Core Team Recommendations Submitted To Bishop Thompson
Earlier this month, leaders of the seven diocesan core teams submitted their final Strategic Plan recommendations to Bishop Charles C. Thompson. He is currently reviewing the recommendations with assistance from his advisory groups, which include diocesan priests, deacons, lay groups and diocesan directors.
The final results of this Plan – which should better position the Diocese of Evansville to serve parishioners in the 21st century - will be communicated to parishioners in late June, with implementation of the final changes taking place gradually.
“This is a process, and we recognize that each situation is unique and that some parishes will be in a position to proceed more rapidly than others,” said Tim McGuire, chief operating officer for the Diocese of Evansville. “We are committed to providing all of our parishes with the support and resources they need to work through this important transition.”
The core teams represented each of the diocese’s seven deaneries: Evansville East, Evansville West, Jasper, Newburgh, Princeton, Vincennes and Washington. They included representation from every parish.
Team members received an initial set of Strategic Plan recommendations from the diocese in late summer 2012, along with a list of criteria and parameters to follow. With assistance from facilitators Gayle Uebelhor and Alan Hoffman, they began meeting in October 2012 to build a comprehensive plan specific to their deanery.
In February of this year, each core team invited parishioners to attend a town hall meeting. The purpose of these meetings was to gather information and gain insight from members of the local Catholic community.
Armed with feedback from parishioners who attended the meetings, the core teams went back to work to finalize their recommendations to Bishop Thompson.
Throughout this process, Bishop Thompson has asked members of the Church to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide him, as well as all others who are involved.
“Please pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to work through me in the weeks ahead as we prepare to present the final results of our Plan,” said Bishop Thompson. “I know this a time of uncertainty and anxiety for many, but as Catholics, we believe that light follows darkness and resurrection follows death. I’m confident that new life and new vitality ultimately await our diocese.”
