PASTORAL PLANNING

The Office of Pastoral Planning is charged by Bishop McDonnell with providing every Catholic in Western Massachusetts fair and equitable access to the sacraments. In order to accomplish this mission the office continually assess how to utilize all of our Diocesan resources in the best manner possible. While a certain amount of attention must be paid to resources such as building, real estate and financial concerns, those are not our primary interests.

Our primary task is working with the Roman Catholic Community of Western Massachusetts to enable our people to enter more deeply into the life of the Church. Our concern is for ministry, that is, how best to announce the gospel; to awaken faith; to deepen faith; and to journey together to the Kingdom of God.

O God of Life,
we your people
seek your guidance
as we face the awesome prospect
of transition and change.

Transition is exciting and invigorating
when we move with foresight into the future.
Change is a challenge to let go.
It takes courage and confidence to move on.

Loving God,
give us open minds, kind hearts
and clear vision
as together we look to a bright
and a promising future.
Help us to plan with a big picture mentality-
to seek diligently and generously
what is in the best interest of all.

May Jesus, our shepherd and guide,
lead us in ways that are right and good.
May Mary, Mother of our Church,
encourage our earnest efforts
to listen and to learn.

In the words of the prophet Micah
may we “act justly, love tenderly
and walk humbly with our god.”
Amen.

Bishop Emeritus Joseph F. Maguire 2006