Cluster Core Teams Reviewing Parish Evaluations
 

For the past month, groups of parishes organized into clusters have been engaged in discussions about how they might be configured in the future.

These conversations are part of Called to Holiness and Mission: Pastoral Planning in the Diocese of Scranton, the project that will result in a restructuring of parishes throughout the Diocese.

The 224 parishes in the Diocese have been grouped into 50 clusters for this phase of the project. Each cluster has a Cluster Core Team consisting of the Parish Core Team members from the parishes in the cluster.

The Cluster Core Teams attended an orientation session in early April. Since then they have been studying the various parish self-evaluations that were completed during the first phase of the project. These self-evaluations looked at ministries and resources, finances and facilities, demographics, liturgical and sacramental life, and evangelization activities. Another major factor is the number of priests available for active service.

“The main task of the Cluster Core Teams is to develop a cluster evaluation, and then reach a consensus on a suggestion and rationale for a new structure of the parishes in that cluster,” said Monsignor Vincent J. Grimalia, V.G., project director.

The Cluster Core Teams will suggest one of four models: consolidation to form a new parish entity, linking of two or more parishes under one pastor, establishing partnerships with other parishes to operate joint programs and share resources, and forming teams of two or more priests, deacons and lay people who would serve multiple parishes.

The suggestions from each Cluster Core Team are due to the Diocesan Planning Commission by June 15. That group will review and respond to the suggestion, and further discussion will ensue.

Before then, the Cluster Core Teams were to have met two times in April and should meet twice more in May or early June. Their discussions are to include how the parishes in the cluster might be able to work together in the future. The Cluster Core Teams and pastors are also responsible for keeping all parishioners informed through bulletin and/or pulpit announcements.

“It is important that all of these steps are followed and that the parishioners are aware of what’s happening as the process moves along,” Monsignor Grimalia said. “And, of course, everyone should continue to pray for the ultimate goal of this project: parish renewal throughout the Diocese.” 

Called to Holiness and Mission Special on CTV 

CTV: Catholic Television will air Part 2 of a special program on Called to Holiness and Mission: Pastoral Planning in the Diocese of Scranton. Members of The Reid Group, the national consulting firm that is facilitating the process, visited the CTV studio to discuss the work of the cluster core teams, and to explain why cooperation among neighboring parishes is crucial for authentic parish renewal.

This 30-minute program will air May 8, 9:00 p.m.; May 11, 5:30 p.m.;  May 14, 11:30 a.m.; May 16, 2:00 p.m.; and May 19, 9:00 p.m.