Archdiocese
of Portland in Oregon
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
MINUTES
May 7, 2005
The Griffin Center, Milwaukie
Present: Archbishop John G. Vlazny,
Fr. Dennis O’Donovan, and Members: Clint Bentz, Jesus Bojorges, Mother
Francine Cardew, Thom Faller, B.J. Finleybranch, Michelle Forster, Sr.
Ruth Frank, Fr. Don Gutmann, Bruce Heldt, Eloisa Hernandez, Ray Houghton,
Bob Lowry, F.J. Maloney, Rick Nelson, Francisco Peña, Diane Peterson,
Pat Ridenour, Fr. Dick Rossman, and Deacon An Vu
Staff
Present: Todd Cooper & Fr. Chuck Lienert
Not Present: Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
(E) and Mike Scott (E)
The seventeenth meeting of the Archdiocesan
Pastoral Council (APC) was called to order at 10:05am by the council chair,
FJ Maloney. Fr. Don Gutmann led the opening prayer.
The agenda was approved.
The minutes from the February 5, 2005 meeting
of the APC were approved as written.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
F.J. Maloney reported. Development of the pastoral priority implementation
strategies continues to be a top priority and today’s meeting will help
move the process forward.
By this point, vicariate representatives should have already set dates
with their vicars for the Annual Vicariate Meetings. Be sure to give
those dates to Todd.
Prior to the subcommittee reports, a question was posed by one of the council
members about whether the APC should be developing a six year plan rather
than a three year plan. Due to the Bankruptcy, it is difficult for
parishes to take on and support the implementation of additional priorities.
In response to the question, the APC chair noted that it is the task of
the APC to do pastoral planning and to recommend to the bishop ways to
implement the proposals. The archbishop acknowledged that the sexual
abuse claims and the bankruptcy need much attention. However, the
Church must continue its evangelizing mission. The archdiocese has
two goals at this time: work for a just resolution to the abuse claims
& bankruptcy and continue its evangelizing mission. We should
not hold back in advancing the implementation of the pastoral priorities,
even though circumstances make it a challenge to do so.
PASTORAL PRIORITY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Faith Formation at All Levels
Subcommittee chair, Diane Peterson, reported (see ATTACHMENT A for complete
draft of proposal). Subcommittee members include Thom Faller, Fr.
Don Gutmann, Bruce Heldt, Sr. Ruth Frank, Bob Lowry and Mother Francine
Cardew. The committee tried to think of new programs that would help
promote this priority, but in the end, it came back to the idea that there
are already some good things happening that should be encouraged.
1.
Since Sunday Eucharist is the one place everyone is present, it should
be the primary means of implementation for this priority –
especially through the priests’ homilies.
2.
Disciples in Mission was a great success in bringing many people into a
deeper relationship with Christ. A similar small group program
that is centered on the Eucharist should be encouraged in vicariates and
parishes. Small faith formation groups are important in
personal faith growth and in building church community.
3.
Personal Adoration should be promoted. Parishioners should be encouraged
to spend time with Jesus in adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament outside of Mass. More perpetual adoration chapels should
be established.
4.
More parish retreats and missions should be established.
Q & A/Comments
• The Faith Formation Subcommittee was congratulated
for presenting concrete and do-able implementation strategies.
• It was suggested that a “What Happens
at Mass?” program could be implemented within the context of Mass itself
or as a focus for small groups.
• It was suggested that the adoration
proposal be amended to encourage more adoration in every parish, rather
than establishing perpetual adoration chapels. Many small parishes,
for example, can’t offer perpetual adoration due to lack of people.
However, perhaps a parish could offer adoration once per week. Priests,
deacons and laity could be identified to assist with adoration.
• Many parishes are offering retreats
and a retreat movement is catching on. Confirmation retreats are
often cited as great experiences. What helpful resources could the
diocese offer? St. Rita’s (southern Oregon), Mt. Angel and the Griffin
Center are places in the diocese where retreats can be held. Cursillo
has been a very effective retreat movement, but the problem is finding
a reasonably priced place to hold the three day weekend. Retreats
are places where many people encounter Christ. We could look outside
the diocese for examples – St. Joe’s in Vancouver, and learn from them.
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Subcommittee chair, Ray Houghton, reported (see ATTACHMENT B for complete
draft of proposal). Subcommittee members include Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers,
Clint Bentz, Fr. Dick Rossman, Rick Nelson, Michelle Forster and BJ Finleybranch.
The subcommittee generated ideas about how to extend the Office of Youth
& Young Adult (YYA) Ministry into the diocese and to where there is
most need.
1. Increasing the headcount is
thought to be the best approach. In other words, adding three salaried
YYA Regional Directors over
the next three years
– one per year. These regional directors would be under the YYA Ministry
Office Director but would report to
the vicar where they
are stationed. As a top-down approach it may not be well received,
but it must be billed as a resource for
parishes and vicariates.
The idea is to help take parishes to the next level in terms of youth ministry.
Additional staffing is seen
as key to make this
happen. Metrics for success would be an increase in youth Masses,
in teen participation and in confirmation
candidates. The
subcommittee felt that one way the positions could be funded was through
an additional tax on parishes.
2. The Life Teen program, which
has been a successful at getting teens involved in parish youth ministry
programs, should be
promoted as a viable
alternative to existing archdiocesan programs. Life Teen establishes
a parish youth Mass around which
youth activities &
ministry are centered.
3. Establish Theology on Tap as
a diocesan sponsored young adult program. With its mix of socializing and
theological discussion
in a setting such as
a local pub, this program has proven a successful ministry to Catholic
young adults.
Q & A/Comments
• Q. Did the subcommittee consider an alternative
plan without such a hefty price tag? A. Larger
promotion of Life Teen could be the alternative to more staffing.
If the funds are not available, perhaps this could be done with volunteers
and grant money.
• The vicariate structure is not yet as
strong as the bishop would like and vicars change frequently. Hence,
linking regional YYA directors to vicars may not work well.
• A new tax on parishes is not a good
idea. If any new money is sought, it should come from the
Annual Appeal – which, this year, is not as good as it could be.
Enhancing YYA Ministry could be a goal that would help to sell and build
the Appeal.
• Life Teen at Our Lady of the
Lake, Lake Oswego has seen a huge increase in participation in the last
three months. Parish offerings have also increased.
• Theology on Tap has met with
much success in Portland. Eugene and Salem have also held Theology
on Tap Sessions.
Multicultural Ministry
Subcommittee chair, Pat Ridenour, reported
(see ATTACHMENT C for complete draft of proposal). Subcommittee members
include Eloisa Hernandez, Pat Ridenour, Fr. Dennis O’Donovan, Francisco
Peña, Mike Scott, Fr. Chuck Lienert, Jesus Bojorges and Deacon An
Vu. In developing ideas, the committee found it difficult to remain
focused on the big picture. The tendency was to think at the individual
parish level.
1. Education – the more we understand the different
cultures in our midst, the better able we will be to meet the needs of
all. Create a
handbook on culture and ethnicity modeled on a similar resource book from
San Francisco. Information would be very comprehensive
and include demographics, cultural images, activities & celebrations
and histories of cultures.
2.
Language – Given the large number of Hispanics in the archdiocese, there
is a lack of Spanish speakers in ministerial positions.
Starting at the Pastoral Center, Spanish language classes should be offered
throughout the diocese.
3. Justice – help immigrants deal with issues such as
immigration law, poverty and discrimination
Q & A/Comments
• Catholic Charities, which is the social
services arm of the Church, currently deals with the legal and justice
issues of immigrants.
• Q. Where is the Development of multicultural
leadership? A. That would happen at the parish level.
• Regarding language, English as a second
language (ESL) should be offered alongside Spanish.
• Q. Why start at the Pastoral Center
with language? A. Because it should be an example for parishes.
• Q. How does the plan fit into the pastoral
goal of building relationships? A. In order to build relationships,
you must understand one another and therefore learn their language.
• Part of education involves understanding
cultural values and customs.
• One’s first language is very important
– especially in prayer.
• Q. What is the reason for a handbook?
A. In one parish, you might only have two families from a particular culture.
• The archdiocese encourages diversity
month.
Small Group Discussion of the Implementation
Proposals
At this point, each of the Pastoral Priority
Subcommittees met as small groups to discuss and critique the implementation
proposals of the other two subcommittees. Total discussion time allotted
was one hour – half an hour for each item. The APC chair encouraged
council members to focus on refining the proposals rather than “re-enlarging”
them. Members were also encouraged to continue their discussions
during the lunch break.
LUNCH – 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Large Group Reporting on Implementation
Proposals
Faith Formation at All Levels
• The homily is not the ideal place for catechesis.
• Placing the responsibility for catechetical
homilies on the shoulders of priests is not the right approach. Implementation
strategies are about how the archdiocese can aid parishes in advancing
the pastoral priorities – not on simply telling parishes what to do.
• If the homily idea is implemented, it
would first need to go through the Presbyteral Council.
• Sunday Eucharist is the place where
everyone is gathered. How do we make the most of this time?
The homily is a vital time to touch on something while everyone is gathered.
• Priests are already expected to do this
and therefore it may not be well received or implemented.
• Teaching Masses are a good idea – the
priest gives some explanation of what is happening during the course of
the Liturgy.
• There is a great little book out by
a monk from Mt. Angel, Fr. Jeremy Driscoll: What Happens at Mass.
• Re-energize Disciples in Mission.
Add additional topics. Have small groups meet year round, not just
during Lent. Small faith communities drive faith growth.
• Small groups need resources. Many
parishes have small groups, but there is no support at the archdiocesan
level. Perhaps bible studies could get website resources. Small
group materials could be provided.
• Disciples in Mission materials could
focus on the Eucharist or Mass.
• A resounding “Yes!” to more adoration.
Schedule a fixed time during the week.
• Parishes should be creative with adoration
opportunities – think outside the box of what is already offered.
• Are children adequately addressed in
the faith formation goals?
• Encouraging missions and retreats is
a great idea. Vicariate/regional gatherings could be organized –
for example, a half-day experience with Mass.
• One-day & evening retreats could
be offered.
Summary of Discussion
For various reasons, the APC was concerned
about the idea of asking priests to use their homilies as tools for catechesis.
It was agreed that making the most of the time when everyone is gathered
for Sunday Eucharist is important in promoting faith formation. There was
much support for instituting Disciples in Mission-like small group programs.
Providing resources for and encouraging parishes to offer more opportunities
for Eucharistic adoration was also thought to be a good plan. Finally,
the proposal to encourage more retreats and to provide resources for retreat
ministry received much support.
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
• Hiring more diocesan staff is a big concern.
• Adding another layer of bureaucracy
does not sound like a good idea.
• The thought for regional directors was
to get them out into the field.
• If there is any added staff for YYA
Ministry, it should be a bi-lingual person. There is only one Hispanic
minister at the Pastoral Center.
• The APC should not recommend hiring
more staff. The financial pressures at the diocese mean that we need
to achieve this goal through other means, not more staffing.
• The original pastoral plan focused on
training youth ministers.
• Train and place people.
• We’ve reached a point where everything
is coming from volunteers. It is time for something from the diocese.
• Perhaps an Hispanic Director of Youth
Ministry could be added.
• Life Teen would be very good.
It should be offered as an option.
• General incorporation of teens into
the life of the parish is important, but teens need a more focused program.
Life Teen offers that.
• A list of youth ministers with successful
programs could be offered as a resource to help other parishes get up and
going – best practices could be shared.
• Theology on Tap is a good program.
It is effective as a ministry to Catholic young adults because it is a
good mix of socializing and discussing theological issues in a familiar
setting such as a pub. It has met with much success in Portland.
Eugene and Salem have also offered Theology on Tap Sessions.
Summary of Discussion
Hiring new staff at this time of financial
uncertainty in the archdiocese was not seen by the council to be a good
proposal. The proposals to promote Life Teen and Theology
on Tap received solid support from the council.
Multicultural Ministry
• A handbook would not be a useful resource.
Perhaps some info could be put on the diocesan website.
• People need to encounter one another.
• Anglos don’t tend to show-up at multicultural
events in Salem.
• The diocese could organize another multicultural
event like Eucharist 2000.
• People need a reason to gather.
The low attendance at Mission 2004 was a sobering reminder of this.
People will gather for a reason – for the Jubilee, for the death of the
pope or for a new archbishop, but it is difficult to gather people for
a general event.
• If a handbook is developed, perhaps
it could be a project undertaken by a group of students at the University
of Portland.
• A handbook would just sit on a shelf.
• In these proposals, there is no plan
for the development of multicultural leadership. Leadership training
should be initiated. It should be included in the plan.
• There are four approaches to multicultural
ministry. Approach number four is the most difficult, but it also seems
to be the most beneficial.
1. Make a parish an English speaking parish
2. Establish an ethnic parish
3. Form parallel parishes that operate alongside
each other
4. Develop an ethnic relational parish
• There is lots of talk about Hispanics
in the proposal, but there are many other ethnic groups in the diocese.
• Perhaps there could be some type of
showcase for ethnic groups or celebrations of different cultures.
• English as a second language (ESL) could
be taught by retired teachers. After hours classes could be held.
• Whatever we can do to help people love
one another will lead us to resources.
• Do we have enough Spanish speaking priests?
The number of Hispanic vocations has increased. Many priests have
made strong efforts to learn Spanish.
Summary of Discussion
Council members had mixed reactions
to the proposal of developing a multicultural handbook. The plan
to promote language classes was not necessarily seen as the best way to
begin building multicultural relationships. Developing multicultural
leadership was part of the pastoral plan, but seemed absent from the proposal.
At 2:05pm, council chair, FJ Maloney, called
for a short, five minute break.
Vicariate Feedback
Upon reconvening, the council members were
asked by the chair to take their working drafts to the Annual Vicariate
Meetings in order to get some valuable feedback from the vicariates about
the proposals. Subcommittees were asked to set a time to meet after
the vicariate meetings and during the summer to review and refine their
proposals so that these could be presented to the council at its next meeting.
BANKRUPTCY REPORT
Fr. Dennis O’Donovan reported. The claims
bar date has passed. The diocese is just beginning to sort through
the new claims. The number of new claims was reported as around ninety,
but this number is inflated. Some of the claims appear to be duplicates.
The claims don’t appear to involve anyone new. The initial depositions
should conclude in mid to late May. Court appointed mediation begins
August 8th. The big issue is still determining the amount of the
estate. The archdiocese continues to maintain that parish monies
are held in trust. The idea of a global settlement has been floated,
but the two sides vary over the total amount of compensation by tens of
millions of dollars. The insurance companies are an important piece.
ARCHBISHOP’S REPORT
Death of Pope John Paul II
The Holy Father’s death occurred while
the archbishop was leading a pilgrimage to Portugal and Spain. It
was notable on the trip that everywhere the group traveled, the pope had
been before them. He was dearly beloved.
The bishop attended the installation
Mass of Benedict XVI. At the Mass in St. Peter’s Square, there was
a true sense of universal communion. It was also evident that it
is the Eucharist which empowers us for mission.
The bishop has very positive feelings
about the election of Cardinal Ratzinger as the new pope. The cardinal
had always shown genuine personal interest in the bishops when he met with
them at the Vatican. He was very cordial and humble.
2005 Pastoral Ministry Conference
Todd Cooper and Fr. Pat Brennan worked
to plan the recent Pastoral Ministry Conference. The speaker for
the conference, Deacon Owen Cummings did a wonderful job. It was
an excellent gathering of laity and clergy.
Corpus Christi
To mark the Year of the Eucharist, on May
29th, the Archbishop will celebrate a special Mass at the Cathedral that
will be followed by a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, a period of
adoration in the church, and Benediction. Parishes have all been
encouraged to do something special on this Feast of the Body and Blood
of Christ.
Vocations
Thirteen men are in various stages of the
process of applying for the seminary – this is the highest number ever
at one time. The bishop feels good about this. The number of
Hispanic candidates is finally increasing. A fourth Andrew Dinner
is currently being planned. We must work at vocations.
On June 11th, three priests will be ordained. On July 1st, three
transitional deacons will be ordained. On November 5th, seven or
eight permanent deacons will be ordained.
Priests
The recent National Federation of Priest Councils
Convention was held in Portland. It was a very positive experience
and well organized – a good convention. Fr. Chuck Lienert deserves
much credit.
Priest assignments are not yet completed,
but hopefully will be by the end of the month.
The anniversary Mass for Deceased Bishops,
Priests and Deacons is coming up on May 23rd. Cornelius Power died
on May 22, 1977. This year, the Mass has moved from the Cathedral
to St. Henry Parish in Gresham.
Annual Appeal
The Annual Appeal is struggling a bit.
To date, fifty-seven parishes have made their goal. The
participation rate is currently at 25%, down from 32% at this time last
year. The bankruptcy has caused some people not to give to the appeal.
The money does continue to come in, however. Normally, about ninety
parishes make their goal.
Confirmation
The adult Confirmation on April 29th
drew about twenty-five parishes. Other Confirmations are going well.
The current age range for Confirmation in the archdiocese is fourteen to
sixteen years – as recommended to the archbishop by the priests.
The meeting concluded with a prayer.
NEXT MEETING:
Saturday September 10, 2005
from 10am to 3pm
at the Pastoral Center
(2838 E Burnside St, Portland)