Diocesan Implementation Commission Reviews Cluster Plans
 

The Diocesan Implementation Commission gathered for two days last week at Fatima Renewal Center to review the initial implementation plans submitted by each Cluster Implementation Team.

These plans will be the blueprint for the clusters and their parishes to implement Bishop Martino’s directives for Called to Holiness and Mission: Pastoral Planning in the Diocese of Scranton.

The Cluster Implementation Teams have spent the last few months developing their plans.

“Many people throughout the Diocese have been working diligently to ensure that the implementation gets underway. We truly appreciate their efforts and their commitment to the process,” said Monsignor Vincent J. Grimalia, V.G., director of Called to Holiness and Mission.

The Implementation Commission, assisted by The Reid Group, the national consulting firm that is facilitating the pastoral planning process, discussed these plans and has made recommendations to Bishop Martino. Either an approved Implementation Plan or a “Plan with Suggestions” will be given back to each cluster.

Clusters will begin to execute their implementation plan in July. Next spring the plans will be evaluated and, if necessary, adjustments will be made for 2010-2011.

In May 2010 each cluster will submit its Annual Cluster Evaluation Report and the adjusted Implementation Plan for 2010-2011. Subsequent Annual Cluster Evaluation Reports and adjusted plans will be due each year in May.

Consolidated Parishes Will Have New Names

For parishes that will be consolidating, one of the first components of their implementation plan will be assuming a new name for the unified parish. The protocol for this process is: 

• Three names with rationales for each name and a priority order, if any, must be sent to Bishop Martino at least six weeks before any consolidation is scheduled. For those consolidating this July, recommendations were due to the Bishop by May 15. (The name of a church remains what it has been. It is the new name for the parish that is being considered.)
• Clusters may submit three names and related information several months early if they so desire.
• The name must be that of a canonized saint or of a mystery of our faith.
• Names of those who are only Blessed are not eligible. There are many newly canonized saints that may be considered.

Monsignor Grimalia added that directives are being developed for the disposition of religious articles and church property.

“We ask for patience as these important decisions are being made,” he said.