Diocesan
Plan for Parishes moves forward
Two new Area Faith
Communities approved
In accordance with the New Ulm Diocesan Plan for Parishes 2003-2008, Bishop John C. Nienstedt has approved two new Area Faith Community Plans. An Area Faith Community (AFC) is....two or more parishes comprised of small parishes or oratories and entrusted to the care of one pastor with a pastoral staff or to pastoral leaders who work together to carry out the ministries in the area. The two new Plans are as follows:
Region 2
Church of Our Lady of Victory, Lucan; Church of St. Mary, Seaforth; Church of St. Anne, Wabasso; and Church of St. Mathias, Wanda
Word
- Conduct an area mission as part of the diocesan evangelization process
- Unify religious education materials
- Expand youth activities
- Share adult education
Worship
- Establish an area worship committee
- Create an area liturgical ministry training process
- Share prayer services aside from Sunday Mass
Service
- Create an area social concerns committee
- Develop outreach to non-active members and welcome newcomers
- Create programs for youth involvement in the social mission of the Church
Stewardship
- Form an area pastoral council
- Combine purchasing power
- Support efforts to raise funds in each parish and explore the creation of joint fundraisers
- Share personnel and coordinate volunteers
Region 4
Word
- Develop area adult faith formation
- Collaborate on some youth group activities
- Welcome new members and invite inactive parishioners
Worship
- Establish a common hymnal for all three parishes
- Increase youth participation in the liturgy
Service
- Create an area social concerns committee
- Combine CCW councils
Stewardship
- Establish an area pastoral council
For further information about the Diocesan Plan for Parishes
2003-2008, please contact Mark Kemmeter, Coordinator of Staff,