Pastoral Planning
BISHOP'S LETTER

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is a Lenten journey we are undertaking here in the Diocese of Springfield, a pilgrimage that leads us, with God's help, through our own Good Friday to a Resurrection in Christ.

In the days of the Apostles, when the Letter to the Hebrews (13:14) reminded early Christians that “we have not here a lasting city,” it stated a truth that would be verified over and over down the ages. It is a truth that the Church here in western Massachusetts wrestles with today. Things do change.

For example, while some areas of the diocese are seeing renewed growth, other parts are declining in population. In 1980 there were approximately 351,000 Catholics living in our four counties; today about 234,000 live here — a drop of one-third. There are many causes, not least among them the fact that the mills and factories that once gave work to so many no longer exist. The jobs have moved away, and, in search of work, many people have moved as well. Churches that once had standees at nearly every Mass, now have empty pews. We have not here a lasting city. Things have changed.

When I was privileged to become your bishop three years ago, I made it clear that I wanted to ensure that every Catholic in western Massachusetts had fair and equitable access to the Eucharist every Sunday. I wanted to ensure the future of the Church here in the diocese. There may be fewer people; there may be fewer priests; but the faith is strong, and the practice of the faith here is vibrant.

So, given the reduction in numbers, how do we best harness the energy our faith possesses and use it for the benefit of all?

We built on the pastoral planning process that was already in place. We expanded the process by initiating an Office of Pastoral Planning headed by Msgr. John Bonzagni. We examined all the previously compiled input from the Deaneries; we empanelled a Pastoral Planning Committee made up of representatives from throughout the diocese; we sought the expertise of the Economic Development Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, to provide as much raw data as possible for all of us together to study. Many overlays will have to be placed on the data; much needs to be nuanced, but the study points out the reality of where we are today.

The study is being released throughout the diocese so that everyone may have access to it and so a dialogue can ensue to provide those overlays, that nuancing. This is the end of a giant first step; now we begin a much more intense process in which the study is examined and critiqued on the vicariate, the deanery and the parish level. We want your input; we need your input.

Out of the dialogue, I hope to see a consensus on how best to build on the vitality of our Church throughout the diocese. In all likelihood, it will mean that some church buildings give way to others; that some programs and projects are redirected or even replaced. The dialogue will require all of us to take into account that we must be catholic with a small “c” (that is, oriented beyond our local parish boundaries) to be Catholic with a capital “C” (part of the universal Church). We may see closings; I anticipate we shall also see openings — new opportunities to be Church from the input and discussion that takes place. Things will change.

May God guide our discussions; may the Holy Spirit inspire our dialogue. May we be encouraged by the true lasting city that is the goal of our life's pilgrimage. May the pain of Good Friday give birth to a new Resurrection in Christ.

Keep me in your prayers; you are in mine.

In Christ,

+Timothy A. McDonnell
Bishop of Springfield

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