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On this page: Function Message from Bishop Thomas Process Update Hear Bishop Thomas' Oct. 2007 update

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Function

The Pastoral Planning Services Division works with the Diocesan Pastoral Council under the direction of the Bishop to identify pastoral priorities and future directions for the diocese.

The director assures a broad-based consultation process in the formulating of direction statements that will guide the diocese in a five year cycle.

Director of Pastoral Planning Services: Rita McGinnis, SCL

Administrative Assistant: Joanna Haddon

A message from Bishop George L. Thomas on the Pastoral Planning process:

"On the first anniversary of my installation as the Bishop of Helena, I announced that the beginning of formal pastoral planning was within reach. That journey began with my sure knowledge that a collaborative process looking at the needs of the diocese was a pressing necessity. The appointment of the Director of Pastoral Planning, Sister Rita McGinnis in June and, in late summer, the naming of the members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council began to give form to this vision. The process will now seek the input of the whole diocese for the formulation of a Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Helena that will shape our next five years. The Diocesan Pastoral Council is a great gift to this diocese and has been meeting faithfully for the last months, preparing for the planning process to move into the parishes and vicariates.

There is much to be done, much to be hopeful for and I count on your good prayers and cooperation, along with the leadership of your pastors, to continue the journey with me."

Process Update

The Diocesan Pastoral Council is grateful to our parishes and vicariates for their response to the request for participation in the preparation and listening sessions scheduled throughout the Diocese. There were 1,418 parishioners who participated in the Parish Preparation Process that fed the regional meetings with insights from the parishes of the Diocese.

From those parish meetings, 495 delegates participated in Regional Listening Sessions with Diocesan Pastoral Council members present as the input from the regions was gathered.

On April 7-8 the Diocesan Pastoral Council met to begin to sort, reflect and study information gathered through the eight regional listening sessions. They continued their work at their June 9-10 session.

During their Oct. 6-7 session, the council began reviewing the plan document.

On Nov. 9, the Presbyteral Council recommended the DPC document to Bishop George L. Thomas.

As of January 2007, the document is being finalized for publication.

June 14, 2007: The pastoral plan "Come to the Light" has been distributed and is available on the diocesan Web site.

Oct. 13-14, 2007: Bishop Thomas updates the people of the Diocese of Helena on the plan's progress.

Jan. 12-13, 2008: Planning council reviews initiatives

Please pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as this process moves forward.

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