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bishop braxton and priests of diocese to begin dialogue of renewal

Bishop Edward K. Braxton and the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese have begun a series of conversations, facilitated by a consulting firm, The Reid Group.
The goal of this dialogue is to strengthen the communication among the priests in the diocese and between the priests and the bishop.

These conversations will be arranged in a manner that invites and encourages all the priests of the diocese to participate.

Father Jerry Wirth, chair of the Presbyteral Council, said, “The bishop and we are hopeful that these conversations will be a true dialogue leading to more effective communication and collaboration.”

The bishop and the Presbyteral Council members recognize the need to speak to each other directly in these gatherings, allowing for open and honest communication in an atmosphere of respect and courtesy.

Therefore, the bishop and the Presbyteral Council members unanimously agreed that the specific content of these facilitated conversations will not be a matter of public comment, nor will the participants communicate with each other through the media.

Commenting on this new initiative, Bishop Braxton said, “I invite everyone in the diocese to join me in praying that our Lord will bless this dialogue of renewal.
“The priests of the diocese and I share a deep commitment to the Catholic Church. We all want our service to the people of God in our diocese to be fruitful.

“Please pray that this process will strengthen and renew the spiritual bonds of respect and affection among us all: bishops, priests, deacons, religious sisters, and the Christian faithful. May each of us rededicate ourselves to the work of proclaiming and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”