Diocese of Covington - Messenger at 402 E. 21st Street, Covington, KY 41015 US - Synod Year III - 'What are the needs of God's people at this time?'

Diocesan offices and ministries have just begun implementing Year Two goals in July of this year.

In a process again shepherded by Sister of Charity (of Cincinnati) Suzanne Donovan, office and ministry directors began analyzing what Synod policies they believe need to be tackled next. As Sister Suzanne advised at the beginning of the session, “We look back and look forward and ask, ‘what are the needs of God’s people at this time while keeping in mind, what is economically feasible.’”

Sister Suzanne is director of personnel for the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware. She has advised the Synod process in the Diocese of Covington from its very beginning in 2003.

The goals and objectives outlined Sept. 14 will be assembled and presented to the Deanery Pastoral Councils. The DPCs are comprised of representatives of the 53 parishes and missions in the diocese. Then, in January 2010, diocesan administrators will convene with all DPC members in a special session and describe their office’s or ministry’s proposals. The members of the councils will ask questions and then take the plans back to a series of meetings throughout the diocese during the spring 2010. In May adjustments are made, and the entire 2010-2011 package is presented to Bishop Roger Foys for his approval.

Father Ryan Maher, Synod coordinator, said he was very encouraged by the (Sept. 14) meeting. “The diocesan and agency directors and their planning teams came to the meeting well prepared and focused on the Synod implementation process. As we begin the development of the Year Three annual plan, I think everyone is more comfortable with the process.”

 “I am grateful to Sister Suzanne for her continued guidance through this process,” Father Maher said.

 “As we gathered to prepare the third-year plan for the implementation of our diocesan Synod I am filled with hope and faith in our priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful,” Bishop Foys said. “Our diocesan staff works very hard on maintaining the day to day operation of the various offices and departments as well as planning to implement the Synod policies for which their department is responsible.

“The involvement of our Deanery Pastoral Councils is also heartening. The diocesan-level DPC has the opportunity to review and comment on the plan and to bring it to our individual parish pastoral councils so that as many people as possible are involved in our planning process.

“I am grateful to our diocesan staff for all their hard work and their commitment to implementing our Synod policies.”

Offices and ministries participating in the Synod planning for Year Three included archives, catechesis and formation (family life, marriage enrichment, youth office), Catholic Charities, cemeteries, chancery (and priest personnel), deacon formation, Department of Catholic Schools, finance, Marydale, Messenger, pro-life, stewardship and missions, tribunal, and worship and liturgy.