The engagement of the laity is essential to a thriving and spiritually vibrant Christian community. Historically, laypeople have evolved from passive recipients of clerical instruction to active participants in ministry, evangelization and service. Encouraging their involvement not only strengthens the Church but also enriches parish life and fosters a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
We must inspire laypeople to see themselves as essential to the Church’s mission — not just helpers, but co-responsible partners in ministry. This means embracing roles in liturgy, faith formation, outreach, governance and evangelization. The future of our parishes depends on it.
Engaging the laity is not just a recommendation — it is a foundational principle of the All Things New planning process. Shared responsibility and communal discernment are at the heart of this effort to build sustainable, faith-filled communities for the future.
I find myself, a laywoman who has ministered in the Catholic Church for over 30 years, at the helm of this process. Like a conductor guiding an orchestra, it is my responsibility and call to bring together the many different voices to help shape the process, guiding principles, design parameters and resource materials.
As a lay leader, the vital importance of lay involvement does not for one moment escape me. None of us can do this alone. Supporting this effort are the Planning Facilitator Teams, comprised of three to four individuals — primarily lay members of the diocesan staff and other experienced leaders. These teams assist Area Catholic Community All Things New Planning Committees by facilitating conversations, offering guidance and ensuring consistency throughout the diocese. Their monthly meetings provide opportunities for reflection, feedback and mutual support, keeping the process rooted in prayer and shared wisdom.
Each pastor has been asked to appoint an All Things New Planning Committee made up of eight to 12 lay people. These committees work closely with their pastors to discern the next steps for their ACCs. Together, using data, prayerful discernment and communal consensus, they will propose recommendations for Bishop Neary’s consideration. This model ensures that real voices from each community are shaping the future of the Church — not from the top down, but from within.
Many parishioners have voiced concerns about overly hierarchical decision-making. They long for a model that values and incorporates lay voices at every level. A clergy-dominated approach is neither sustainable nor desirable. A co-responsible Church means that clergy and laity share in the planning, leadership and implementation of parish life.
While much of the work happens within smaller planning groups, broader community engagement is built into the process. Opportunities for feedback and dialogue are essential. Every generation of Catholics must wrestle with the “signs of the times,” and this requires a collective effort. The All Things New process invites the entire Church to walk together — in prayer, in data analysis and in honest, Spirit-led conversation.
While the final decisions in the All Things New process will be made by the bishop, each ACC’s proposal ensures those decisions are deeply informed by local prayer, discussion and consensus. Some suggest that only authoritative direction can bring about change, fearing parishioners may avoid making difficult choices.
But this undermines the gifts, wisdom and stewardship of the laity. Avoiding hard decisions weakens our ability to move forward. Embracing them together builds trust, resilience and hope. Every parishioner has a vital role to play in ensuring that the Church doesn’t just survive but thrive.
Engaging the laity is not optional — it is necessary for the Church’s mission in the modern world. By inviting and empowering laypeople to use their talents, we can build vibrant, faith-filled communities that are creative, responsive and ready for the challenges ahead. In a spirit of togetherness — and with the help of the Holy Spirit — the All Things New process will help the Church in the Diocese of St. Cloud not only adapt but flourish.
Action Steps for May
Diocesan Level
- Prepare for and have second meeting with ATN planning committees which includes communication strategies, engagement of community and managing transition
- Gather resources for second guidebook
All Things New Planning Committee
- Review materials from first meeting — What other data do you need?
- Attend second meeting
- Begin plans for community engagement, communication
- Break into committee groups, if needed
Parishioners
- Pray for the process
- Be intentional about staying abreast of information that is given at diocesan and ACC levels
Pictured above: Amber Walling, one of the diocesan facilitators, presents information regarding the All Things New planning process to CC committees i the eastern deanery March 29 at St. Louis Bertrand Parish in Foreston. (photo submitted)
