MISSION PRIORITIES
We have all put a lot of energy, time, and prayer into our efforts to implement the plan for the missionary transformation we discerned together at Synod 16. After prayer, consultation, and my own discernment, I have identified four “mission priorities,” focal points through which we will move forward in the next couple of years. These “mission priorities” are Families of Parishes, Catholic Schools, Communications, and Priestly Vocations.
FAMILIES OF PARISHES
I want to be sure that Families of Parishes are a vital, functioning missionary reality. They were never an end goal; it has always been our hope that Families of Parishes would be an effective instrument to help us unleash the Gospel. I remain grateful to our Wave Two Families, for their dedication to a successful roll-out last summer, and to our Wave One Families for leading the way. I also extend my gratitude to Deacon Mike Houghton and his team of missionaries for what they have done to help us get to this point in our transition to Families of Parishes and the work of pastoral planning. Beginning July 1 of next year, this work of assisting the Families of Parishes will pass to relevant departments in the Curia, with “mission direct” guidance largely coming from Dr. Marlon De La Torre’s team in the Department of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship and “mission support” guidance coming from the team of Brian Mooney, our Chief Operating Officer. At that time, Deacon Houghton will transition to a new role leading the Institute for Lay Witness, a vehicle to equip the lay faithful to be evangelists and witnesses for Christ outside the church setting. The Institute was something we discerned together at Synod 16 and was one of the action steps identified in the Unleash the Gospel pastoral letter. I look forward to seeing the many fruits of that new effort. As we go forward, I want to be sure that the Curia continues to support our Families of Parishes in the development and implementation of their Missionary Strategic Plans. These plans are key to our parishes moving forward as centers of evangelization serving individuals and families. I have learned from a number of you that there has been good progress already in developing these plans, for which I am very grateful. I renew my own commitment that, during my time left as your pastor, my highest priority will be to help the Families of Parishes continue implementing the Synod, in part through the creation of their Missionary Strategic Plans.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
We heard very clearly at Synod 16 that Catholic schools are the responsibility of all the faithful and an indispensable part of our work of evangelization. This conviction led us to discern a particular vision for the future of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit, based on four pillars: Catholic identity, prioritizing in our Catholic schools the mission to make disciples who are ready to walk with Jesus in this life and make their way forward to eternal life according to God’s plan for them. That must be the driving force in our schools. Academic excellence, promoting a Catholic worldview that permeates the curriculum and helps our students understand that reason is reinforced and shines all the more brightly with the light of our faith. Our schools are successful when they combine rigorous intellectual pursuits with faithfulness in Jesus Christ. Accessible to all, so that any family in the Archdiocese of Detroit that seeks an excellent Catholic education for their children can have one. While we have started this effort, it is one that will take some time to accomplish. My goal for the remainder of my episcopacy is to ensure we continue this path and are set up for success going forward. Sustainable for the future, so our schools are secure both administratively and financially. This has already involved the creative development of new models for school governance and collaboration with philanthropists who share our commitment to Catholic education in southeast Michigan. These efforts are continuing. I have full confidence that, under the leadership of the Superintendent of Schools, Deacon Sean Costello, we will continue to make progress on this front.
COMMUNICATIONS
I would like to affirm what we learned through the Synod about the importance of media and communications to bring more people to Christ. Our diocesan communications efforts not only propel and support our mission, but through them, we also reach many people who otherwise would not be served by our parishes, schools, and apostolates. Engaging communications efforts play an important role in the way we evangelize in the contemporary world. I am resolved to continue this as a priority, devoting necessary resources to help people stay engaged with the Gospel message and to reach out to more individuals. In keeping with my recurring message of gratitude, I would like to thank Edmundo Reyes and his team for their efforts in the Communications Department.
PRIESTLY VOCATIONS
We are in the middle of our Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations. During this last period of my episcopacy, I am committed to doing what I can to keep the Archdiocese focused on this effort, not only to encourage people to pray for priestly vocations but also to find creative ways to encourage men to hear and respond to their call. I appreciate the leadership of Father Craig Giera in these efforts. While I am aware that I (and my coworkers in the Curia) already ask so much of my brother priests, it is critical that all of us still find time to seek, identify, and connect with men who may share our holy vocation. All the data show that this accompaniment from priests makes the most substantial difference in new vocations to the priesthood. As I shared during a meeting in November, I heard recently about a young priest who took the time to invite a likely candidate to come with him for the Anointing of the Sick. It made all the difference in the world in that man’s discernment. Each of you has within you the capacity to make the same impact in a young man’s life—and by extension, in the life of our local church.
– Submitted for publication here by Fr. Godfrey Mgonja, C.S.Sp.