Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
December 4, 2004
The Griffin Center, Milwaukie
Present: Archbishop John Vlazny, Fr. Dennis O’Donovan, and Members: Clint Bentz, Jesus Bojorges, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, B.J. Finleybranch, Sr. Ruth Frank, Fr. Don Gutmann, Bruce Heldt, Ray Houghton, Bob Lowry, F.J. Maloney, Rick Nelson, Diane Peterson, Fr. Dick Rossman, and Mike Scott
Staff Present: Todd Cooper
Not Present: Mother Francine Cardew (E), Thom Faller (E), Michelle Forster (E), Eloisa Hernandez (E), Fr. Chuck Lienert (E), Francisco Peña (E), Pat Ridenour (E), Deacon An Vu (E)
The fifteenth meeting of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) was called to order at 10:05am by the council chair, FJ Maloney. Mike Scott led the opening prayer.
The agenda was reviewed. After adding a report by B.J. Finleybranch on the NE Portland Vicariate, the agenda was approved.
The minutes from the September 11, 2004 meeting of the APC were approved.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
F.J. Maloney reported. The APC pastoral priority subcommittees have been formed and chairs have been appointed.
Pastoral Priority Subcommittees
Faith Formation at All Levels Subcommittee – Diane Peterson will chair the committee, and members will include: Thom Faller, Fr. Don Gutmann, Bruce Heldt, Sr. Ruth Frank, Bob Lowry, and Mother Francine Cardew.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Subcommittee – Ray Houghton will chair the committee, and members will include: Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Clint Bentz, Fr. Dick Rossman, Rick Nelson, Michelle Forster, and BJ Finleybranch
Multicultural Ministry Subcommittee – Pat Ridenour will chair the committee, and members will include: Eloisa Hernandez, Pat Ridenour, Fr. Dennis O’Donovan, Francisco Peña, Mike Scott, Fr. Chuck Lienert, Jesus Bojorges, and Deacon An Vu
The subcommittees must work to develop an implementation strategy for each priority that is acceptable to the council and that can ultimately be recommended to the archbishop.
APC Meeting Dates
The next two meetings have been scheduled for February 5, 2005 and May 7, 2005.
Vicariate Report
B.J. Finleybranch Northeast Portland
B.J. Finleybranch reported briefly on the NE Portland Annual Vicariate meeting that took place last spring. It was an excellent meeting in which even some parishioners attended. The priorities discussed reflected some of the discussions from other vicariates. The vicariate spoke of a possible vicariate-wide youth ministry program. Some parishes have good programs and others do not.
Racism Materials
Todd Cooper reported that the materials developed by the APC Subcommittee on Racism were sent by Archbishop Vlazny to all pastors. In a letter to pastors, the archbishop outlined the resources and encouraged parishes to make use of the materials - especially the Six Week Study on Racism, during Lent of 2005.
Annual Vicariate Meetings
Todd Cooper reported. APC vicariate representatives were asked to contact their vicars to establish dates for the spring vicariate meetings. In the context of planning a date for the vicariate meeting, it was suggested that vicariate reps could ask the vicars about the racism materials and of any plans to use them. Vicariate reps were referred to their telephone reference booklets for the name and telephone number of their vicar. The archbishop encouraged vicariate reps to contact their vicars sooner rather than later to get the annual vicariate meeting date on the calendar. These meetings are the key connection between the APC and the life of the parish. This is how the APC connects directly to the parishes. Getting parish pastoral councils involved is important.
BANKRUPTCY REPORT
Fr. Dennis O’Donovan gave the report. For the most part, operations at the Archdiocese of Portland are continuing as usual. However, larger projects are on hold or have been slowed and large expenditures such as major remodels must be approved by the courts.
On November 19th, several rulings were made. One was the establishment of a claims bar date. The claims bar date is set for April 29, 2005. As a result, the Archdiocese of Portland must publish that fact and emphasize that any claim forms must be submitted by that date. Local and National advertising is required to publicize the date and to encourage any possible claimants to come forward prior to the date. Initially, some attorneys were proposing to the court that the Archdiocese of Portland be required to wage a multi-million dollar media campaign to publicize the deadline. The judge denied that level of campaign, however, and required a far less costly, though still significant media campaign. Every Catholic address will be sent a notice. All bulletins will carry the announcement. Local and National publications will carry the notice.
The Archdiocese of Portland has sued its insurers, who are now back at the table – perhaps because potential resolution is now in sight. This is good news.
The judge accepted a tort claims committee recommendation that leaves open the possibility of future claims by those who have repressed memories and don’t recognize that the cause of current life problems is a result of previously suffered abuse. It will be difficult for the court to determine how best to deal with the possibility of these types of future claims. One purpose of bankruptcy is to create finality. This ruling leaves the door open to future claims, and this will have some impact on the archdiocese.
Some parishes are grouping together to get counsel and representation. Parishes do have a stake in the proceedings. Yet to be determined is whether or not parish assets will be included in tallying diocesan assets. Monies held in trust cannot legally be used for something other than their intended purpose. The archdiocese is prepared to appeal all the way to the Supreme Court if it is ruled that parish assets held in trust are considered diocesan assets available for settling claims.
Paulette Furness, Director of Business Affairs has been the chief liaison for the Archdiocese of Portland in matters of the bankruptcy. The court did say that the financial information provided by the archdiocese is some of the best it has received. Compliments go to Financial Services and all those involved in gathering and providing financial information and records to the courts.
The Archdiocese does not have the money to pay the claims against it. All diocesan properties have already been mortgaged and the diocese is faced with an inability to borrow money. It has been a very costly situation and the financial implications are staggering. In trying to reach some closure, first it needs to be determined what is a reasonable amount to be paid out for the claims. Second is having the wherewithal to find the money to pay the claims. Because of the ruling regarding connection of the abuse to current difficulties, a future claims fund must also be established.
The whole process has been slower and more difficult than expected. In the coming months, there will be more clarity. Mediation may begin again by February, if not sooner. Please pray for justice for both sides. The Church wants to help those who were abused and have legitimate claims, while at the same time carry out its evangelizing mission. The purpose of the bankruptcy has been to help us carry on and still pay the debts owed.
A few other dioceses are in similar straits. The diocese of Tucson filed bankruptcy, but has met with a little more success in the proceedings than we have. Next week, Spokane is scheduled to file.
Pastoral Priority Subcommittee Meetings
The three Pastoral Priority Subcommittees were given time to meet. A discussion guide was provided with the following questions:
What positive things are already being done at the archdiocesan level with this ministry? What do you see as significant challenges for the effective growth of this ministry? In three years, where would you like to see this ministry in the archdiocese? Identify three of the most important needs for this ministry in the archdiocese. In your view, what are the most important short term goals for achieving successful growth in this ministry? What resources are needed for developing an effective action plan for this ministry?
What resources are needed to effectively implement an action plan for this ministry? Do you have questions or would you like to invite any feedback from the APC at this time?
The subcommittees were given the instruction that they should be prepared to report back to the council on their discussion later in the afternoon.
LUNCH – 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Religious Education Report
Cathy Shannon, Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Portland reported to the council. There is good news about religious education (RE) in the Archdiocese of Portland.
Survey
The results of a recent survey in which 112 of 126 parishes participated showed the following:
About 8,500 adults participated in some form of Adult Faith Formation. Catechists and leaders numbered 384. Sacramental prep and RE/youth programs drew in many parents. Almost 12,500 children and youth grades pre-school through grade 12 attend religious education/youth ministry programs in the parishes. 2339 catechists and leaders working in catechetical programs for children/youth were identified. Bible studies continue to attract many people.
In the area of Religious Education, parishes rated themselves as good in achieving the following general objectives:
Present the content of the Catholic Faith. Root catechesis in Scripture and Tradition. Connect catechesis to the liturgical life of the parish. Foster personal moral formation. Build a sense of parish community
Parishes were average at achieving these objectives:
Impart a sense of individual responsibility in the mission of the Church. Raise consciousness about the social obligations of faith. Assist the development of personal spirituality. Connect individuals to the broader Church
Parishes rated themselves as generally weak in achieving the following objectives:
Give adequate consideration to the social and cultural contexts of the parish. Assist the development of devotional life. Use catechesis to evangelize. Promote action for social justice
Increase understanding of Church history.
Statistics
The average Director of Religious Education (DRE) has worked in the archdiocese for 16 years – a wonderful amount of experience! Of almost 100 people in charge of religious education in their parishes, 80 are lay women. Of the 100, not quite half have been educated with a degree or certificate in religious education or ministry. Half are full time positions with 85 salaried. Most indicated that children’s religious education was part of their job, while about one quarter indicated that high school and adult faith formation was part of their job. Of 112 parishes completing the survey, 56 indicated that more than one person was responsible for the catechesis in the parish
Mission of RE/Aim of Catechesis
The core mission of Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Portland is to provide intentional, systematic and holistic catechesis for people of all ages so that their faith becomes living, conscious and active through the light of instruction. The main aim of catechesis is to put people in communion with Christ – not just “me & Jesus”, but an active, living relationship with Christ in the context of the Christian community.
Mature Faith
Catechesis for adults is the chief form of catechesis because at this level, faith can become mature (this does not mean that all other levels of faith formation should be neglected). Mature faith is evidenced by commitment – the free choice to give oneself to God and live out a new way of life that is grounded in the saving actions of the Paschal Mystery. Mature faith is living, conscious and active. This is a process of change, struggle and conversion. Qualities of mature faith and discipleship include a living, explicit, and fruitful faith. Living faith is a searching faith that needs nourishment and is aware of the sway that sin has over us. Explicit faith is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus that is willing to be shared and is connected to the mission of the Church. A fruitful faith is open to the action of the Holy Spirit and bears the fruits of justice, compassion and evangelization.
Importance of Adult Faith Formation
The RE Office continually promotes adult faith formation. Workshops are offered at the annual Catechetical Conference, the newsletter has articles and lists offerings for adults, resources are provided on speakers and materials, catechist formation classes are offered, and in-services other workshops such as the Little Rock Bible Study program are offered and supported. What would it look like if Adult faith formation was at the center of the archdiocese? Parents are the primary educators and the Church needs to assist them. Adult faith formation should be the heart of what we do, however, children’s ed is the centerpiece. There is a significant drop in religious ed involvement after grade five.
Areas of Concern
Areas of concern in religious education include a question about the priority of ongoing catechesis in the lives of all members of the Church. Numbers are down in the catechist formation and training classes. Sacramental prep tends to focus on specific, beginning moments of a deeper relationship with Christ rather than graduations. Recent reductions in staff and staff hours in the area of religious education are a serious concern. Twenty-four parishes have cut staff or hours due to economic and other factors. People are feeling overwhelmed. This is where we are at.
Role of the APC
The APC can help to see that adult catechesis becomes central. Religious ed is more than just a children’s ministry. The council can encourage the importance of and be an example that adult faith formation is an essential part of Christian living. It can encourage parish pastoral councils to do the same.
Pastoral Priority Subcommittee REPORTS
Multicultural Ministry
The subcommittee met on November 6th. Members discussed the importance of being inclusive and identifying the cultures in each parish community. Peoples’ stories must be listened to. How can we benefit from the richness of cultures? Spanish speaking Masses should be provided.
Four areas were identified as important:
Pastoral care – Archdiocese is responsible for leadership. Assign Spanish speaking priests. A subsidy for multicultural ministry? Identify experience and leaders.
Bridge cultures – All are part of the community. Leadership plan together. Face language barriers. Learn about different cultures, not just the ones we see.
Celebrate & learn feasts & customs – Provide list of celebrations.
Justice – Lots of people hidden, illegal. Listen to their stories, embrace differences. Those who have more must give more. Illegals cannot obtain adequate health care or go to college.
The next subcommittee meeting will focus on what a multicultural ministry “toolbox” for parishes should look like. What kind of tools do parishes need in this area?
Faith Formation at All Levels
The subcommittee met on November 16th. Lots more discussion needs to happen before the committee can narrow things down to two or three goals. Faith formation from the cradle to the grave is such a broad area. Both youth & young adults and multicultural ministry are included in faith formation. The Eucharist is key. How do we set people on fire? How can we tap into the power of the Sunday Eucharist?
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
The subcommittee met on November 20th. Two source documents used by the committee were “Sons and Daughters of the Light” and “Renewing the Vision”, both USCCB publications. After discussion and comments from its members, the committee listed some initial strategic initiatives:
Hearts, Head & Hands
Help youth & young adults make a personal connection with Jesus Christ. Make a connection between faith and real life. Firm up connection with parish community. Find a way to connect with their “hearts”. Find a way to share the knowledge and understanding of our faith – “head”. Provide opportunities for youth to put into action what they believe – “hands”. Adequately train youth ministers in the fundamentals of the Catholic faith. Create a lay order of Catholic youth. Develop youth missionaries to go parish to parish. Develop youth & young adult core teams to assist in developing parish youth programs
Comments also included establishing a feedback mechanism to make sure info is going out to youth ministers & all diocesan folks. There is only one director for 124 parishes. The Office of YYA Ministry might benefit from trained, regional volunteer teams which could support parish youth ministry.
More resources should be put into young adult ministry at the diocesan level. With 90% of time & energy weighted toward youth, more balance is needed.
Youth ministry programs are always starting over. Create a self-sustaining ecosystem – not the job of one person, but of the whole community. Train & educate youth ministers.
Convince people that kids are good. Show kids that what we have is better than what the culture offers.
Measure of success is increased vocations.
FJ reminded all of the subcommittees that the target date for recommending proposals to the archbishop about how to implement the three pastoral priorities was May 7, 2005 – the date of the second APC meeting in 2005.
The pope called for a “Year of the Eucharist” from October 2004 to October 2005. The archbishop has asked each parish to do something to mark the special year, such as celebrate the 40 hours devotion. Following Easter, the archbishop will lead a diocesan pilgrimage to Fatima and Catholic Spain for the year of the Eucharist. On April 27th, the archdiocese will have the Pastoral Ministry Conference which will focus on the Eucharist. All priests and pastoral ministers are asked to come.
Last year, according to the census, we saw a 10% decline in Mass attendance. The year of the Eucharist may be the opportunity to bring them back. Only 17% of Hispanics attend Mass here. We must reach out personally.
The 2004 Appeal was a success. The goal was reached. Overall participation is at 32%. Seattle and Spokane have 40-45%. It would be good to reach those percentages. The 2005 appeal is coming. The last Sunday of January is awareness Sunday. Commitment Sunday is the first weekend of February.
The sexual abuse audit for compliance with the US Bishops’ charter was performed in Portland the week of October 11th. The archdiocese is in compliance. Auditors asked the diocese to develop a better mechanism to track and report people who have participated in the safe environment training. The archbishop is grateful to all who have put so much work into the safe environment training programs and especially to Fr. O’Donovan for his leadership.
The archbishop asked all council members to review the bishops’ child protection charter and to offer critiques at the next APC meeting. How can it be improved?
On December 18, the diaconate program will celebrate the reception of ministries and candidacy at the Cathedral. Currently, the archdiocese has twenty-eight seminarians. Three will be ordained on June 11th. January 22 & 23 will be the bishop’s annual discernment retreat for those discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Andrew’s Dinners continue to be offered for those curious about the priesthood. Blessings on your Advent & Christmas!
NEXT MEETING:
Saturday, February 5, 2005
10am to 3pm
at the Pastoral Center
(2838 E. Burnside St.; Portland, 97214)