I've Learned Some New Terms...

I was surprised to realize that I didn't know what these terms mean.

The words are listed in the Vision Pastoral Plan for our Diocese.

Because some parishes have lost members and due to the lack of priests,

many parishes in our Diocese will be changing in 2016.

You might be in the same situation with your diocese.  Changes are going to be made.

Changes are necessary.

If you have concerns with the plan posted in your diocese, contact your pastor.  Contact your bishop.  

Get involved in the committees.

Learn your terms.  

Parish Pastoral Plan:

A plan developed by a parish that sets clear goals that responds to the needs of the parish community.

Parish::

A community of the faithful who gather together for worship which can include one or more worship sites.

Cluster::

A group of parishes that retain their individuality but might share staff, ministries, and resources.

Deanery::

A joining together of several neighboring parishes and clusters in a region for support and communications.

Merge::

A merge happens when two or more parishes canonically and civilly consolidate their assets, liabilities, worship sites, ministries, staff and properties.

Oratory

A worship site that no longer holds Sunday or Vigil Mass.  The building can be used for Catholic weddings and funerals.

Canon Law

The legal system and laws of the Catholic Church.

Learn these terms.  You might be hearing more about them soon.