All Things New

The Church builds on what has gone before but is not afraid to introduce new systems that, only by taking the risk of trying, we realize are better than what came before.

Right now, various circumstances in our own diocese challenge us to be adaptable. For example, changing demographics is a major factor prompting adaptations in our parishes.

For more than 100 years, Catholics across the Diocese of St. Cloud have built a rich legacy of faith, nurturing our traditions, remaining devoted to the sacraments and participating in the life of the Church. It was hard for them, too, but they stayed. Their sacrifices were for me and for this generation and now it is our turn to commit and sacrifice for the next one.

I have always seen myself in that young Samuel — open to God’s voice but needing the wisdom of someone like Eli to help me understand it.

Our ancestors gave all they had to build a place for us. Now, it is our turn to build in a different way for those yet to come.

It is not that we have ignored planning for the future in the past and thus come to the next steps with a sense of urgency. Rather, new circumstances ask of us new approaches and commitments.

Engaging the laity is a foundational principle of the All Things New planning process to build sustainable, faith-filled communities for the future.

God has given each person a unique set of charisms to live out their call, which may seem like an overwhelming call. How do we live that out?