Letter from Bishop Burbidge to the Faithful:
Since the release of the diocesan Strategic Plan in 2021, the feedback from our clergy, religious and lay faithful has been supportive and enthusiastic. Many have asked for regular updates.
Following the announcement of the strategic pillars and the goals, we established working groups to offer consultation and expertise, each dedicated to a specific pillar. In total, 90 clergy, religious and lay faithful participated. As a result of their hard work, which went on for more than a year, 23 initiatives were developed to support the strategic pillars and accomplish the goals. The 23 initiatives that follow span all the pillars, and many of them address multiple pillars. For each initiative, I will select at least one leader from the clergy or the laity to lead and execute the initiative, along with those asked to support the leader's work.
These initiatives are only some of what we hope to accomplish for Our Lord with the Strategic Plan through 2026. I have maintained from the beginning of this effort that I see this as a diocesan Strategic Plan that is implemented throughout our diocese and at all parishes, schools and communities.
I thank you in advance for your support, your encouragement and your continued prayers. Through the intercession of Mary Our Mother and Saint Joseph, and with the grace of God, may this Strategic Plan be a blessing to the Diocese of Arlington.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington
September 27, 2021
(en español)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Since becoming your bishop, I have been inspired by the generosity and faithfulness of the priests, religious, deacons, and laity of this Diocese. You have shown your dedication to the Truth of the Gospel, your devotion to the Sacraments, and your commitment to those in need.
Your faithfulness and your charity have demonstrated to me that we, with God's grace, can achieve much in this Diocese. To that end, I initiated a strategic plan that identifies the needs of our Diocese and establishes goals that will unite us.
This strategic plan is the result of extensive consultation with clergy, religious, and laity over a period of eleven months. We held twenty-six focus groups and conducted three surveys. We received thousands of responses from parishioners across the Diocese.
With this input, we established six focus areas, or pillars, and thirty goals. These goals are applicable at the diocesan, parochial, family, and individual levels. In the coming months, we will develop an action plan for the implementation of these goals.
It is my hope that this strategic plan will unite us as a Diocese in a common focus of ministry that glorifies God and makes known the presence of His Kingdom on earth.
Through the intercession of Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph, please join me in praying to Our Lord Jesus that this strategic plan will be a blessing to the Diocese of Arlington.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington
Announcing the Diocesan Strategic Plan!
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