In the process of creating this plan a series of principles were identified to guide its implementation. These principles re ect the important realities, values and best practices that must always be addressed.
Formation and Spiritual Nourshiment
The first task of evangelization and catechesis is to connect people with Jesus Christ by nurturing and strengthening their relationship and encounter with Christ lived through the Church community.
Christian formation is directed to all people and takes place at all times in a person’s life, including those who minister within the Church.
Evangelizing formation nurtures the faith of people in the pews, reaches out to inactive Catholics and extends an invitation to “come and see” to non-Catholics.
The desired outcome of formation, worship and discipleship is a lived Christian witness in everyday life that propels us to announce the good news and serve our sisters and brothers on the periphery of society.
Collaborative Teamwork
Encounter and transformation take place through ministry built upon a mutually shared vision, collaborative teamwork, and a willingness, value and desire to share resources, knowledge and experiences.
Leadership formation, including pastoral formation, mentoring, coaching and outreach to new and di erent people as leaders is an intentional value of the Diocese of Austin at all levels.
Sound pastoral practices and guidelines for calling, forming and sustaining missionary disciples are embraced and practiced throughout the diocese.
Pastoral leaders call forth, form and nurture interculturally competent ministers.
Invitational Outreach
Pastoral outreach addresses the needs of the people of the Diocese of Austin through their lived experiences recognizing the diversity of cultures, age groups and geographic realities.
Pastoral ministry strengthens faith life through an intentional and inclusive invitation to encounter Jesus Christ, participate in parish life through transforming hospitality, relationship building and e ective communication.
Pastoral outreach has a particular focus on the poor and those with special needs.
Hispanic Catholics
In response to the growing Hispanic Catholic population in the Diocese of Austin, every initiative of this plan answers the question of how it will serve Hispanic Catholics.
All major initiatives of the plan are available in both English and Spanish.
In addition to Spanish-language translation, plan initiatives must also recognize and address the unique cultural context of Hispanic Catholics.