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Home / Together in Faith / Thumb / Implementation
Year Two Implementation of Together In Faith Plan
Thumb Vicariate
Updated Fall 2008
 The Thumb Vicariate's Together In Faith (TIF) Plan approved by Cardinal Maida included several goals, objectives or strategies to be met by certain deadlines. Below is the Progress Reported by the Vicariate Pastoral Council in each area, the Tracking Committee's Response, and Implementation Updates.
1. The vicariate planned administrative and education sites between clustered churches and a team ministry approach for training volunteers to conduct RCIA programs, minister to youth, the homebound, prisons, migrant camps and those who are grieving.
2006 Progress Reported: Our intent is to get more lay leadership training on location within the vicariate rather than having to travel the distance downtown. The lay DRE's are taking advantage of course offerings through Sienna Heights in nearby Burton. ( Lansing Diocese) We have secured a central location in the vicariate to have such training at the K.of C. Hall north of Imlay City. The next step is to bring programming, adult formation classes, training and the like to this site.
2007 Tracking Committee Response: The Tracking Committee commends the team approach to central administration and education sites within the vicariate that have been selected to train volunteers for RCIA, ministry to youth, the homebound, prisons, migrant camps and the seniors. The vicariate is encouraged to discuss collaborative use of vicariate staff by the various parishes. The Tracking Committee recognizes that priests have met in certain areas to discuss clustering for some activities, but that the distance between parish and mission churches makes this difficult.
2008 Year Two Implementation Update: The Thumb Vicariate represents the largest geographic area of any Vicariate which presents logistic problems. They have identified a central location for providing training for DRE, RICA and adult formation. There is no cable access – tapes and DVD's are used.
2. The vicariate plans to integrate the Hispanic Pastoral Plan in to its vicariate plan as it expands outreach to the Hispanic/Latino Community.
2006 Progress Reported: A Vicariate Committee was established and had begun to integrate and implement the Vicariate Plan. Since then the committee lost the key person who coordinated this effort. The new person needs be oriented to the process. At present, the process is stalled and needs to be revisited.
2007 Tracking Committee Response: The vicariate is encouraged to integrate the Hispanic Pastoral Plan into the vicariate plan, and to work with the Department of Parish Life and Services for assistance and resources.
2008 Year Two Implementation Update: The Hispanic Plan is being adopted on the Parish level. AOD Central Services is assisting, but funding is an issue. All parishes in the Vicariate should be engaged in planning for Hispanic ministry.
3. Several parishes may need to expand their facilities in the future as funds are available.
2006 Progress Reported: In terms of planning, slow progress has been made. The current financial requirements of the Archdiocese do not allow parishes to proceed any further than the planning stages. St. Cornelius in Dryden, Immaculate Conception in Lapeer and St. Nicholas in Capac have been adversely affected and are unable to proceed any further. Sacred Heart in Imlay City has abandoned its expansion plans. Land purchased to relocate Sacred Heart, Brown City was due to the generosity of a parishioner who did well at the casino. Immaculate Conception in Lapeer has an opportunity to acquire additional land from the city through a land swap. However, the parish will not agree to the purchase of the holding donated to the Archdiocese which has set the asking price set at $100,000.00 an acre.
2007 Tracking Committee Response: The Tracking Committee recognizes the economic challenges that the parishes and the diocese is currently facing, and encourages the vicariate parishes to expand facilities as funds become available.
2008 Year Two Implementation Update: Various Parishes have been acquiring property to handle expansion needs. Please provide an update on this planning.
4. The vicariate plans to work with the Vocations Office to provide local retreats, integrating youth for sacramental and social activities.
2006 Progress Reported: A Vocations Committee was established. A dinner was sponsored and was attended by members of all vicariate parish and mission churches. A number of young people as possible candidates have been identified. Future activities with cooperation of the Vocations Office are intended to be developed.
2007 Tracking Committee Response: The vicariate is encouraged to continue working with the AOD Vocations Office to sponsor local retreats, and to integrate youth for sacramental and social activities.
2008 Year Two Implementation Update: The Vocations Committee has had a very positive response and has hosted a Youth Retreat on March 1st.
5. By March 2007 submit plans for St. Patrick Mission in Clifford.
2006 Progress Reported: A formal plan has not yet been submitted to the VPC. One is expected at the next meeting. The pastor indicates that he has met with the Archdiocesan contact person. Discussions are in progress to move St. Patrick to Chapel status. At this time, Chapel Status for St. Patrick seems to be the most practical option available.
2007 Tracking Committee Response: The Tracking Committee acknowledges the recommendation for St. Patrick to become a Chapel, and commends the vicariate and parishes for the difficult work to accomplish this in a collaborative manner.
2008 Year Two Implementation Update: St. Patrick moved from Mission to chapel status and the transition went smoothly.
General Update:
2006: No significant changes have been made. Required in much of the proposed work is relationship building. This and the work itself will come in small increments. Distance between the parish and mission churches is a negative factor. The agricultural nature of this area will also slow down the process as efforts and resources are required elsewhere during the growing season.
2007: A new Newsletter is being developed and will highlight TIF activities. Bishop Kelly is the only school in the Vicariate and is self-sufficient – K-8; 216 students.
2008: Since 2007, has your vicariate made any significant changes, amendments or additions to your TIF Plan? Please describe, including rationale for change, timeline and projected outcomes. Attach any detailed reports.
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