During the early months of 2015, Bishop Oscar Cantú asked pastors, parish administrators, and parish life coordinators to gather with parishioners to help determine pastoral priorities for our diocese. What emerged were five priorities for pastoral activity. These five priorities indicate a direction for our diocesan family to walk together.

The five priorities, one each to be developed over the next five years, are as follows:

• Year 2015-2016 – Liturgy and Evangelization
• Year 2016-2017 – Stewardship
• Year 2017-2018 – Pastoral Care of the Family
• Year 2018-2019 – Youth and Young Adults
• Year 2019-2020 – Faith Formation

The Diocesan Eucharistic Congress held in June 2015, was the pivotal event for beginning our concentration on each priority. A Self-Study Guide was provided to each of our parishes and communities. It gives an overview of each priority, providing three to five best-practice qualities, and includes a template to write SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for parish development. The process includes an annual parish/community assessment and evaluation in relation to the parish-determined goals.