Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

As Bishop of the Diocese of Reno, I am happy to announce and present to our Catholic Community of Northern Nevada the Diocesan Pastoral Plan “That All May Be One/Que Todos Seamos Uno” In past months, through a program called “Second Spring,” we reflected upon the Gospels, Church teaching, and the needs of the Church here in Northern Nevada. Through Regional Meetings, Diocesan workshops and study committees we strengthened our awareness that each of us is called by the Lord through our Baptism, not only to be recipients of His graces and gifts, but also to share with our time, talent and treasure. 

The Pastoral Plan presented here is a living document as seen at the present time and what we would like to become in months and years ahead. The Mission Statement, actualized through the Goals and Objectives, is idealized in the Vision Statement. In keeping with the theme of our Pastoral Plan “That All May Be One/Que Todos Seamos Uno” we need to integrate and work together as there is but one Lord, one Church and one people.

I ask your help in working together with me, as Bishop, and our Church of Northern Nevada in implementing this Pastoral Plan for our Diocese. Likewise, in the coming months I look forward to working with you and reflecting on the Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives and Vision of this Plan as they apply to your own parish plan. I know this is a great task, but it is one that is commissioned to us by the Lord. As He assured the apostles and disciples of the early Church when sending them forth, He assures us today that we, too, go forth with the grace of the Holy Spirit and His encouragement, “Be not afraid, I am with you.”

In the peace and joy of Christ, I am,

Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Phillip F. Straling
Bishop, Diocese of Reno

The Catholic community in Northern Nevada lives a common faith in Jesus Christ through baptism.  We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to:

•  proclaim the good news of God's love for all;

• celebrate in word and sacrament;

• build community; serve our church, neighbors and world

The Catholic community in Northern Nevada values:

• Being a Vatican II Church in which all baptized members have important responsibilities and roles;

• Encouraging lifelong faith formation, especially for families, single people, youth and young adults.

• Supporting personal and communal prayer and the sacramental life of the Church, centered in Eucharist.

• Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ throughout Northern Nevada.

• Providing Quality pastoral care.

• Respecting life from conception to natural death, working for social justice and reverencing all of creation.

• Including the unique gifts and traditions in each culture as reflections of the one Body of Christ.

• Sharing resources equitably in both rural and urban communities

• Promoting stewardship as a way of life.

Vision ... A vision for 2010

The Catholic community in Northern Nevada takes responsibility for continuing the mission of Jesus in our hurting world.  The community welcomes and embraces the gifts of all people of faith, while respecting the various cultures they represent.  Catholics actively engage in the life long process of faith formation.  Evangelization efforts bear fruit as evidenced by increasing numbers in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and faith sharing groups.,

Lay and ordained ministers communicate and collaborate better than ever.  Strong and effective partnerships and structures among parishes and within regions respond to needs and distribute resources.  Leadership training for ministers is delivered locally and regionally.  Vocations to Church ministry increase year by year.

The diocese supports a variety of parish leadership models -- utilizing well the gifts of priests, deacons, religious and lay leaders.   Pastors, pastoral life administrators, sacramental ministers and other parish leaders work well together in responding to changing needs and in advancing the mission and goals of the local Church.

Respect for life and for the dignity of all people is being expressed throughout the diocese.  Work for social justice and actions on behalf of people with disabilities, the poor and marginalized are expanding.  Ecumenical and interfaith partnerships as well as community projects make a strong, positive impact.

Stewardship of time, talent and treasure is a way of life for Catholics.  Resources are shared more equitably both within and beyond the Church community.  The number of active and involved Catholics grows each year.  Family ministries and youth and young adult ministries are vibrant.

The diocesan mission, values, vision and goals are well known and accepted, and the dreams and hopes of the Catholic Community are realized more each day.

Goals and Objectives

Goal 1:  To support lifelong faith formation in the Diocese, Parishes and Schools

1. Implement a lifelong faith formation plan.
2. Support parish faith formation.
3. Promote adult faith formation.
4. Promote the creation and development of small faith sharing groups.
5. Insure quality staffing in the diocese, parishes and schools
6. Review and update the catechetical curriculum in parishes and schools.

Goal 2:  To deepen the spiritual life of Catholics

1. Support quality liturgy, especially Eucharist, as the center of parish life
2. Convene regional and diocesan celebrations of faith.
3. Establish clear guidelines for sacramental preparation.
4. Establish clear guidelines for liturgical practices.
5. Provide principles and practices that support individual and communal prayer life.

Goal 3:  To evangelize and spread the good news

1. Strengthen evangelization initiatives.
2. Participate in regional and national conferences on evangelization.
3. Explore national evangelization programs for local implementation.
4. Develop initiatives responding to the needs of alienated Catholics.
5. Foster hospitality within the Church community.

Goal 4:  To educate and form leaders

1. Advocate for the role of women in the Church.
2. Prepare lay women and men for ministry in the Church.
3. Promote vocations to Church ministry.
4. Prepare seminarian and deacon candidates for effective ministry.
5. Develop and promote continuing education opportunities.

Goal 5:  To provide quality pastoral care

1. Support youth in faith and life.
2. Provide resources for young adults.
3. Serve the identified needs of seniors.
4. Respond to the needs of immigrants and refugees.
5. Provide resources for adults.
6. Meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Goal 6:  To promote respect for life

1. Develop and support Respect Life Commissions in each parish.
2. Provide education and reflection on respect for life
3. Engage in Respect Life advocacy.

Goal 7:  To work for justice and peace

1. Develop and support Justice and Peace Commissions in every parish.
2. Provide education and reflection on justice and peace issues.
3. Engage in justice and peace advocacy.

Goal 8:  To become an inclusive, reconciling and united Church

1. Help build inclusive faith communities.
2. Lead the diocesan church in reconciliation and healing.
3. Make positive pastoral assignments.
4. Build strong regional networks mong ministers and parishes.
5. Develop effective intercultural relationships.

Goal 9:  To relate effectively with ecumenical and community partners

1. Enhance ecumenical relationships.
2. Strengthen interfaith partnerships.
3. Develop community relationships and partnerships.

Goal 10:  To act as good stewards of all God's gifts

1. Promote stewardship of time, talent and treasure among all parishioners.
2. Develop, update and promote the long range funding plan for the diocese.
3. Explore ways of enhancing the Catholic Services appeal.
4. Develop and implement a diocesan technology plan.
5. Build comprehensive human resource and finance systems.
6. Develop and implement a diocesan technology plan.
7. Promote awareness and care of natural resources and gifts.