The Archdiocese has released revised, 2nd Draft parish configuration models to the general public. The link to view the models can be found above. A couple of items to note:
(1) These revised models have been created in response to the overwhelming amount of feedback we've received, which includes over 70,000 Disciple-Maker-Index Surveys, 350 listening sessions, tens of thousands of post-listening session surveys, and many, many emails to the All Things New team. As you'll see, some of these models differ from what was initially presented in October, precisely in response to the feedback we've received.
(2) There is 1 draft model for each planning area, and taken together, they show the Archdiocese going from 178 parishes to 88 "Pastorates." A "Pastorate" is defined as a parish or group of parishes that would be administered by 1 pastor (and potentially, an associate-pastor or two). Some Pastorates would be standalone parishes; some Pastorates would be full-on-mergers; and some Pastorates would be multi-site configurations--but all would be administered by 1 pastor, each. Each pastorate would have one parish staff, one parish council, one RCIA, and other common things, such as a parish bulletin. For parishes grouped together, we will know on May 28 whether they will be merged, or have a multi-site configuration (and which sites would be used in either case).
(3) These models are still very much "drafts"--meaning they can change between now and May 28. If you have any questions or want to offer any final thoughts or feedback, PLEASE email Fr. Schneier ([email protected]) or Fr. Schroeder ([email protected]).
The school portion of All Things New is taking place as a response to the parish configurations that will be announced in May of 2023. As such, the Archdiocese has decided that the implementation of Elementary School closures and mergers will take place, beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.
The Archdiocese has created "Elementary School Workbooks" for each elementary school consisting of enrollment, building capacity, and financial data. The link to view the Elementary School Planning Process and the Workbooks can be found above.
February 2023:
Revised Parish Models shared with the public.
March-April 2023:
Parish Models further refined.
May 2023:
Final Parish Models reviewed with priests.
Announcement of Final Parish Models, Pentecost Weekend, 2023 (May 28).
Each parish was tasked to create an “All Things New” Committee, consisting of the Pastor, a Primary Point of Contact, and 5 members of the parish.
Incarnate Word’s committee consists of:
Pastor: Fr. Kevin Schroeder ([email protected])