January 14, 2025
Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Diocese of Pembroke,
As Pilgrims of Hope, we have begun this New Year and inaugurated the Jubilee, walking together as we follow Jesus our Redeemer. Accompanied by Mary, we want to embrace the future with hope! I write to you today to share some important information about how we can plan for and embrace our future.
At our recent meeting of the Council of Priests on December 4, 2024, we decided to begin a synodal process of discernment and decision-making so that all of us together will be able to renew and re-invigorate our faith communities through the power of the Holy Spirit. As I have traveled to different parishes in the Diocese over the last four months, many of you have asked me about our future. You have encouraged me by your enthusiasm and love for the Diocese. You have urged me to move forward as we face many challenges, so that we can do this togethers.
We recognize that we are beginning a process, a journey, which will take time, careful reflection and gradual implementation. This process is a kind of pilgrimage on which we set out in faith. It will demand your generous participation and leadership, but also the commitment of every priest and every community. We need to do this together.
With the support of the Council of Priests, I am proposing a five-year process of discerning and decision-making:
2025: Information-gathering, Most Urgent Issues, Criteria and Assessment
2026: Building a Vision for Embracing the Future with Hope
2027: Diocesan Synod: Preparation – Draft Plan, Process and Delegates
2028: Diocesan Synod: Assembly – Discernment and Decision on Plan
2029: Diocesan Synod: Implementation – Assessment and Evaluation
As we begin 2025, we want to initiate the process of Information-gathering, especially with the preparation of a Parish Profile for every community. We also need to identify more urgent issues which need to be faced quickly. Although the full preparation, adoption and implementation of a Diocesan Pastoral Plan will be a gradual process over the next five years, we are aware that there will be situations which will require attention and decisions much sooner.
In order to begin this process, I wish to provide you with some very important information:
We have not yet received all the financial and property information we need in order to present a report on the economic situation of the Diocese. We are still gathering up-to-date information, and analysing its implications. This information will be shared with you within the next few months. We encourage each Parish community to carefully and critically examine its financial situation. This reflection and ongoing dialogue is an essential part of the first year of our five-year plan outlined above.
The Council of Priests has asked that this information be shared with the parishioners of the Diocese. Sisters and brothers, there are many challenges ahead of us as we engage in this process. As pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee Year, we know that we are not alone! Accompanied by Jesus Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we go forward in faith so that we may embrace the future with hope.
We entrust this synodal journey into the hands of Mary our Mother, and we count on the prayers of St. Columbkille, great missionary and patron of our diocese. God is faithful, and he will never leave us to face these challenges alone.
I am deeply grateful for your dedication to your parish and to the whole Diocese. Your support of the priests and deacons serving parishes and missions is extraordinary. Your appreciation of our retired priests who continue to serve in ministry, prayer and witness is a real blessing. Thank you for your commitment and contributions to our process of discernment.
Your brother in Christ our Redeemer and Mary our Mother,
+ Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R.
Bishop of Pembroke