OVERVIEW OF CLUSTER PLAN AND PLANNING

 The proposed Cluster Plan developed by each CPC Team will identify the best way for parishes to respond to the significant issues and challenges presented by Bishop Lennon, and strengthen the presence and pastoral care of the Church in an equitable manner within the cluster area.   

 Cluster planning begins with taking an honest look at the realities that need to be faced in planning for the continuing mission of the Church in the cluster area. It is necessary to name the significant trends and challenges that relate to the people, ministries, finances and facilities of the cluster parishes, as well as the reasons they need to be addressed. There needs to be an appreciation for the gifts and capabilities of each parish, and for what exists in each parish that gives life to people and activates their competencies and energies.  Cluster planning also values the future possibilities of “what could be.” It recognizes that existing organizational structures and parish practices are capable of becoming more effective when people from different parishes work together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.

 The 10 steps leading to the creation of a Cluster Plan are outlined in the Cluster Planning and Coordination Team Handbook. While they provide various suggestions and examples, the primary intent is to foster ‘holy conversations’ centered in prayer and discernment.  People need to be able to talk openly and honestly, and to move forward in discerning a consensus regarding substantive directions and plans that will lead to a better, stronger and lasting Church presence in the cluster area. 

 The outline of the Cluster Planning steps indicates that the plan may be completed in approximately 12  meetings. If Teams meet on a monthly basis, the planning process is anticipated to take approximately one year. Each district is assigned a specific due date for their cluster plans by Bishop Lennon between September 15 and December 15 of 2008. In some cases, this schedule may need to be accelerated due to the critical nature of financial or building needs. In other cases, the schedule may need to be adjusted because of the complexity of the planning issues involved. Any changes to the anticipated schedule need to be made with the permission of Bishop Lennon. 

 The CPC Team will be asked to provide quarterly reports of progress to the District Delegate for Clusters who is responsible to monitor and oversee cluster planning work and to report to Bishop Lennon.

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