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Strategic Plan


Our Journey in Faith & Grace - Inventory

Latest Planning News

The transition team working on the merger of St. Charles Borromeo and St. John de LaSalle parishes in Niagara Falls has written "Recommendations for the Merger of St. Charles Borromeo Parish and St. John de LaSalle Parish."

This document is an excellent resource and can be used as a guide for parishes that are forming transition teams.  Click here to view or download a copy.

The transition team from St. Dominic Parish in Westfield-Brocton-Ripley has compiled a helpful document for parishes that are in the process of reconfiguring. Click here to download their Transition Plan.

The Diocese of Buffalo said today that a number of parishes in the Vicariate of Southeast Buffalo (South Buffalo and Kaisertown-Sloan Clusters), the Vicariate of Northern Erie, and the Vicariate of Eastern Erie will be restructured as part of the “Journey in Faith and Grace,” a parish-based strategic planning and spiritual revitalization initiative launched in June 2005 by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo.

These changes represent the final in a series of decisions to reimagine parish life throughout the eight counties of Western New York in response to changing times and emerging needs.

Announcement of the mergers is being delivered to affected parishioners at Masses the weekend of May 31-June 1.

Watch Bishop Kmiec talk about the final parish reconfiguration announcements:

Bishop Kmiec said the announcement of the pastoral restructuring phase of the journey is now 100-percent complete as decisions have been made on all of the 275 weekend worship sites in the diocese when the process began in 2005. Including today’s announcement, 77 weekend sites will no longer be used, leaving 198 worship sites in the Diocese of Buffalo.

“As we reach this important milestone in our Journey in Faith and Grace, I am reminded of the words in the Book of Ecclesiastes that there is an appointed time and purpose for everything,” said Bishop Kmiec. “For the past two years, this process has indeed been a time to uproot what was planted; a time to build; a time to weep; a time to embrace; a time to seek; and a time to recognize that whatever God does – through us, his disciples and true believers – endures forever.

“Now is a time of healing, of reconciliation, and revitalization. My invitation to the people of our diocese moving forward is to come to our new faith communities and help us gather the stones that have been scattered. We have planted new seeds for our faith to grow. Bring your gifts and your enthusiasm to help us nourish our new parishes and strengthen the existing ones. Let your light shine as we continue to build the Kingdom of God in Western New York.”  {read more}
 

“In a time of change, individuals can be too preoccupied with what is ending, or too obsessed with what seems to be beginning. In either case, one can lose touch with the present and its obscure and dynamic possibilities. What really matters is openness, readiness, attention and courage to face risk.

“One need not know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What one needs is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.

“In such an event, courage is the authentic form taken by love.”

-- Thomas Merton

A Prayer of Unity

Below is a sample prayer that may be modified and used by parish communities that are merging. It is based on the Prayer of the Couple, an optional prayer that may be included in Catholic wedding ceremonies. This prayer was prepared by the transition team at St. Edmund and St. Christopher parishes in the Town of Tonawanda.

All:
All powerful, ever-living God, we stand before you excited at the possibilities of the future, and still somewhat nervous. We know that it is your Spirit that brought us together in the beginning, has been with us throughout this process of merging, and is with us in a special way at this moment. We ask that you stay by our side in the days ahead. Protect us from anything which might harm this union, give us courage when burdens come our way, and teach us to be patient with each other each day.

St. Edmund Parishioners:
We ask from you the grace we need to be faithful disciples and models of your love. As we form this new community, let us imitate the virtues of our patron, St. Edmund, as we demonstrate piety, goodness, humility, and fairness. Let us follow the example of Edmund in our strong and abiding concern for justice and care for the poor.

St. Christopher Parishioners:
We ask from you the grace we need to be faithful disciples and models of your love. As we form this new community, let us remember our namesake, St. Christopher, and always seek to be “Christ-bearers” in the world. Let us follow the example of Christopher by using our unique gifts and abilities to offer hospitality and service to all.

All:
As we unite our two communities, let us never forget the mission you gave us: to establish Your kingdom on earth as in heaven. We ask for your continued blessing upon our one parish community. May we be a living sign of your love in our world. We ask all this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

New parish reconfigurations announced
Bishop Kmiec voices confidence in Journey

The Diocese of Buffalo has announced that a number of parishes in the Central and East Buffalo, Riverside/Black Rock, and Southern Cattaraugus vicariates will be restructured as part of the "Journey in Faith and Grace," a parish-based strategic planning and spiritual revitalization initiative launched in June 2005 by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo. These changes represent the latest in a series of recommendations to reimagine parish life throughout the eight-counties of Western New York in response to changing times and emerging needs.

“I have a great sense of confidence in the Journey,” Bishop Kmiec said. “Good work is being done at the parish and vicariate levels and by the Strategic Planning Commission. We’re learning along the way. We have come at this with all sincerity and honesty, and I have trust in the recommendations. I keep praying for understanding and acceptance from our faithful.

“It is difficult to ask people to change, but when parishes come together, wonderful things can happen. There is more vibrancy, more parish life and more opportunity to grow together as a stronger, more resilient faith community. Stronger lay leadership emerges, laying the foundation for a new Church with greater potential.” Click here for complete story

Kostyniak named Secretary of Catholic Education

Education Department reorganization part of
“Journey in Faith and Grace”

Bishop Edward U. Kmiec has appointed Carol Kostyniak as the new secretary of Catholic education for the Diocese of Buffalo. She replaces Denise McKenzie who will become diocesan director of religious education. As part of the reorganization of the Department of Catholic Education, Mary Beth Coates, the current director of religious education, will become the director of lifelong formation.

Since last August, Kostyniak has been director of the Catholic School Development Program, an initiative of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo designed to improve the marketing, governance, enrollment and fundraising of Catholic elementary schools.

“Catholic education in Western New York is poised for new growth,” said Bishop Kmiec, “and I am confident that under Carol’s leadership, our schools will continue to be centers of academic excellence, and with a great deal of collaboration and hard work, our schools will attract even more students.”

Kostyniak will focus on implementing the strategic plan for Catholic schools (www.buffalodiocese.org/plan), including a reorientation and redeployment of Department of Catholic Education resources for the effective implementation of that plan. The Catholic Schools Development Program will be incorporated in to the work of the department.

“Catholic education has a long, distinguished history in the Diocese of Buffalo and countless thousands of men and women can trace their success to the training they received in our schools,” said Kostyniak. “I want to continue to serve and support that tremendous tradition. We need to be involved in our communities and I invite all of our partners to assist us with this great venture. In addition to enhancing our record of academic excellence and faith formation, we need to be attentive to the business dimensions of education including leadership development, recruitment, finances and fundraising.”

A member of Assumption Parish, Buffalo, and a resident of Amherst, Kostyniak has an extensive background in education. She is a graduate of Nazareth College in Rochester and the State University of New York at Buffalo. She studied mathematics, accounting and computer technology and has a master’s of education in secondary mathematics.

For more information on Catholic education in the Diocese of Buffalo, please visit www.wnycatholicschools.org

Seven areas of mission will lead to stronger faith communities

In a major step on the "Journey in Faith and Grace," Bishop Edward U. Kmiec has issued Our Journey in Faith and Grace: The Strategic Plan for Our Future, a document that was developed over the past two years by the diocesan Strategic Planning Commission and a number of commission subcommittees.

"As we celebrate spring – a time of growth, renewal and the cycle of life beginning again – we also mark the start of new parish life in the Diocese of Buffalo," Bishop Kmiec said. "This is a broad plan for the future of our diocese and will keep the journey alive well into the next decade. It is the premiere work of the Strategic Planning Commission. I encourage everyone to join us on this journey."

Bishop Kmiec said there has been extensive lay involvement and collaboration in the drafting of the strategic plan, for which he is very grateful. "The leadership of the laity is crucial to the vibrancy of parish life. Their role will become even more significant as we build a new Church that will continue to be responsive to the spiritual, educational and community needs of the people who live in our cities, towns and villages.

"This plan will have a positive impact on Catholics and non-Catholics alike throughout Western New York," the bishop added. "We are on our way. We are arriving at some positive conclusions and I am optimistic that over time, it will become even more evident that a lot of thought, very hard work and extensive prayer went into this document that is the blueprint for the future of our Church here in Western New York."

The plan focuses on seven areas of mission: spiritual revitalization, parish life, lifelong faith formation, finance and administration, Catholic elementary school education, community involvement, and outreach and ministerial leadership.  Click here for complete story

Allegany Vicariate parishes will be realigned

The Diocese of Buffalo said today that a number of parishes in the Allegany Vicariate will be restructured as part of the "Journey in Faith and Grace," a parish-based strategic planning and spiritual revitalization initiative launched in June 2005 by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo. These changes represent the second in a series of recommendations to reimagine parish life throughout the eight-counties of Western New York in response to changing times and emerging needs.

Announcement of the mergers and changes were delivered to affected parishioners at weekend Masses Apr. 28, 29.

"I am grateful to all the people in Allegany County and throughout the diocese who have been involved in planning for the future of our parishes; they certainly seem to have a good sense of what Church is and what it can become," said Bishop Kmiec. "They know it is hard, but this is for the good of all Catholics. I hope people are getting a sense of comfort with the Journey and that it will work to the benefit of everyone. As evidenced by the work of the Allegany Vicariate, there is no ‘cookie-cutter’ approach to the restructuring. We are clearly being responsive to the unique geographic characteristics of this rural county in an effort to ensure a significant number of worship sites remain open. "

Bishop Kmiec said this effort is about not only the blending of faith communities, but also a spiritual coming together. "As parishes merge, people will bring a wonderful spirit of their faith to new communities. It doesn’t matter where you go to church, what matters is how you go to church," Bishop Kmiec said.

Sister Regina Murphy, SSMN, diocesan director of research and planning, said the second round of changes were approved by the Diocesan Strategic Planning Commission and the Diocesan Council of Priests prior to being forwarded to Bishop Kmiec for his final approval.

In the Allegany Vicariate, two parishes will provide sacramental ministry to two neighboring parishes (all four will continue as independent parishes with two of them administered by pastoral administrators); two missions will merge into an existing parish; two parishes will link with two others (with one of the parish’s two churches becoming an oratory); one parish will become an oratory; two oratories will close; one parish will merge with the existing site to close; and one parish will remain independent pending a re-evaluation in three to five years.   Click here for complete story

10 parishes and one mission in Western New York to be merged into five parishes as part of the Journey in Faith and Grace strategic planning
and spiritual revitalization process

The Diocese of Buffalo said today that 10 parishes and one mission will merge into five parishes, and one oratory will close as part of the Journey in Faith and Grace, a parish-based strategic planning and spiritual revitalization process launched in June 2005 by Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo. These changes represent the first in a series of recommendations to reimagine parish life throughout the eight-counties of Western New York in response to changing times and emerging needs.

Announcement of the mergers and closing were delivered to affected parishioners at weekend Masses yesterday and today.

"This weekend we began communicating phase one of our parish restructuring," Bishop Kmiec said. "The Journey in Faith and Grace is an effort to create parish communities that are much more than a place where Sunday liturgy is celebrated. Our goal is to establish faith communities that provide formation programs for the sacraments, religious formation for both children and adults, and outreach to those in need. This restructuring will provide for even more lay involvement, good pastoral leadership, and financial stability.

Click here for complete story

Click here for details on parish mergers (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Read Bishop Kmiec’s remarks regarding first mergers
 

The Spiritual Revitalization Committee of the Journey in Faith and Grace has developed special Prayers of the Faithful for the Sundays in Lent and for Easter Sunday. A service for Eucharistic Adoration has also been developed based on the Journey in Faith and Grace.

Click on the links below to access the materials.

Lenten Prayers of the Faithful

Eucharistic Adoration Service

Epiphany of Our Lord Parish opens in Langford

Three parishes in southern Erie County have become one as part of the ongoing “Journey in Faith and Grace” process in the Diocese of Buffalo.

Based on recommendations from parishioners, Bishop Edward U. Kmiec and the diocesan Strategic Planning Commission have approved the merging of

St. Martin Parish in Langford, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in New Oregon and St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Collins Center. 

Bishop Kmiec said, “When we began our journey, one of our stated goals was to be responsive to the needs at the parish level.  In this case, parishioners and parish leadership initiated these developments.  It is important for us to be responsive to their needs, and I continue to encourage other parishes to follow the lead of these parishes in agreeing on and presenting workable solutions to new parish life.”   Read more  

Journey in Faith and Grace moving ahead

The Diocese of Buffalo has marched into another phase in its Journey of Faith and Grace.  Between now and Dec. 31, proposals made by parish clusters will be reviewed at the vicariate level, then either forwarded to the Strategic Planning Commission or sent back to the clusters to be re-examined.
“This is what we call the Vicariate Phase,” said Sister Regina Murphy, SSMN, diocesan director of research and planning.  “The first phase was the parish, then groups of parishes, which we called the Regional Cluster Phase, and now, it’s getting bigger.
“The purpose of the Vicariate Phase is for representatives from the entire vicariate, a vicariate counsel of some sort, to look at each of the cluster proposals, evaluate them in terms of diocesan guidelines, and either approve them and pass them on to the diocese, or if they seem not to meet the guidelines for some reason, then they will go back to the regional cluster and either negotiate some point or possibly ask them to restudy something that doesn’t seem to work,” Sister Regina said.
For example, if a cluster is told they will have three priests and a proposal is submitted requiring five priests, the cluster will be told to revise the plan. Read more

Steps on the Journey in Faith & Grace Click here to view/download*
Cluster Guidelines Click here to view/download*
Cluster - Proposal Pros & Cons Click here to view/download*
Cluster Evaluation of Proposals Click here to view/download*
Large Parishes-How Affected Click here to view/download*

Homilies for the Journey-Journey in Faith & Grace:

Homilies, Rite of Sprinkling, Bulletin Announcements, and Prayers of the Faithful for the Easter Season Cycle B.  Click here to view/download*

  *Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view/download

Overview of the Planning Process

We live at a time in history when change is our constant companion. Within the church, too, change is an ever-present reality. In order to be effective witnesses to the love and ministry of Jesus Christ, our diocesan Church must be willing to renew itself in light of new conditions, new challenges, and new opportunities. Thus, the Diocese of Buffalo will undertake a diocesan strategic planning effort which will define our mission and provide direction for our future ministry.

A Diocesan Planning Commission has been appointed to direct this planning effort. The Commission’s tasks include:

	Writing a diocesan Mission Statement and Vision Statement
	Articulating foundational values for future decision-making
	Developing strategies and action plans to address major areas of concern
	On-going committee work to complete strategies and action plans