details related to the merger for months, worked with Pastor Father Alex Zenthoefer to arrive at the new name. “God entrusts us with the responsibility of being vessels of his Presence,” Father Zenthoefer said. “Our task is not to have it all figured out; rather, it is to follow in faith, trusting that God will give us what we need along the way. This name really highlights the mission that is before us.”

All the parishes scheduled to merge beginning later this year continue to move forward. As announced in the Sept. 27, 2013, issue of The Message, merges will take effect beginning July 1, 2014, and will continue through July 1, 2016. Some of the other merging parishes are working toward new names, and those will be announced in The Message as they are approved.

Bishop Thompson and Diocesan Chief Operating Officer Tim McGuire also are continuing a series of listening sessions that began in January as part of the Strategic Plan’s second phase. Listening sessions will continue into June as parishioners across the diocese get opportunities to hear about the process to date, and to ask questions and raise any concerns.

All future announcements regarding the Strategic Plan will appear first in The Message. Our readers will be the first to receive announcements about the plan. Stay tuned!