Bishop Lahey's Pastoral Planning Letter

Diocese of Antigonish
Office of the Director of Pastoral Services
Fr. Paul Abbass, EV

Dear Friends,

Now that we are well into the Fall Season, I would like take this opportunity of reviewing with the people of the Diocese the progress of our Diocesan Pastoral Planning Coordinating Committee.

At the outset it may be helpful to review the origins of this committee’s work and mandate. In June of 2004; Bishop Lahey addressed the Annual General Assembly of the Clergy and reflected with us his thinking and vision for our diocese in terms of Pastoral Planning.

At that time the Bishop indicated his belief that whatever change and new direction are necessary should begin at the local (grassroots) level. In fact, he asked all of our Deaneries to establish Pastoral Planning Committees who would begin to explore new and innovative ways to provide for the pastoral needs of our people.

“ What is also important is that we keep this process at the grassroots level, with a free flow of information to parishioners, so that hey may be able to understand and take ownership of any decisions that will emerge.” (Bishop Lahey)

At the same time he invited an analysis at the local level in terms of how we could more effectively minister, given the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow.

We were asked to ensure as a significant piece of our planning that parishes, clusters and deaneries would have sufficient personnel to effectively work in the following areas:

“Catechetics of children, sacramental preparation, youth ministry, adult faith formation, evangelization, liturgy and social justice, as well as the administrative personnel who are necessary in a supportive role.” (Bishop Lahey)

Since this time most areas of our diocese have met and some continue to meet with a view to developing new way of thinking; which in turn led in some cases to new models of service.

Over the past two years areas such as Sydney Mines, New Waterford, New Glasgow, Richmond County (particularly Isle Madame) and the parishes North of Smokey have worked among themselves and in cooperation with the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Coordinating Committee emerging new configurations for these parish communities. At the same time other areas of the diocese have continued the dialogue and are making plans for some significant changes to the concept of parish and parochialism.

In all of these examples the local church developed the model best suited to their circumstances and the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Coordinating Committee supported these endeavors; while at the same time bringing when necessary the diocesan perspective into consideration. I believe that these models have the seeds of great success, in that they are arising from the people and priests who live and work in these areas. Admittedly these are initial first steps, but they have preserved us from imposing decisions which would not necessarily reflect local needs and choices or include significant grassroots input.

Clearly there have been at times tensions and struggles; however, I can report to you my overwhelming sense that the laity in all these areas understands the need and appreciate the opportunity of being involved in laying the plans for their future.

This work is still ongoing, and there are yet areas where creativity and innovation at the local level can lead to some very satisfying and important steps toward serving our people.

I know that there continues to be some debate around whether the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Coordinating Committee should have a clear and defined plan for the diocese and I certainly understand this thinking. However, our plan continues to emerge in response in great measure to the direction and desire set at the local level. It seems to me that in the negotiating and dialogue between the local area issues and the Diocesan ones, we are finding a respectful manner to ensure the future of our pastoral units.

On behalf of the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Coordinating Committee I want to encourage every area of the diocese to review where we are in terms of keeping this process on track. If your area of the diocese is ready to open up some new pathway in pastoral planning please contact me so that we may work together toward more sustainable pastoral communities for our future.

At the same time I want to thank all those priests and laypeople who have so far given much time and thought to the process.

There has been much struggle and this process certainly involves a very real degree of surrendering and letting go, but at the same time new energy and possibility is being experienced by many.

Thank you again for your cooperation and support of this work of shaping our future.

In Christ,

Rev. Paul J. Abbass, E.V.
Diocesan Pastoral Planning Coordinating Committee