Bishop Neary’s Priorities: A year in review
As 2025 comes to a close, I give thanks to God for the many ways our diocesan family has responded to the mission entrusted to us: to be Christ’s heart of mercy, voice of hope and hands of justice.
Together, we have made meaningful progress in supporting our pastoral leaders, embracing synodality, deepening our Eucharistic culture, walking with our Latino brothers and sisters and discerning the future of our Area Catholic Communities.
These efforts have not been without challenge, but they have been marked by grace, collaboration and a shared desire to serve the people of God with renewed purpose.
Shortly after I began serving as bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud in 2023, I drafted a set of pastoral priorities to help guide our shared work and ministry. These priorities have remained largely the same since 2023, although they have evolved over time as some initial goals have been achieved and new needs identified — particularly now amid the All Things New planning process.
Looking ahead to 2026, we recognize that the Holy Spirit continues to guide us. Our priorities remain rooted in the same mission, but they are evolving to meet new realities. I recommit myself — and invite you to join me — in listening deeply, leading boldly and loving generously as we take the next faithful steps together.
—Bishop Neary
2025 PRIORITIES
The well-being, support and enrichment of pastoral leaders across the diocese
Support for ongoing formation, professional development and pastoral and spiritual care for our priests, deacons, diocesan pastoral team and lay leaders across the diocese.
Seeing synodality as a model for the Church in the Diocese of St. Cloud
Encountering the Lord in others, listening, accompanying, discerning where the Holy Spirit is leading us.
Fostering a Eucharistic Culture in our Diocese
In the “Missionary Year” of the Eucharistic Revival, how do we help people to see themselves as modern missionaries? How can we bring people together to listen to one another’s experiences of the Eucharist — their own eucharistic love stories?
The Latino presence in the Diocese of Saint Cloud
Continue to listen to our Latino brothers and sisters and invite them more fully into the life of our ACCs and the Church as a whole.
Strategic planning for the next phase of our ACCs
ACCs represent a needed transition from a traditional one-parish-onepriest model to what we have at present. But given present and future realities, we need to look at a new way of “being Church.”
KEY ACTIONS IN 2025 WHICH REFLECT THESE PRIORITIES
• Mental health ministry launched the first-ever Suicide Healing and Remembrance Weekend, offering hope and solidarity across the diocese.
• Social Concerns shifted from a traditional formation day to a retreat-like gathering focused on self-care, responding to the deep need for healing and renewal voiced by communities.
• Diocesan leaders met with pastoral teams in Latino communities to hear firsthand stories around immigration resulting in a dedicated immigration webpage and a heartfelt pastoral response from Bishop Neary.
• Pastoral Visits with Area Catholic Communities sparked meaningful dialogue between laypeople and diocesan leadership, seeking to build trust and unity.
• The Vocations Office hosted Andrew Dinners and a summer vocations camp for Hispanic/Latino young men discerning the priesthood.
• Focus groups met to explore culturally resonant approaches to communication, evangelization and catechesis.
• The diocese introduced FaithLink, a resource designed to bridge communication between the diocese and ACCs.
• The Communications Office worked with ACCs to form a grassroots communications network to amplify voices and foster collaboration.
• The All Things New pastoral planning process embraced community input beyond planning teams — a bold step toward inclusive discernment. The Planning Office trained 20 facilitators to guide ACCs through this transformative journey.
• Diocesan staff hosted onsite ACC staff retreats around the diocese, nurturing spiritual growth and renewal.
• A Mental Health Passport was introduced for diocesan and ACC staff — a practical tool for navigating mental wellness resources.
• Human resources launched a webinar series to support business managers and parish operations.
• The diocesan superintendent of schools supported Catholic school principals through the accreditation process with hands-on accompaniment.
• The Diaconate Office advanced diaconate formation for both English and Spanish-speaking candidates.
• The Emmaus Institute, which honored three graduates in 2025, continues to be a beacon for theological and pastoral formation for leaders. Current enrollment includes 23 students in English and Spanish Pastoral Ministry cohorts, eight students in a Direction cohort in Spanish and three students in a Formation cohort, doing life- changing inner work that helps to make them better ministers.
• Clergy Continuing Education hosted its 49th Annual Pastoral Workshop for Clergy where pastoral leaders engaged in deep listening sessions with clergy, modeling synodality and mutual care.
• The faith formation office assists pastoral leaders in the new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults released in November 2024. Through webinars and meetings, clergy and lay leaders have participated in online and in-person trainings as well as have access to printable resources and recorded sessions.
• The Office of Marriage and Family served a total of 364 couples
in two languages through Engaged Couple retreats.
• The diocese serves couples through Natural Family Planning with 18 certified NFP instructors in 12 locations.
• As one of only 20 dioceses around the country, the diocesan office of faith formation is participating in an NCCL Parents and Families at the Center of Faith Formation grant, implementing new strategies to engage parents and families in faith formation.
• The second annual Festival of Families was held in 2025, gathering families from around the diocese to learn, celebrate, pray and grow in their faith through a variety of activities including Mass, carnival, adult/teen/children sessions, family learning centers.
• The Diocesan Finance Office provided critical assistance with parish audits, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• In collaboration with the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, a workshop was held on cemetery management to support pastors and parish staff with ongoing care of the sacred grounds.
• The diocesan tribunal continues to serve individuals seeking healing and clarity through the annulment process. To date, 46 new formal cases have been opened, with 22 Lack of Canonical Form cases and six Previous Bond cases completed. Each case represents a journey of discernment and care, guided by the Church’s desire to walk compassionately with those seeking reconciliation and renewal.
WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR 2026?
Building on the progress of 2025, the bishop and diocesan pastoral team are embracing refined priorities that reflect the evolving needs of our communities while remaining rooted in the Gospel.
PRIORITY: The well-being, support and enrichment of pastoral leaders — clergy and lay — across the diocese
The well-being and enrichment of pastoral leaders is a renewed priority. Bishop Neary will model discernment and healthy leadership in his own ministry, while remaining attentive to the needs and feedback of those serving across the diocese. The diocesan pastoral team will collaborate to offer leadership development resources, specialized workshops and improved communication tools.
PRIORITY: Embody synodality and listening as a model for Church life
A re-energized focus on listening and accompaniment will shape diocesan life. Bishop Neary will continue hosting deanery-level meetings to foster a culture of support among clergy and will remain actively available to pastoral teams across the diocese. The diocesan pastoral team will deepen its engagement with leaders and parishioners through intentional dialogue, collaborative practices and formation in co-responsible leadership.
PRIORITY: Strategic planning for the next phase of our ACCs
Strategic planning for the next phase of our Area Catholic Communities remains a central priority. Bishop Neary will accompany planning committees and clergy through transitions, attending meetings of the Committee for the Affirmation of Plans and offering pastoral presence amid closures and mergers. The diocesan team will support ACCs through care teams, planning consultants, workshops and liturgical rituals that honor both grief and renewal.
PRIORITY: Valuing the presence and contribution of Latinos in our diocese
Recognizing the vital role of Latino Catholics, Bishop Neary will continue advocating for spiritual, educational and leadership opportunities, especially for youth and diaconate candidates. He will also address topics that affect immigrant communities. The diocesan team will expand outreach through retreats, vocational discernment events and listening sessions with Latino leaders to better serve and empower this growing population.
PRIORITY: Fostering a culture of missionary discipleship
Finally, the diocese will continue to foster a culture of missionary discipleship. Bishop Neary remains committed to nurturing his own vocation, celebrating the sacraments and putting faith into action through advocacy. The diocesan team will offer new models of evangelization and formation, promote care for creation, strengthen mental health ministry and accompany individuals across all vocations — from ordained and religious ministry to family life and lay ecclesial service.
Together, these commitments reflect a Church on the move: responsive, prayerful and united in mission.