Archdiocesan Plan 2016 - 2021
Welcome,
The official release of our Archdiocesan Plan was shared within all parishes of the Archdiocese and provided here online, on the weekend of 16/17 July 2016. Commenced in late 2014, this Plan is the result of extensive consultation and input from clergy, parishes, agencies, groups and individuals from within our Archdiocese.
Strategies and actions related to each of the priority areas are summarised in this document. These strategies will be the subject of regular review with actions to be amended or enhanced where necessary.
The Plan is not designed to stifle creativity but to provide a fresh direction in addressing each important area. Importantly, the Plan has demanded that we review the Archdiocese from an organisational perspective to better facilitate the spreading of the Gospel. These changes have already commenced and are outlined in Section 3 ‘Implementation and Management’.
The Plan has as its focus, seven (7) key priority areas
- Professional Standards
- Effective Communications
- Support for Clergy
- Strengthening and Revitalising Parishes
- Adult Faith Formation
- Outreach to Those in Need
- Archdiocesan Growth and Development
“Our” Plan is more than just a document. It will enable us to walk together on the pathway which we hope will deliver a Christ-centred, faithful, vibrant, welcoming, inclusive and mission-oriented Church, one which will enrich our own lives and the lives of all whom we encounter and seek to serve.
Like all such initiatives it is aspirational: it expresses our hopes and dreams. I believe it is also practical, providing concrete steps we can take as we walk together into the future. I am fully committed to this vision for our Archdiocese.
I ask you to join me so that together, we can continue to walk faithfully in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd.
Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDBArchbishop of Perth
Archdiocesan Plan & Summary
About Plan
In 2014, following consultation within the Archdiocese, the Archbishop recognised the need for an Archdiocesan Plan to be prepared with a focus on seven key priority areas.
With significant initiatives already underway in addressing Professional Standards, new Working Parties were established for the six remaining priority areas. Each Working Party was provided with executive support and terms of reference.
A Coordinating Group, with responsibility for preparation of the overall Plan for consideration by the Archbishop, was formed. This group included Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, Chairpersons of the working parties, Mr Greg Russo, Chief Executive Officer Archdiocese of Perth and myself.
I would like to acknowledge the significant efforts of the Working Party Chairs and their members throughout this process and in particular thank everyone who contributed through the consultation phase. The considered input from clergy, agencies and parishioners has been critical in preparing a relevant and actionable outcome.
Mr Danny Murphy Chair – Coordinating Group
Overview of Findings
The principal findings arising from the consultation process may be categorised under the four (4) headings of Leadership, Support, Structure and Formation.
- Leadership Expand opportunities to share vision, expertise and guidance from Church leaders and empower the Church at all levels to positively contribute to our community.
- Support Establish initiatives to assist Clergy and Lay people to achieve goals for their parishes and the Archdiocese of Perth.
- Structure Increase assistance for the Archbishop with clear functions, roles and lines of communication.
- Formation Strengthen and expand formation of Clergy, Seminarians and Parishioners.
These inextricably linked categories have been significant in formulating Strategies and Actions listed by Key Priority Area. The Strategies are highlighted in the pages to follow.