Launched in the fall of 2008, the Deanery Planning Process was prompted in light of anticipated shortages of priests, shifting demographics and the challenges of accessing and utilizing resources. This diocese sees it as a means to better position deaneries to serve the faith community.

The diocese is divided into seven deaneries: Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, East Hillsborough, West Hillsborough, Upper Pinellas and Lower Pinellas. Deanery Planning is being piloted in the parishes of lower Pinellas and Citrus. Eventually, all deaneries will participate.

Deanery planning started when each parish underwent a self assessment. Through a survey, parishioners provided Read the rest of this entry »

This essay was published on the CNS (Catholic News Service) website by a pastor of a merged parish in Albany, NY. The essay acknowledges that it’s not an easy process, but it also shows very well how two parish faith communities can become one in a way that everyone benefits.

In our diocese, merging is just one of several possibilities that the Pastoral Planning teams at the parish, deanery, and diocesan levels are considering as they work to plan for the future of our local Church.

Here’s a link to the essay. http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/year-for-priests-keys-to-a-successful-parish-merger/