The vision for the Pastoral Plan, “Encounter that Leads to Transformation” describes the “desired future” the people of the Diocese of Austin seek. It is the foundation upon which the Pastoral Plan’s goals and initiatives are built.

At its heart, this vision contains two key elements: encounter and transformation. The research, conversations and spiritual re ection that were part of the developmentof this plan all led to the conclusion that as the Diocese of Austin encounters significant change in its demographics and pastoral ministry there is a need for transformation to meet these opportunities and challenges. The path to transformation begins with this encounter.

We are only Christians if we encounter Christ … Only in this personal relationship with Christ, only in this encounter with the Risen One do we truly become Christians … Therefore let us pray to the Lord to illumine us, to grant us an encounter with his presence in our world, and thus to grant us a lively faith, an open heart and great love for all, which is capable of renewing the world.

This vision is embodied through three areas of focus:
ENCOUNTER - It is through this profound encounter with Christ, and Christ in the other, that we are formed, inspired and spiritually nourished. “Feed my sheep.” –Jn 21:17

MINISTRY - Our ministry, built upon encounter and transformation, embraces servant leadership, inclusion, collaboration and invitational outreach. “So we, though many, are one body in Christ.” –Rom 12:5

WITNESS - Our encounter and transformation leads us to be signs of God’s kingdom on earth. We become disciples: people witnessing the joy of the Gospel. “Make disciples of all nations.” –Mt 28:19


 

Where do we want to be?

Every good plan should help the community move to a “desired future.” What is this “desired future” for the Diocese of Austin? By the end of the  ve-year period this plan covers, the hope is that Catholics throughout the Diocese of Austin might say something like the following:

We are a very different diocese than when we started this plan. After listening to people throughout the Diocese of Austin we recognized a deep hunger for an encounter with Jesus Christ. We focused on this encounter and we were led to a powerful transformation individually and as a Catholic community. Through this encounter we put Jesus Christ at the center of our lives; the value of which cannot be underestimated.

This encounter with Jesus Christ also transformed our approach to ministry. Our parishes have become highly collaborative. We moved from a mentality where we were focused solely on our own needs to creating deep partnerships. Our diocesan offces are service-oriented, focused on supporting our parishes and schools. These changes have allowed us to become profound missionary disciples and witnesses to our faith throughout Central Texas. We are able to share our faith within our neighborhoods and communities, particularly to inactive Catholics, to the poor and the disadvantaged, and to all those who need the message of the Gospel.

The results are extraordinary. We see a deepening and new energy in our own faith lives. There are more people participating in Sunday Mass and the sacraments. Our parish activities are full of people and our adult prayer groups, retreats and Bible studies are signs of the vitality of our local Church. There is a noticeable increase in youth and young adults who are excited about their faith and the Church. People from every cultural group feel welcome and are highly visible in pastoral leadership positions. Our Catholic Schools have full enrollments and are able to welcome families from all economic levels. Above all, the people of Central Texas are aware of the wonderful presence and good works of the Catholic community. Our encounter has transformed us!

Three words sum up what we seek as our desired future: ENCOUNTER, MINISTRY and WITNESS.