September 24, 2007

Dear Friends in Christ,

This is an exciting time for the Church in Central Florida as we continue to celebrate and embrace the bold new vision that emerged from our Diocesan synod - a vision that you each helped to create through your commitment of support and prayers. As we continue this historic journey in our diocese, I would once again like to express my profound gratitude and appreciation, and I look forward to providing you with updates as we continue to advance the mission of the Diocese of Orlando.

As you may be aware, three Implementation Teams (the Diocesan Pastoral Council, Schools, and Catholic Charities) met regularly over the past nine months to prioritize our synod plans, establish firm timelines, and confirm the human and financial resources necessary to achieve our vision. All three teams submitted their final implementation plans to Bishop Wenski, and both he and I continue to meet on a regular basis to review and discuss their recommendations. I am pleased to announce that many of the synod priorities are already bearing fruit. For example,

• The Year of Evangelization in 2008 has been declared and the Diocesan-wide Festival of Faith is being planned for May 8-10, 2008. This inspirational event will include special liturgies, guest speakers, workshops, and a special and exciting program for youth.  A team of volunteer coordinators has been assembled and initial preparation has begun.
• The Regional School Study is in progress, and area pastors and parish members continue to participate in thoughtful discussions surrounding this process. A survey is nearing completion and should yield fresh insight into the feasibility of a new regional elementary school in the Oviedo area.
• Construction of a Campus Ministry Center is under discussion and potential sites are under evaluation.
• Under the direction of the Diocese’s Chief Operating Officer, reorganization of the Chancery into Secretariats has occurred; a national search is underway for the dual appointment as Secretary for Faith Formation/Superintendent of Schools.  All other Secretariat positions were filled internally.  New staff members are being hired in the areas of Pastoral Ministries and Faith Formation.  Nancy Graham was recently appointed as Young Adult Coordinator (for singles and married couples ages 20-39) and there is currently a strong candidate for the position of Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Recommendations call for further additions, which are being examined and should be underway by the end of the year.
• Ecclesial Movements and New Communities will launch a directory, and displays of the movements in our Diocese will be a feature of the Festival of Faith.
• Catholic Charities of Central Florida has a renewed vision for this important organization and its ministry to those in need.
• The Chancery is continuing its commitment to fiscal responsibility by organizing a series of workshops to train departmental directors in zero-based budgeting, which will be used for 2008-09 budget planning.
• “Good Leaders, Good Shepherds,” a two-year spiritual and professional development program for priests, has commenced, with 35 of our Diocesan priests participating to date.

There are many more key priorities which emerged from our Synod, and we continue to work internally to cultivate the seeds you have sown. Budgeting for these recommendations is being examined and will remain a key consideration as the new Catholic Foundation is defined and structured.

Once again, thank you for your continued support and prayers.  It is gratifying to be a part of a Diocese so alive in Christ!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Sr. Elizabeth Worley

RETURN TO HOMEPAGE