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Monmouth Central Deanery Update

March, 2008

MCDS delegates identify parishes' strengths, weaknesses and 'hopeful goals'

An examination of the questions -- "Where are we now as faith communities?" and "Where do we want to be?"-- has been the main focus for representatives of the 15 parishes currently engaged in the Monmouth Central Deanery Study.

In study sessions held in February and March, parish delegates worked in two regional groups, or clusters - north and south - in order to develop a snapshot of those regions by identifying the mission, strengths and limitations of its parishes, individually and then collectively, as well as the external opportunities and challenges that exist beyond the parishes in the local communities. Observations were based on the surveys taken by parishioners in the fall, demographic and financial reports provided to the study group and input from the parish leadership team (wider group of parish leaders in each community who are reviewing and informing the work of the study group).

The study group members also spent time sharing what have been called their "big, hopeful, audacious goals" for their parishes. Delving into their respective dream lists, group members cited the following goals for their parishes and clusters:

• good working relationships with pastors
• youth ministry beyond Confirmation
• outreach to senior population
• having their own pastor
• outreach to non-participating Catholics
• encouragement of vocations
• having every parishioner involved in parish life

Included among the strengths

• growing Catholic population
• available resources through the stewardship efforts of parishioners, particularly in the area of dedicated staff and strong volunteer base
• variety of ways to get involved in the liturgy and other Church activities
• diversity within the Catholic population
• strong commitment to social concerns; sense of outreach
• focus on evangelization; sense of welcoming and hospitality
• solid facilities
• influx of seniors
• commitment to youth
• uniqueness of each parish community

The weaknesses or limitations identified in the deanery (two clusters) were:

• youth ministry programs need to be improved
• encouragement of vocations lacking
• inability to reach out to inactive Catholics and unchurched
• lack of communication and support between parishes
• need for expanded facilities, such as parking, accessibility for persons with special needs, as well as community or parish centers
• lack of support for Catholic schools
• need for more financial resources and a better understanding of how it's being spent

During the March meeting, the group explored the opportunities that exist in the extended communities. They pointed to the growth in the Latino and other ethnic populations as well as those in the 55 and over age group as examples. They also cited the student population at Monmouth University and Brookdale Community College, as well as the significant number of non-practicing Catholics as potential growth areas for the Church through outreach efforts.

Among the obstacles that would need to be overcome in the extended community are an anti-Catholic culture; evangelization efforts by other faiths; breakdown of the family unit; growth in the trends of consumerism and secularism; the high cost of living coupled with the loss of jobs, and the proliferation of Sunday morning sports programs for children.

Speculation on the future of the Army base, Fort Monmouth, was also considered in the context of both an opportunity and a threat. If the base were to close in the future, military personnel would leave the area, which would have an impact on the economy. However, the land would likely be redeveloped, which could mean more housing and more people.

The next meeting of the Monmouth Central Deanery Study is set for April 9.

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Update will be issued monthly to all parishes involved in the Monmouth Central Deanery Study. Next month's UPDATE will focus on the Parish Self-Study Survey and include a report on the feedback from parishioners.

Director: Rev. Jeffrey Lee
609 406-7400 ext. 5635
Fax: 609-406-7444
E-mail: jlee@dioceseoftrenton.org

Associate Director: Michael Fabian
609 406-7400 ext. 5636
Fax: 609-406-7444
E-mail: mfabia@dioceseoftrenton.org