ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Cluster 22 / Philadelphia-South Vicariate

The Pastoral Plan for the parishes of Cluster 22 was submitted to Cardinal Bevilacqua in March 1998. Now, after five years of implementation, these parishes are undergoing an evaluation of the Plan. Such an evaluation is taking place in each of the 41 clusters of the Archdiocese.

At their April meeting, Cluster 22 Board members began this process by gathering information. This was accomplished, first of all, by answering five questions: What has been carried out? What still needs to be carried out? To what degree has the vision been implemented? Are there new needs to be addressed? What are the obstacles?

Goal # 1 - Form a Cluster Board. This was completed. The Board includes all the pastors, one lay representative, and a lay alternate. Also, a new subcommittee for Pro-Life activities has been formed.

Goal # 2 - Strengthen the people in the Faith. The action was to form a regional team from within the Cluster for RCIA, CCD, and Pre-Jordan. This has not been implemented. Board members felt this idea was not practical; that individual parishes should handle these programs. A Liturgical Ministers Workshop is being planned for Fall 2003.

Goal # 3 was completed by conceding Mother of Divine Grace and Our Lady Help of Christians parishes to Cluster 16.

Goal # 4 was completed by twinning St. Michael and Immaculate Conception parishes and decreasing St. Anne parish by one priest.

Goal # 5 - Establish comprehensive evangelization that deepens personal commitment and attracts more active membership; create a cluster-wide evangelization program. This has not been implemented.

Goal # 6 - Share the resources of each parish by establishing a Cluster resource center. This has not been implemented.

Goal # 7 - Strengthen our financial situation and work toward financial solvency; form a subcommittee to study the need, interest and support for a Cluster Development Director. A discussion was initiated, but a study was never done.

Goal # 8 - Celebrate the richness of the multi-culturalism, ethnic diversity and traditions of the people of the Cluster. The original idea to have an International Cluster Festival was changed to a Cluster Pilgrimage. This has been implemented.

Goal # 9 - Create a formal means of communication among the parishes; a multi-language newsletter. This has not been implemented.

Goal # 10 - Ensure a strong presence of quality Catholic education in our schools. First, a subcommittee was formed of the principals of the schools. It was reformed in September 2002 with the pastors and principals, and is in the process of meeting.

One member suggested combining Goals 2 and 5. It was noted that the goals that have been implemented were ones in which the actions were concrete. The remaining goals are still valid, but the actions to accomplish these goals need to be reworked and prioritized. One need which should be addressed is Faith formation and education programs for teens and young adults.

Status of the Plan

In light of the information collected, the Cluster Implementation Committee in consultation with Parish Pastoral Councils recommended to the Regional Vicar that the status of the plan be

To continue - implementation is not complete, new data does not indicate a need for revised cluster plan but further work is required on the current plan.

Cluster 22 Board members will meet next May 19th. At that time, feedback on this information, from the individual Parish Pastoral Councils and other parishioners, will be considered.