Home > Pastoral Plan > Pastoral Priorities: Growing in Faith

Goal: Nurture Growth in Faith from Childhood through Every Stage of Life

Objectives

To develop cordial and welcoming patterns of relating to people that reflect the Gospel message we proclaim
To equip and support parents in their role as the primary educators of their children in faith
To implement the current Catechetical Plan of the Diocese of Trenton with its emphasis on:

Placing adult faith formation at the center of our catechetical efforts
Having professionally formed and competent Parish Catechetical Leaders
Working toward a majority of each parish’s catechists holding full diocesan Catechist Certification
Developing within parishes the resources and qualified personnel to respond to persons with special needs and their families
Having systematic and comprehensive adolescent catechesis at the parish level
Developing long-range catechetical plans for schools and parishes
Evaluating and updating catechetical ministry on a continual basis
Having the catechumenal model inspire all catechesis

To implement the Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Trenton in order that our schools be strong in their Catholic identity, academically competitive and financially viable
To improve the coordination of efforts among ministries engaged in faith formation
To develop the proficiency of those who teach and preach to utilize the experiences of life as “teachable moments”
To ensure that faith formation of adults in the diocese meets the unique needs of adult learners
To make choices about the life and action of the parish community that give witness to what we believe

These seven pastoral priorities must receive the best of our energy and resources. To thatend, the Diocesan Pastoral Plan names goals and objectives to guide our work.

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Growing in Faith

Last year, in the Diocese of Trenton, there were more than 9000 persons baptized, more than 9000 received first Holy Communion, and more than 9500 celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation.
More than 56,000 children were enrolled in religious education programs.
Source: Parish Profile, 2008
In the Diocese of Trenton, there are 39 Catholic Elementary schools, and 11 Catholic High schools. There are 7 Retreat Houses and one Catholic university.