While the synod delegates recommended 16 initiatives in eight mission areas to Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, seven archdiocesan initiatives already underway in the archdiocese will be part of the archbishop’s synodal declaration. These are:
Safeguarding All of God’s Family. An ongoing commitment to protect children, youth and all members of the church from sexual abuse.
Catholic elementary and high schools. A continuation of a plan to develop schools that will be sustainable, affordable and accessible for present and future students. A current initiative is Catholic Schools Milwaukee: Light for the Future. This is a comprehensive assessment of 27 Catholic schools in Milwaukee for the purpose of identifying strengths and challenges, and developing plans for their improvement and growth.
2020 Plan. Provides an “organizational strategy” for parishes, including how to share personnel, ministries, programs and resources.
Plan for Hispanic Ministry. Looks at the realities of parishes that serve Hispanic Catholics, reflects on what is being done and what needs to be expanded, identifies priorities and provides strategies for parishes and archdiocesan offices to follow in strengthening ministry to Hispanic Catholics.
Plan for Black Catholic Ministry. Initiated this past Lent, the planning process will take into account the diversity within the Black Catholic community, the contributions of Black Catholic leaders and theologians, and key insights and priorities developed by the National Black Catholic Congress.
Plan for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministry. Plan calls for the church to be more inclusive in every aspect of parish life, especially in liturgical celebrations, sacraments, catechetical programs, and lay ministries in the parish.
Ecumenical and interreligious relations. Will continue to work with Christian denominations and maintain its relationships with the Jewish and Muslim communities.
Based on information provided by the Archdiocesan Synod Preparatory Commission.
