Download a version of these Frequently Asked Questions  - Coming soon!
Download a graphic of the 4 phases of the Pastoral Planning Process
 Q: What is the Pastoral Planning Process?
A: The Pastoral Planning Process is a year-long effort to develop a Comprehensive Pastoral Plan for the Archdiocese. The process will occur in 4 phases: Listening to the Faithful; Analyze and Prioritize; Explore and Discern; and the Propose phase.
The "Listening to the Faithful" phase begins with a chance for Catholics from our 10-county region to come together for group listening sessions to answer questions about our current experiences and hopes for the future of our Archdiocese.
The responses to these and other related questions will guide the development of an Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan: a vision for how we as a Church will grow along with the next generation.
We are inviting everyone in the Archdiocese to be part of this conversation.
Q: Why are we doing this?A: The Archdiocese has an opportune moment to consider how to meet the escalating needs and hopes of its people and parishes. To do this, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo wants to hear directly from local Catholics about their faith and needs.A: The Archdiocese has an opportune moment to consider how to meet the escalating needs and hopes of its people and parishes. To do this, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo wants to hear directly from local Catholics about their faith and needs.
Q: How will this process work?A: The process will begin with a series of "Listening Sessions" across the Archdiocese. Several sessions will be held in various parishes throughout our 10 counties. Participants can choose any session that matches their schedule and travel needs. Participants only need to attend one session.
During the Listening Sessions, participants will address:
• What they appreciate
• What they need
• What they hope for from their parish and from the local Church
A trained facilitator will moderate each Listening Session. All sessions will be conducted in English and Spanish.
In addition, the Archdiocese will distribute a survey to solicit feedback from those who cannot attend a Listening Session.
Q: Who participates in the conversation?
A: We will host 14 general Listening Sessions for Catholics who are actively involved in their parish.
We will also host special Listening Sessions for:
• Priests
• Deacons
• Religious
• Inactive Catholics or those who do not attend Mass regularly
• Non-Catholics
• Young people
• Eastern Rite Catholics
Q: When and where will the Listening Sessions be held?
A: Sessions will be held from March to May at parishes throughout the Archdiocese. Visit our Listening Sessions page for more details.
Q: What happens after these Listening Sessions?
A: Participants' responses will be prioritized and a core team of Archdiocesan leaders will discern and propose potential directions to the cardinal.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?A: Email listening-sessions@archgh.org or call 713.652.4446. | 
