Introduction to Envisioning Ministry

“See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”—Isaiah 43

The Holy Spirit in every time and place renews the church. At this time in the Diocese of Pittsburgh – as elsewhere in our world-wide Catholic Community – we hear again the proclamation of renewal for the People of God. Changing circumstances, cultural shifts, demographic fluctuations, all that takes place in our point in history, are sure signs that God is at work recreating the world.

Since 2004, we the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh have been asked to “envision” what our parishes need to look like—what ministry we provide, how that ministry is organized and how it is staffed—as we head into the future. Since the beginning of 2005, parishes have been asked to meet in local “clusters” to try to determine how they might work together to develop plans to meet the challenges of our time.

The journey of Envisioning Ministry has become an opportunity for renewing parish life, defining and expanding lay ministry, clarifying diocesan structure, addressing and reviewing clergy personnel assignments, and for studying property and planning concerns.

Please contact the Department for Envisioning Ministry by phone at 412-456-3060 or by e-mail at mgubish@diopitt.org for further information or clarification.