EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF CLUSTER PASTORAL PLAN FOR CLUSTER 62
April 1999
In a letter dated April 6, 1999 Cardinal Bevilacqua accepted the Cluster Pastoral Plan for Cluster 62. A communal celebration for the Cluster 62 parishes is being planned for June 24, 1999. The following is a summary of the goals and highlights of the plan:
The Cluster 62 Pastoral Planning Committee, representing seven parishes in Drexel Hill and Springfield, has conducted a study of the spiritual and temporal issues in those parishes and developed a plan to address issues that are common to Cluster 62 parishes. The Cluster Planning Process was conducted as requested by the Archdiocese with guidance and direction from the Regional Vicar of Delaware County. Cluster 62 has reviewed information from the Archdiocese, from the seven Parish Pastoral Councils' self-studies and from assessments of external opportunities and challenges affecting the Cluster parishes. Also, issues identified by the Regional Vicar were considered.
Results of the Cluster self-study give evidence to the vitality of Cluster parishes. The parishes have a strong commitment to the traditions of Catholic belief and of service to the Church. The lives of active parishioners demonstrate an enduring Catholic faith, a faith nurtured by the leadership of dedicated clergy, religious and laity. Meaningful liturgies, celebrations of the sacraments and opportunities for prayer are the foundations of these faith-filled, vibrant Catholic parishes.
Cluster 62 reflected prayerfully on strengthening Cluster parishes to enhance both spiritual and temporal life. They defined issues that could be addressed more effectively by the Cluster than by parishes. The Cluster developed a plan, with seven common goals, to utilize the combined resources and skills of parishes to better serve parishioners and to offer additional opportunities for parishioners to participate in the life of the Church. The Cluster Pastoral Plan acknowledges that parishes can work together to coordinate activities, to share information, programs, personnel and physical resources, and to plan together for a more faithful and vital expression of church life than any one of the parishes could provide on its own.
Evangelize the inactive, marginal and disenchanted Catholic is goal 1. Two-thirds of registered Catholics do not participate in the sacramental life of the Church; individual parishes will be responsible for reaching out to people who are disenchanted and to those who have simply wandered away. Landings Committees will be established, at parishes that do not have them, to welcome people back and assist their return to the Church. Bible study groups will be established and will be available to all. Also, seminars on Catholic faith and morals will assist parishioners to strengthen their commitment to God. Cluster parishes will welcome all Catholics, both those resuming the practice of their faith and those who have regularly participated in the life of the Church. Parishes will encourage participation with church socials, greeters at liturgies, newcomer welcoming groups, and personal invitations to participate in the life of the Church. Parishes will encourage everyone to share the Good News, i.e. to evangelize.
Develop a ministry to the youth, young adults, and young married is goal 2. Addressing the spiritual needs of young people is important in their rapidly changing lives. Young people will be encouraged to participate in liturgical ministries and outreach programs. Opportunities forspiritual growth of young adults, both single and married, will be provided. Marriage and family life programs will be developed and promoted.
Develop adult education and training programs that include lay ministry and family ministry is goal 3. Adult education programs will be available to all. Existing and new programs will be publicized in all Cluster parishes. A family ministry program will be developed.
Strengthen commitment to Catholic education is goal 4. The Cluster will promote strengths of parish schools; pastors and school principals will actively assist in this effort. Parish Religious Education Programs (PREP) [formerly called CCD] will be strengthened and will include sharing of information and resources throughout the Cluster. Parents' ideas and opinions will be sought to better understand needs of children served by these programs. Cluster parishes will devise a plan for religious education for children with special needs
Promote vocations to the priesthood and the religious life; develop a deeper understanding of vocation within the Christian community is goal 5. Pastors will promote a positive attitude of acceptance and commitment regarding religious vocations in parishes and families. Opportunities for young people to reflect on God's call will be provided. A prayer for vocations will be included in Sunday liturgies and religious vocations will be encouraged in homilies, when appropriate. Youth and young adults will be encouraged to participate in parish ministries to help them deepen their faith. Vocations will be encouraged by retreats, days of prayer and existing programs for discernment.
Develop a social outreach in the Cluster to welcome and assimilate new populations into the community
and to assist special needs groups is goal 6. The Cluster Implementation Committee and Cluster parishes
will create a Social Justice and Human Relations Committee. This committee will identify the various populations
in the vicinity of the Cluster and identify special needs of these populations.
Design a method of Cluster coordination is goal 7. A Cluster Coordinating Committee will be created
with representatives from each Cluster parish. That committee will coordinate activities between parishes and will
publish information so resources can be shared. The Cluster Implementation Committee and the Regional Vicar will
define the specific responsibilities of the Cluster Coordinating Committee.
A schedule has been established for the implementation of each step in the seven goals. Some activities will be initiated as early as the fall of 1999 while others are scheduled to start within one or two years. Each pastor has a copy of the detailed schedule.
The Cluster 62 Pastoral Planning Committee does not foresee major changes in the Cluster parishes at this time. The parishes are fiscally responsible, considering their available income, and are financially stable. They have strong, healthy parish schools and religious education programs. Parish facilities are presently adequate.
Several Cluster parishes already have programs that address some issues defined in the seven goals. Those programs will be used as models for other parishes in implementing the Cluster Pastoral Plan.