Vicariate town hall meetings

Vicariate town hall meetings are now taking place to facilitate the implementation of the diocesan “Road Map for Pastoral, Program, and Facility Needs 2008-2013.” These meetings began in May and will be completed in the fall.

The desired outcome of the vicariate meetings is to have every parish in the diocese work on at least one major activity during the coming year that advances one of the recommended actions in the diocesan Road Map. Vicar general Father Marc Alexander helps facilitate these meetings, and together we review the Road Map development process and share the status of various implementation steps, especially the implementation task forces charges.

An important part of the vicariate meeting is a discussion of a parish implementation guide. A suggested parish exercise is previewed by asking attendees to work in parish groups and identify: 1) their parish’s top three priorities from the list of six contained in the Road Map; 2) three activities that could be undertaken in the coming year to advance their top priority; and 3) three resources needed to pursue the identified activities.

This group activity provides those attending the vicariate meeting with an exercise that can be used by parish communities to identify and advance at least one of the recommended actions in the Road Map. With the understanding that the findings from this exercise are not necessarily the final word on parish Road Map priorities and actions, a member from each parish group shares their results with all participants.

As of the writing of this column, five vicariate town hall sessions have taken place and the themes that are emerging are worthy of note. The importance of leadership training as a priority activity and a needed resource is expressed in several ways — training for parish ministry leaders, clergy and councils.

A striking refrain is the desire of parishes to focus attention on leadership for and by youth. For example: the importance of hiring and training those responsible for youth ministry formation and program coordination; the goal of incorporating more youth in parish, liturgical and social ministry leadership; and the emphasis on the full and active participation of youth in ministry — not just programs directed at them.

In a related area, the importance of improving communications and coordination within and across parish leadership groups receives attention as a priority.

Parish activities that focus on faith formation and social activities for all, but especially for youth, are emerging as common priorities. One of many ways this concern is expressed is the importance of working with youth to identify spiritual and social activities that recruit and sustain youth involvement in their faith and strengthen families.

Several important themes surface as parishioners discuss the resources needed to carry out their priorities. They recognize the need to increase collections and fundraise to secure the money, space, and materials needed to offer programs, improve facilities, and in general support priority activities. The importance of identifying and using the talents and skills of parish members — developing a database of parish talent is identified as an activity that helps parishes increase the human resource pool needed to fill the growing number of leadership roles. Parishes also welcome resource support from diocesan offices in terms of ideas, consultations, and assistance with speakers and resource people for workshops, retreats, facilities management, training and education to help advance parish priorities.

The turnout for two of the vicariate town hall meetings exceeded 100. It is uplifting and a privilege to participate with parishioners at these meetings. Their commitment of time and energy to their parishes and the Diocese of Honolulu is a wonderful example of witnessing to Jesus.

For the next several Herald issues, Road Map task force chairs will discuss the implementation process from the perspective of their specific charges. Visit the diocesan website at www.catholichawaii.org and click on “Road Map” for the latest implementation information.