"They met constantly to hear the apostles teach and to share the common life, to break bread and to pray. A sense of awe was everywhere and many marvels and signs were brought about through the apostles. ...With one mind, they kept up their daily attendance at the temple, and breaking bread in private houses, shared their meals with unaffected joy as they praised God and enjoyed the favor of the whole people. And day by day, the Lord added to their number those whom He was saving." Acts 2:42-47

For the last quarter of a century, parishes of the Diocese have sought spiritual renewal through programs such as CURSILLO, MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER, CHARISMATIC RENEWAL, AGAPE & AWAKENING RETREATS, ETC.

Continued spiritual renewal of the entire Diocese is essential if the message of the Gospel is to be proclaimed to all. The sacramental life of the community is the means by which each individual and the parish as a whole is invigorated with God's grace.

It is through celebration of the sacraments and participation in renewal efforts that we will find the strength to carry out our Mission.

Objective 1: Foster excellence in the celebration of the Eucharist and Sacraments in every parish according to the norms and spirit of Vatican II.

Suggested Actions:

• Implement the U.S. Bishops' Pastoral, "Music in Catholic Worship." [DLC]
• Implement the U.S. Bishops' Pastoral, "Art and Evironment in Catholic Worship" [DLC]
• Utilize available video training programs for Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, and parish musicians. [DLC; CCCS] 

Objective 2: Increase self esteem for the Word of God. (Continuing Formation)

Suggested Actions:

• Establish a preaching institute. (Clergy; Continuing Formation)
• Foster adult education in each Parish. [Pastors; CCCS]
• Encourage all lectors to enroll in parish adult Bible instruction. (Pastors; CCSS)

Objective 3: Restore the Sacrament of Penance to prominent position within Catholic life.

Objective 4: Promote processes and programs which help parishes to be communities of welcome, initiation and healing.

Suggested Actions:

• Implement R.C.I.A. in all parishes. [Pastors; Evangelization]
• Develop Re-Membering Church in parishes. [Evangelization; Pastors]
• Develop evangelization leadership training. [Evangelization]
• Extend and intensify attention to the elderly, sick and shut-ins.[Pastors; Social Services 

Objective 5: Promote outreach as essential to the worship and community life of the parish.

Suggested Action: 

• Develop a program which systematically links the activities of worship and the church's mission to work for justice.[Soc. Services; Pastors; DLC] 

Objective 6: Promote the family as the foundational community of the church.

Suggested Actions: 

• Develop family life ministry in parishes. [Family Life] 
• Deal with dysfunctional family life. [Family Life, Soc. Services] 
• Foster married couple retreats. [Family Life] 
• Provide greater counseling opportunities in geographical areas of the Diocese. [Social Services] 
• Revise and make more useful courses in pre-marriage counseling. [Marriage Preparation] 
• Devise practical responses to growing incidence of teen-age pregnancies. [Social Services] 

Objective 7: Develop viable Parish Councils in every Parish in the Diocese.

Suggested Actions:

• Revise and establish uniform Parish Council Guidelines for the Diocese. [Chancellor] 
• Conduct Diocesan-wide Parish Council workshops. [Chancellor] 
• Draw up guidelines for Parish Finance Councils. [Chancellor] 
• Offer Retreats and Days of Reflection for Parish Councils and Finance Councils. [Chancellor] 

Objective 8: Develop structures and resources to foster faith sharing groups within parishes.

Suggested Actions:

• Convene a task force to recommend to the Bishop ways of developing different expressions of small communities where openness and sharing may result. [Evangelization] 
• Re-examine the success of R.C.I.A. and Re-Membering Church models for such groups. [Evangelization] 

Objective 9: Create an arbitration board to handle conflicts and disputes that occur in parish life.