Pastoral letters are open letters addressed by a bishop to the clergy or laity of his diocese, or both. Often pastoral letters will contain specific instructions or directions for behavior in particular circumstances. Sometimes they are also intended to provide consolation or to share information which the bishop feels is especially important. Such letters may also be sent out regularly at particular ecclesiastical seasons.
Bishop Cooney has issued three pastoral letters in the Diocese of Gaylord. The first, "An Agenda for the Church in Gaylord," was published in November of 1991 and outlines three goals for the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Gaylord. The second is titled "The Sequence for the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation of Children in the Diocese of Gaylord," provided a very brief history and documents of the Sacraments of Initiation and decrees that in this diocese the order will be Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist. It was released in January of 2001. The third letter was released in December 2006 and discusses the importance of l on-going formation and catechesis for the faithful of the church. Titled, "Catechesis: The Primary Goal of the Church," the letter also explains the way faith development efforts will be undertaken to best serve the people of the diocese on their life-long journey of faith.
