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Forward in Faith: A Message from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland ~ October 2005 Cluster Planning in Progress Parishes are beginning discussions about how to work more collaboratively—discussions that will shape what the Church in Maine will look like five years from now. It’s part two of a three step process which was started last year by Bishop Malone. In step one, the Bishop asked a task force to examine our resources through the year 2010 in terms of personnel, worship sites, finances and the service of lay people. The goal for that group was to recommend a way to continue our mission to evangelize and encourage vibrant Christian communities despite a declining number of priests and changing population across the state. The task force recommended that 27 clusters (groups) of parishes be formed (see the back for cluster listing). Each cluster would have one pastor with another 26 priests to serve as parochial vicars (assistants to the pastor). Eight priests would have special ministries in chaplaincies or in the chancery. The task force felt clustering would pool resources of people and finances more effectively than any individual parish would have on its own. It would also help the leadership within the cluster take a broader view of how to ensure the availability of the Eucharist and the other sacraments for the entire cluster. Step two is for the newly-formed clusters to discuss how to work more collaboratively in the future, which is the key to reorientation of our parish structure. At least two representatives from each parish form the cluster planning committees and each group has a facilitator to run the meetings. The committee will review resources, staffing and finances of the cluster in order to determine which of the following models will work best for their cluster: 1 Model I One pastor, merge parishes into one new parish, one staff, finance council and Pastoral council, with multiple worship site 2 Model II One pastor, separate parishes, one staff, one cluster Pastoral council and finance Council 3 Model III One pastor, one staff, merge parishes and build new larger church 4 Model IV Combination of models: Some parishes may merge, some may remain separate, or a new larger church may be built The planning committees have until June 2006 to submit their recommendation and justification to the Bishop for his approval. If you have comments or suggestions for your committee, contact your pastor for the names of those representing your parish. Priests, deacons, parish coordinators and lay participants involved in the cluster planning will be attending a day of prayer and learning about the concept and practice of collaborative ministry in Waterville in November. Long and broad-range planning are essential because we anticipate that 61 diocesan priests under the age of 70 will be available to serve by the year 2010. We currently have 133 parishes as well as some special ministries including college, prison, etc. While some people are concerned their parish may close, no specific parishes or churches have been identified for closure. In the future, if it’s necessary for the common good to close any parishes, it will only be done after receiving a recommendation from the cluster and final approval by the Bishop. Full implementation of the new cluster models will take place throughout the Diocese over the next five years. The ultimate aim of this process and restructuring is for a New Evangelization that will challenge and call all Catholics to a fuller participation in both the ministry of the Church and the joy of spreading the Good News. Clusters
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Your input is important As Sacred Heart / St. Dominic embarks with other parishes in the Diocese on this parish reorganization plan that emphasizes mission, the role of the laity and parish collaboration, your input is important. Use the suggestion box at the back of the church to give your input, or send a message to the Parish Office, by e-mail to tsacredh@maine.rr.com, or by regular mail to:
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