It is a great pleasure to present Many People, One Faith, the 2002 Strategic Plan for the Archdiocese of Louisville. This is the fourth version of our archdiocesan plan. The first strategic plan, Directions for a Renewed Church, was published in 1989. We should be proud that we found a good system for planning, because it effectively brings ideas into concrete action. I can tell you from my years of experience elsewhere, this is not easily achieved.

Strategic planning is a formal process of listening (identifying needs), prioritizing, and allocating resources. It addresses the most important priorities of our local Church. These priorities flow from six goals that reflect upon who we are and why we exist (our mission) and what we stand for (our values).

In preparation for this plan, we conducted research. Hundreds of pastoral leaders, including staff, clergy, and parish council members, were asked to identify the most important issues facing our local Church. Though there were many suggestions, definite themes emerged that are reflected in all of the goals of this plan. These include: the need for a comprehensive multicultural ministry, the primacy of adult faith formation, the development of lay leadership, the importance of stewardship, outreach to young adults, and a more effective use of technology. The archdiocesan response to the clergy sex abuse crisis also emerged as an important component of this plan.

At the same time as this plan came together, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released the results of an internet-based lay survey that was conducted in 2001. More than 90,000 lay persons from every state identified issues that are important for parishes to address and improve as they seek to integrate faith with everyday life. It is gratifying that many of the themes that emerged from this study are also priorities in our strategic plan, especially adult faith formation.

The part of the planning process I most enjoy is when I have the opportunity to identify my own priorities among the action steps. These are tough choices, because there is so much to choose from. Here are my priorities:

Goal 1: To make parishes vital centers of worship and Christian community.
Action Step 1.3.1 Prepare resources to assist parishes in recognizing and affirming the workplace and family life as means for authentic stewardship.

This will help us realize that the full strength of family and parish life can ultimately be achieved only by bringing our faith to others.

Goal 2: To teach Catholic beliefs, traditions, and values through lifelong formation and education.
Action Step 2.2.2 Research and make available to parishes models/resources of best practices for adult Scripture study.

Adult faith formation, particularly involving Scriptures, also was identified as the number one priority for the U.S. Church in the laity study.

Goal 3: To share our faith with all God’s people.
Action Step 3.5.3 Develop a plan to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the Archdiocese in 2008.

The bicentennial will be of great historical importance. It also is an excellent opportunity for spiritual renewal and outreach, and we will focus on these elements as the most important parts of our preparation for this celebration.

Goal 4: To foster discipleship and provide leadership in all areas of Church ministry.
Action Step 4.5.5. Develop a coordinated recruitment plan for ordained, religious, and lay ministry.

The recruitment and training of future leaders is crucial for the future of our Church; we must continue to address this with our best efforts.

Goal 5: To work for social justice with all people of good will.
Action Step 5.5.1 Develop new initiatives to reach out to victims of sexual abuse by Church personnel and to minister to all those hurt by the sexual abuse crisis.

I wish this priority was not necessary, but we must deal with this crisis and help those who have been hurt. This is a personal priority for the remainder of my time here.

Goal 6: To exercise responsible stewardship of our human and material resources.
Action Step 6.3.1 Explore various avenues for the creation and funding of a building repair fund.

It is very important that we share resources to help those parishes and school in need. This action step presents a very practical and useful way that parishes can help one another.

I look forward to seeing this plan come to fruition during the next five years, and I am thankful to everyone who played a part in making it happen.

Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P.