STRATEGIC PLANNING: Process involves research, input, communication

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
(Email Renee)

Change in parish configuration and in the number of parishes that make up the Diocese of Sioux City is not a new reality.

Father William Schreiber, a member of the Strategic Planning Task Force in the diocese, pointed out that since the diocese was established in 1902, 35 parishes have closed. There have been other changes, too, such as at one point the diocese had 30 Catholic high schools and now there are eight.

This makes him think that long-range planning is not a new concept to the diocese.

"Someone had to plan, had to have a vision of how we can best utilize what we have," noted Father Schreiber, who added that the population was going down in some areas and they were growing in others. "At this point in our history, that's the same thing and our people understand that."

As the number of priests who serve in active ministry in the diocese declines, a long-range planning process is underway to evaluate how to best use priest manpower while providing effective parish ministry.

It was at a Presbyteral Council meeting last November when the decision was made to establish a Strategic Planning Task Force. The priests were concerned that a plan be developed as they are aware that a large number of priests are approaching retirement age.

Currently, there are 78 priests available for active parish ministry in the diocese and 11 of them are of retirement age but have chosen to continue ministry. In 2014, 53 priests (those under age 70) will be available for ministry and by 2019 the number of priests under the age of 70 is expected to be 39. This number could be higher depending on the number of new priests or could be lower with unexpected deaths or restrictive illnesses in priests.

Looking at the anticipated numbers of new priests compared to the level of anticipated retirements, Father Schreiber said parishioners know something has to be done.

"At our first meeting we came up with 20 to 25 questions that we felt we needed to answer through this process," he explained. "For instance, one question was how far do we plan out? Other questions were what is our deadline, what do parishioners want and what do priests want?"

They submitted the questions to the Presbyteral Council and sought input as to the direction. Subsequent meetings allowed time to focus on particular questions and come up with solutions.

From there they proceeded to research and are currently focused on gathering information. The various stats they are studying include county population demographics, but they are also looking at numbers that pertain to the parishes and church structures such as seating capacity of churches and numbers from the November Mass attendance count in recent years.

Father Schreiber said many priests have expressed the desire to include the people in this process and some of the much-needed information will come from parishioners. All parishioners will soon receive a Parish Vitality Indicators survey that includes information ranging from liturgy to prayer and parish leadership. Pastors will be asked to identify parish leaders who will complete a second survey centered on Parish Viability.

"The people have been very committed to their parishes in this diocese and to their schools," he said. "Some of them know that we do not have a great many new priests. We were blessed with two this year."

Information from the surveys as well as research unveiled by members of the task force will all play a factor in the look of the long-range plan.

Another major part of the process has been keeping the channels of communication flowing. Bishop Nickless and the Presbyteral Council are updated on the progress of the task force on a monthly basis. Parishioners are informed through regular articles in The Catholic Globe and their pastors. Priests are updated on the progress by deans during their Holy Hours held in their particular deaneries.

Msgr. R. Mark Duchaine, who heads the Strategic Planning Task Force, said communication in a matter such as this is essential.

"If those involved in the process of parish restructuring and realignment do not work as a team, then surely there will be at least one major constituency that will feel unheard and disrespected," he said. "On the other hand, if our core groups -- clergy, religious, and laity - feel that their input was received, that it obtained a fair hearing, and that it was implemented when to do so was advantageous, it will, I think, lead to a greater acceptance of whatever plan is ultimately adopted."

The plan, noted Father Schreiber, will hopefully keep the parishes alive.

"Through this process, we will have to look at new possibilities - there's no question and we will probably have to upset some old views and even predict some painful decisions. But people are aware that true growth comes from it and they will have to change somewhat," he said.

Members of the task force have mentioned that in some cases the long-range plan may call for parish closures but in others it may mean streamlining of parishes. Three or four smaller parishes may merge into one large parish with the churches remaining open as worship sites.

The goal is to have a plan in place by the spring of 2009 so that the bishop can make assignments based on those results.

(This is the fourth in a series of articles on the long-range planning process.)

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