Strong start for strategic planning and commissions as subcommittees name leaders

Laura Keener

Editor

The strategic planning process continued in earnest the week of May 11–15. The subcommittees of all three currently active commissions met last week, with 11 meetings held across the diocese. The meetings marked an important step forward as leaders were appointed for each subcommittee and members began their work. For a listing of the commissions, their subcommittees and respective leaders, see box at (left/right).

Deacon Jim Fortner, diocesan chief operating officer who is overseeing the planning process, said he has been encouraged by the response. “There’s so much energy for this from day one,” he said. He added that many people are showing strong commitment by attending meetings after a full day of work and some are serving on more than one committee.

The newly appointed leaders were chosen from the 373 people from across the diocese — lay faithful, clergy and women religious — who had signed up to take part in the planning process.

Jim Hess, diocesan director for Stewardship and Mission Services who is also leading the process, said registration forms asked whether people were open to serving in leadership roles, which created “a great pool of candidates” for chairs and co-chairs.

“I think overall people are very excited to be a part of a transparent planning process in the Church, where they can have a real impact,” Mr. Hess said.

Deacon Fortner said organizers also looked for people with “the right skills” and passion for each area.

The subcommittee meetings are more than discussion or listening sessions. “This is a strategic planning process,” Mr. Hess said, noting that participants are helping shape the way forward. “Bishop Iffert has made it clear that he doesn’t have any preconceived ideas, he doesn’t have an agenda, that he wants the people in the room to be coming up with a way forward. He has given them a lot of responsibility, and it’s really encouraging to see how people are taking that on.”

The subcommittees have two more scheduled meetings in June and July before they will develop a plan and present it to Bishop Iffert. Committee members will also take part in scheduled webinars to hear from local and national experts in their field.

Deacon Fortner and Mr. Hess said that the strong turnout and willingness of so many to take on leadership roles show that people are ready to serve and help guide the commissions’ work.

For more information and to keep abreast of the strategic planning process, visit www.covdioplanning.org.