Speak-up Sessions
Bishop Galante hears from the People of the Diocese through Speak-up Sessions
Since his installation as seventh Bishop of Camden, Bishop Joseph Galante has reminded the people of South Jersey of their baptismal dignity and equality, the importance of consultation, and the responsibility of all Catholics to further the mission of the Church.
Saying he wanted to hear directly from the people of the diocese, Bishop Galante announced in March 2005 his plans to hold a “Speak Up” session in every parish of the diocese in order to set pastoral priorities for the future.
Over the next 15 months, he invited the people to tell him of their concerns and hopes for the Church of South Jersey. 138 Speak Up sessions were held. Over 8,000 participants had the opportunity to give feedback to the question, “Looking to the future, what are the three most important areas about which the Church of South Jersey should be concerned?”
Data from each of the sessions was gathered. Guest listeners from the sessions then met to reflect on the raw data and to consolidate the information in order to present it back to the people of the diocese.
This report summarizes the comments from the Speak Up sessions, which have been grouped into topic areas. Many concerns on a range of issues surfaced at the sessions, but six key pastoral priorities were cited most often by Speak Up participants.
In June 2006 Bishop Galante completed the last of 138 Speak Up sessions, a 15-month process of visiting every parish in the six southern counties(Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem) of New Jersey in order to meet face to face with the people, the Church of Camden. He did this to obtain input on what the people believe the planning priorities for our Church should be so that we may—as our Vision states—grow “ever more into a dynamic community of faith, hope and love.” Over 8,000 participants had the opportunity to respond to the question, “Looking to the future, what are the three most important areas about which the Church of South Jersey should be concerned?”
Speak-up Sessions Results Six Pastoral Priorites January 6 - St. Mary's Williamstown
A pastoral priority is an aspect of the mission of Jesus that claims preference for quality action based on needs voiced within the Church in this day. The Church of South Jersey has identified 6 pastoral priorities, or areas of concern in the life of the Catholic Church through which the effectiveness of the way we hear the Gospel of Jesus and the way we live the Gospel needs to be revitalized.
The six pastoral priorities identified through the Speak Up Sessions: Liturgy, Priestly Vocation, Compassionate Outreach, Lifelong Faith Formation, Youth and Young Adults and Lay Ministry.
This is the first in a series of six articles, each addressing one major area of pastoral concern that was heard throughout the diocese through the Speak Up sessions conducted by Bishop Joseph A. Galante.
Reflections on :
Lifelong Formation | Compassionate Outreach | Priestly Vocations
What is a Pastoral Priority?
A pastoral priority is an aspect of the mission of Jesus that claims preference for quality action based on needs voiced within the Church in this day. The Church of South Jersey has identified 6 pastoral priorities, or areas of concern in the life of the Catholic Church through which the effectiveness of the way we hear the Gospel of Jesus and the way we live the Gospel needs to be revitalized.