The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Research and Planning was awarded the 2007 Lumen Gentium Award by the National Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development (CPPCD). The award was presented at the national meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, April 17, 2007. The Lumen Gentium Award acknowledges a person or group that has implemented the vision of the Second Vatican Council.

The award recognized the Office for Research and Planning's leadership initiative and creativity in responding to planning for changing parish and diocesan needs. The award also highlights the Office for Research and Planning website (www.archdiocese-phl.org/pastplan/index.htm), which is a valuable tool used by other Dioceses throughout the country.

Robert J. Miller, Ed.D, Director of the Office for Research and Planning, said, "The recognition of the Office for the Lumen Gentium Award is particularly satisfying since it recognizes all those who have worked in our office since 1990 and the many priests and parishioners who have worked so hard to make pastoral planning and wide consultation with the laity a reality in parishes throughout the Archdiocese." Dr. Miller is a member of Saint James Parish in Elkins Park, Montgomery County.

Past recipients of this award include Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.

George Haggerty, Managing Director of the Conference for Pastoral Planning, said, "As the Catholic population grows and changes demographically, Bob and his staff are right on the curve to ensure that the diocese and parishes understand the people they serve, and help make their ideas and plans the best to serve Philadelphia Catholics."

The CPPCD promotes and advocates consultative processes that foster effective planning for the pastoral life of the Church.

For information about the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development, please visit www.cppcd.org or to obtain photographs of the award ceremony, please visit www.imageevent.com/mcieslak/cppcd2007.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747