Bishop Smith clearly articulated his vision for vibrant parish communities, to include: active participation by parishioners in the leadership and growth of the parish; pastors who are strong spiritual leaders; a well trained staff; the Mass as the source and summit of parish life; a commitment to religious education for adults and children; a community that is accessible to everyone; financially stable and facilities that are in acceptable condition.

Priests play a vital role in tending to our spiritual needs. They are the chief spiritual leaders in our parishes. They celebrate the sacraments at important times in our lives. By consecrating the Eucharist, they provide us with God on earth. They teach, preach and sanctify. They provide spiritual counsel to help us through the darkest times of our lives. They also help to care for the poor, the sick and the needy. Countless lives are touched and influenced by priests during the most important occasions of our lives.

Religious Education for children and adults is one of the largest ministries in the Church. Catholic Elementary and High Schools, programs in religious education, youth ministry, campus ministry and adult formation comprise the many ways Religious Education enhances the ability of Catholics to know, love and serve God.

Lay persons who devote themselves permanently or temporarily to some special service of the Church are obliged to acquire the appropriate formation which is required to fulfill their function properly and to carry it out conscientiously, zealously, and diligently. (Code of Cannon Law 231)

The Church has the ability to serve not just the poor, but the people of God at every age, from conception to natural death. A network of compassionate and comprehensive human services that perform the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy ensure that the rights and dignity of all persons is upheld and respected. Social Concerns, Immigration and Naturalization, Project Paul and Martin House, Prison Ministry, reach out to touch the lives of those who need our help. These ministries say: "there is someone who sees you, who values you, who cares about you, who loves you." The Bishop's Annual Appeal makes these ministries happen.

The Cathedral is our mother church and our spiritual center. It is, at once, a parish church, an historic landmark, a work of art, and a living symbol of faith – all in one magnificent structure. It represents our unity and purpose as a Catholic community of God. Our vision is to renew the Cathedral to its' full magnificence and to revitalize its facilities to make it a center of prayer, hospitality and special events – a true Catholic community in essence and in action.