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.