On December 9th, priests from across the Diocese gathered at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Portage, with Bishop Lohse. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and reflect on pastoral priorities for the diocese, which Bishop Lohse identified as follows: 1) To make our parishes places of welcome and accompaniment; 2) To preach Jesus unequivocally and clearly; and 3) To articulate and to live what it means to be a Eucharistic-centered people. The priests then brainstormed ideas related to each.

 

The discussion also included a review of current diocesan trends and historical data including sacramental participation and population shifts. In speaking to the priests, Bishop Lohse underscored that the meeting was the beginning of a much broader conversation on how to plan and build for the future. Additional steps will bring deacons, diocesan and parish leadership and the lay faithful into the conversation as well.

Content is the Courtesy of the Diocese of Kalamazoo