CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has launched a strategic planning process to help strengthen its mission to proclaim and live the Gospel – and the people of the diocese are being asked to participate.
Staff, clergy and parishioners across the diocese’s 93 parishes, 20 schools and 50-plus ministries are invited to provide thoughts through surveys and interviews about the operations, mission and opportunities for the local Church, diocesan officials said.
They are partnering in the initiative with the Catholic Leadership Institute, an international Catholic apostolate specializing in leadership training and pastoral governance.
“Your participation is vital in this visioning process and, as your new bishop, I hope I can count on your support,” Bishop Michael Martin said in a video message posted on the diocese’s YouTube channel.
He cited “unprecedented growth” in the diocese, which he said brings “staggering new capital, operational and spiritual demands on our parishes and ministries.”
When the visioning process concludes this fall, he said, “our diocese will have a thoughtful, prayerful vision for our future – a vision influenced by you and one we hope inspires you to greater discipleship.”
The Catholic Leadership Institute will conduct more than 75 interviews and administer three online surveys for clergy, staff and parishioners. It uses an online survey tool called the Disciple Maker Index that asks parishioners to reflect on their parish and their own spiritual journey, focusing on attitudes and beliefs, parish participation, relationships and demographics.
CLI then gathers that feedback to help parishes and the diocese evaluate their strengths and opportunities, officials said, and equip parishes with feedback and tools to help them address people’s needs to deepen their discipleship. Data will also help empower clergy and other diocesan leaders to help them recognize their potential and enhance their ministries.
“How are we doing?” the bishop asks in his video message.
“How’s life in the Diocese of Charlotte – and more specifically, how are things going at your parish?”
“How well are our clergy and ministries meeting your spiritual needs – and how much are you participating in all that your parish offers?”
Surveys went out Jan. 21 to clergy and diocesan employees, and the Disciple Maker Index survey for parishioners will be open on Ash Wednesday, March 5.
— Catholic News Herald