2008 Parish Attendence Project Please complete one form for each parish and return to the Office of Planning by April 30, 2008.   Right click the icon below and "Save Target As" to download forms. Choose the word document download if you would like to email your results back.   Word Document PDF Document

Planning Update

February 2008

Bishop’s Bulletin

On Monday, January 14^th 2008, the Priest’s Council, Planning Committee and Diocesan Cabinet met with Dennis Cheesebrow of TeamWorks International. TeamWorks is the consultant working with the diocese in the Strategic Planning Process.

     The keys from the session were:

• As we begin to analyze the data, it is important to remember that numbers are only 1 small part of the process of planning.
• There is a process we are going to follow in planning and there will be a conclusion
• How can we best serve the people of Eastern South Dakota
• The information presented was positive and was a good beginning
• No decisions have been made at this point
• Change is happening in Eastern South Dakota and will not be ignored.

We will be developing access to all the information through the diocesan website and individuals will be able to view the charts and other items will be posted. The website will also provide a means of giving feedback and to answer questions individuals may have about the planning process.

February 20^th-21^st, 5 regional meetings have been scheduled to begin reviewing the data and begin listening to the issues and concerns raised by the data. In each region, the priests, deacons and 1 person from each parish will be invited to a meeting with Bishop Swain, Dennis Cheesebrow and Deacon Roger Heidt. The pastor will select the person to attend from the parish. The reason attendance will be limited is because of the anticipated size of the 5 regional meetings and the desire to give those present an opportunity to actively participate. There will be a presentation/discussion of Diocesan data and regional data. The data has been developed from national, state, local and parish sources. Each pastor will receive a packet containing information relevant to his parish and missions.

Thank you for your continued prayers as we move forward with this planning process. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Deacon Roger R Heidt at 988-3715 or rheidt@sfcatholic.org .