ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Cluster 23 / Philadelphia-South Vicariate

The Pastoral Plan for the parishes of Cluster 23 was submitted to Cardinal Bevilacqua in February 1999. Now, after four 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 23 Implementation Team 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?

Implementation Team members agreed that Goals # 1 and # 2 have been fully addressed. These two goals involved the restructuring (i.e. consolidation or closure) of certain parishes and schools within Cluster 23.

Goal # 3 called for the formation of a Stewardship Committee made up of representatives from all of the parishes within the Cluster. This has been accomplished, while the work of this Committee continues.

Recent participation in the Tri-Cluster Workshop for liturgical ministers, held at St. John Neumann High School, as well as the gatherings for Parish Pastoral Council members held at St. Edmond Parish Hall, have been worthwhile attempts to implement Goal # 4 (namely, to develop good lay leadership). However, Implementation Team members agreed that continuity is needed, and that a committee should be formed to accomplish this. Also, the gatherings of the Councils have had no follow-up.

Goal # 5 (namely, to foster unity and evangelize cultures present in the area) has not been implemented. Seen as a long-range goal, it was suggested that the Cluster must begin with education in the diverse cultures.

It was pointed out that the Cluster has dealt with issues rather than a vision. What is needed is the development of a vision for the Cluster. Then, decisions can be made in light of the vision. Also discussed was the impact which the future restructuring of St. John Neumann High School will have on parish life here.

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 23 Implementation Team members will meet next on May 22nd. At that time, feedback on this information, from the individual Parish Pastoral Councils and other parishioners, will be considered.