“Hope for Years to Come”
Diocese of New Ulm Plan for Parishes
2003 – 2008
Since its beginnings at Pentecost 2000 years ago the Church has shared in the mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. It has adapted its mission to the needs of particular times and situations. “Hope for Years to Come: Diocese of New Ulm Plan for Parishes 2003- 2008” is the Diocese of New Ulm’s effort to organize and direct its proclamation of the Gospel to the particular circumstances of the 15 counties in southwest and west central Minnesota that make up the diocese. The plan takes into account the broad geographic area of the diocese, its shifting population trends and the number of priests and other pastoral leaders available to guide the Church’s ministry.
The core of the plan is a bold and innovative proposal for parish communities to work collaboratively in proclaiming the Gospel. Each parish community in the diocese has been called to form an area faith community with other parishes. These area faith communities collaborate in building effective ministries through joint planning, cooperation in programs, shared ministry and the collaboration not only of pastoral leaders but of every member of the area in proclaiming and sharing our faith in Jesus Christ.
The collaboration follows a planning process and a growing structure of counsel and consultation to build effective and faith-filled communities’ ministry in Jesus name. The process used is flexible and organic and is slowly developing a new vision of ministry and parish life. Each parish community’s character and personality is respected, but each community is called to bring its unique talents and resources to bear in the mission of the area. This creative approach to the mission of the Church surely brings, “hope for years to come.”
You can read the entire plan for parishes at The Diocese of New Ulm.