NOVEMBER 1999
(Media Release - 11/15/99)
PASTORAL PLAN FOR CLUSTER 25 ACCEPTED BY CARDINAL BEVILACQUA
Cluster 25 / Philadelphia-South Vicariate
St. Malachy
St. Martin de Porres
Visitation B.V.M.
The Plan for Cluster 25 has been accepted by Cardinal Bevilacqua. In a letter to Monsignor John Conway, Vicar for Philadelphia-South, dated October 29, 1999, the Archbishop encouraged implementation of the Plan and offered his observations. His comments included commendation on the Plan's emphasis on evangelization, stewardship, and lay leadership. His Eminence encouraged, on a cluster level, an active promotion of vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life.
Some of the actions of the Plan follow.
- Invite parents of non-Catholic school students to parish events and Sunday liturgy.
- Visit and send letters of welcome to those in new and redeveloped housing.
- Cluster-wide involvement in already-existing men's club at Jesuit Center.
- Acknowledge appreciation of lay volunteers.
- Form a Cluster committee to investigate Temple University resources.
- Network with social services agencies to help with quality of life issues.
- Increase parishioners' awareness of stewardship.
- Seek outside financial assistance (e.g. "Parish Partners" and Alumni).
- Focus on acquiring more male teachers in grade schools.
- Start more collaborative efforts among parish CYO's of the Cluster.
- Hold annual joint meetings of the three parish pastoral councils of the Cluster.
- Plan CYO leadership programs on a Cluster level.
- Organize a Cluster-sponsored Forum on Catholic Social Justice Teachings with an invitation to "Parish Partners".
"Parish Partners" are parishes (usually one city and one suburban parish) which establish a link for
the purpose of sharing various resources.
Cardinal Bevilacqua expressed his gratitude to all those who served on the Cluster Pastoral Planning Committee.
A "Cluster Implementation Team" now will be formed to monitor the implementation of the Plan.