Pastorial Plan 2006

Dear Friends in Christ,   As you know, listening sessions have been held throughout the Diocese in recent months, and hundreds of surveys with suggestions, challenges, and best practices for transmitting our faith were received, reviewed, and evaluated.   As your Shepherd, I have heard God's Word resonating in your words. In my role of chief evangelizer and teacher, it is my joyful and loving duty to issue and invite your participation in this Pastoral Plan for evangelization, entitled Following in the Footsteps of Christ.   This Plan is rooted in the faith of the Church and the joyful determination to share the faith with those who are seeking to deepen their commitment to Christ, with those whose faith has grown cold, and with those who have little or no faith at all.   This Pastoral Plan is a major, five-year initiative that outlines the priorities and focus for evangelization and catechesis within our Diocese. Because there are so many needs and challenges, it is necessary to focus strategically, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, on some key areas. All parishes are invited to make this plan their own, applying it to their various situations.   This is a grace-filled opportunity for us, as a diocesan family of faith, to respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, leading us to grow in friendship with the Lord Jesus and one another, as we strive to imitate Christ and to bear witness in our lives to His transforming love.   Come, follow in the footsteps of Christ!                 Faithfully in Christ,                 Most Reverend William E. Lori Bishop of Bridgeport                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          WHAT IS A PASTORAL PLAN ? pastoral plan is a major initiative that outlines the priorities and focus for evangelization and catechesis within a diocese. The development of a pastoral plan is a wonderful opportunity for a diocese, parishes, schools, families, and individuals to focus collectively on how to awaken the power of the faith in the hearts of the people, as they live their lives in today's historical, cultural, and social circumstances. WHAT IS THE PLAN MEANT TO DO?   In addition to identifying key areas of focus and priority, the Plan is designed: 1. To Inspire: Bringing us all to a deeper encounter and friendship with   the living person of Jesus Christ.     2. To Encourage Greater Partidpation in the Life of the Church: so that   all of us can become stronger in faith, celebrate the sacramental life   joyfully in hope, and be active in charity. 3. To Strengthen and Renew Evangelization: to share the power, beauty, and joy of the faith with others.  PRIORITIES. THE LITURGY: CENTERED IN CHRIST Communities united in the Eucharist and celebrating the faith Deepening our spiritual lives through the Sacraments and prayer so that strengthened by God's grace, we may find happiness and peace.   CULTIVATING FAMILY AND LIFE Transmitting the faith throughout the generations Providing tools and resources for parents and families, so that the faith is shared and lived in every home.   INSPIRING YOUTH Engaging youth to joyfully live and share their encounter with Christ Activities to empower and bring the richness and vibrancy of the faith to the youth in a challenging, ever-changing culture.   ENHANCING ADULT FORMATION Building lay leadership for the New Evangelization Offering new perspectives on ways to enhance adult formation in the faith and to involve adults in the life and mission of their parishes.   ACTIVE IN CHARITY Serving with love those in need throughout the Diocese and beyond Concrete ways to share the love of Christ with those in need.                                                                                                                                                    HOW WILL THE PLAN BE IMPLEMENTED?  In order to bring this Plan to life, the Office for Pastoral Services at the Diocese has developed an Implementation Guide that will help the parishes activate this Plan in accordance with their own situation. Each parish will select at least one goal each year from each of the five priorities so that this plan comes alive. HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN THIS PLAN? Everyone can benefit from and contribute to Following in the Footsteps of Christ. The Lord calls us each by name; He sends us to evangelize, to put ours talents and gifts to the service of the mission of the Church. Here are three initial suggestions for involvement: 1. With your prayers. Pray for evangelization throughout the Diocese and especially in your parish, and pray that you will have an evangelizing heart. Learn about and participate in the prayer campaign. 2. By renewing your own commitment to your faith. Trying to live the goals that are proposed by embracing them personally in your daily life, deepening your friendship with the Lord, and sharing it with family, friends, and co-workers. 3. By being open to what the Lord is asking of you. Volunteer in the area that appeals most to you or where you see a need in your parish or the Diocese. WWW.Footstepsofchrist.org