CLUSTER 74 PASTORAL PLAN ONE PAGE SUMMARY
Montgomery County Vicariate
Rev. John C. Marine, Vicar
Approved by Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, 1998
|
Holy Martyrs St. Genevieve St. Joseph |
Presentation B.V.M. St. James Seven Dolors |
The Cluster Pastoral Planning process has taken place during monthly meetings conducted over the past 17 months. Each parish has been represented on the Cluster 74 Pastoral Planning Committee by its pastor and two lay representatives, who have been members of its parish Pastoral Council. Feedback Feedback from Parish Pastoral Councils and parishioners was obtained at several points during the Cluster Pastoral Planning Process.
Upon approval by Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, the Cluster 74 Pastoral Plan will be put into operation under the direction of an Implementation Committee. The Implimentation Committee will ensure that the proposed objectives are put into operation. It will also have the responsibility to establish and recommend changes to the plan, if necessary.
Goal One:
Strengthen religious educational opportunities on all levels
The proposed objectives for this goal include the establishment of two cluster committees. One committee will evaluate, develop, and implement religious education programs for post-Confirmation high school students. This cluster committee will include parish religious educators and parishioners, including youth. A second cluster committee will be formed to meet the religious educational needs of adults.
Goal Two:
Make our worghip vibrant and inspiring
A primary purpose of Cluster Pastoral Planning is to foster spiritual renewalamong our parishioners. Cluster 74 will establish a cluster committee whose members will be responsible for the development of educational and spiritual formation opportunities for liturgical ministers and other interested parishioners. We will also promote participation in the Eucharistic Adoration programs, as well as other forms of group prayer already in existence within the cluster.
Goal Three:
Formulate ways to effectively utilize the five priests that are projected for the cluster
During the beginning stages of the Cluster Pastoral Planning Process, it was determined that the needs of our parishes would be better served if we divided into sub-clusters (by township) to address this goal. It was agreed that, due to population figures, three priests would be assigned to Cheltenham township; and two priests, to Springfield Township.
The Cheltenham Township Sub-Cluster agreed to twin (two district parishes sharing one pastor) Presentation B>V.M. and St. Joseph Parishes, with the pastor and parochial vicar residing in Presentation B.V.M. Parish. St. James Parish will continue to be served by one priest. The Springfield Township Sub-Cluster agreed to twin St. Genevieve and Seven Dolors parishes. Holy Martyrs Parish will continue to be served by one priest.
Evaluations of the twinning arrangements will be ongoing and in-depth to ensure the good health of our parish families. At the end of two years, it will be determined whether the twinning arrangement should continue, or another alternative be considered.
Goal Four:
Evangelize both active and inactive Catholics by developing a joyful and supportive community that fosters deeper spirituality
A cluster committee will be established to assess and impliment evangelization programs on a cluster-wide basis. These efforts will include reenergizing our active parishioners, addressing the needs of our community, and communicating about all programs and events.