ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

The Pastoral Plan for the parishes of Cluster 32 was submitted to Cardinal Bevilacqua in November 1999. Now, after three and a half 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 March meeting, Cluster 32 Implementation Committee 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 of the Plan is to strengthen existing parish programs for youth. As called for, an ad hoc committee was formed to study the feasibility of hiring a "Youth Coordinator" for the Cluster. It was determined, as a result of the study, that establishing such a salaried position was not feasible. Ultimately, the Cluster 32 Council for Youth Ministry was formed. Implementation Committee members acknowledged the fact that this did not result in the strict implementation of Goal # 1, but has resulted in an increased involvement/participation of our high school age parishioners.

Regarding Goal # 2 (i.e. explore social service programs), representatives from each of the six parishes met with the Archdiocesan staff of Catholic Social Services. They also joined in offering services to shut-ins. Issues relating to substance abuse and single parenting have not been addressed as called for by the Plan.

All six of the parishes of the Cluster have initiated concrete efforts toward evangelization (Goal # 3). Most of these parishes have established the "Disciples in Mission" program.

Goal # 4 is to strengthen and expand existing religious education programs for adults. A centralized program was begun via a well-attended Lenten Series held at St. Monica Parish. A proposed multi-media center has not been developed.

Goal # 5 addressed the Archdiocesan requirement, at the time, to reduce the Cluster by two diocesan priests. This was accomplished by reducing one priest at Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, and one at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

Goal # 6 is to promote vocations to the priesthood and Religious Life. At this time, most of the parishes in the Cluster have activities in the works to promote vocations.

During this meeting, representatives (clergy and lay) of OLMC Parish proposed that, as part of this evaluation of the Cluster Pastoral Plan, serious consideration be given to having OLMC Parish identify itself with Cluster 24 rather than this one. They believe increasingly that they have a closer affinity to the parishes there (especially Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Philip Neri) than those of Cluster 32. (N.B. This issue will be brought to the table at the next meeting of Cluster 24.)

Cluster 32 Implementation Committee members will meet next on May 7^th. At that time, feedback on this information, from the individual Parish Pastoral Councils and other parishioners, will be considered.