About Pastoral Planning
Overview
Diocesan pastoral planning is a prayerful and consultative process rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and consistent with the teachings of the Church, the Code of Canon Law and the directives of the Bishop. Diocesan pastoral planning aids the Bishop in his pastoral ministry and advises him on the effective and efficient use of precious pastoral resources by looking at the pastoral needs of our diocese and then realistically assessing, and recommending, ways to best use our assets.
In order to carry out this task, Bishop DiLorenzo created the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Commission in 2005 to ensure that the vitality of parishes and diocesan structures is sustained and that Christ's ministry and mission are realized in the Diocese of Richmond. A Constitution and Bylaws were adopted and the Office of Pastoral Planning was created. The Constitution establishes the purposes and functions as well as the membership of the Commission. In addition, planning committees, made up of people knowledgeable of the demographics and economics of their respective regions, were established by the Episcopal Vicars in each of the three vicariates.
Commission Constitution and Bylaws (204k PDF doc)
LPA Chairs and Facilitators (212k PDF doc)