As the diocese continues to discern the most fruitful ways to support parish life and evangelization, two major initiative areas are beginning to take shape within the Pastoral Plan 2026: adult lay formation and youth/young adult engagement. While still in the early stages of development, both respond directly to what surfaced repeatedly during the pastoral planning vicariate meetings—a deep hunger for formation, community and opportunities to grow as disciples.
Renewed Adult Formation
Across the diocese, the faithful expressed a clear desire for high-quality, enriching formation. Formation that is faithful to the Church’s teaching, strengthens confidence for evangelization and ministry work, and prepares people to serve with joy. In response, the diocese is exploring the creation of a renewed adult lay faith‑formation center, possibly to be named the JMJ Holy Family Institute. Inspired by the much‑loved former Center for Catholic Studies, this new effort seeks to offer a contemporary, mission‑oriented model for today’s Church.
While details are still being shaped, the vision includes structured opportunities for parishioners who want to grow personally in faith and for those who feel called to volunteer, evangelize, serve in parish ministries or step into leadership. Early concepts include coursework that deepens theological understanding and provides practical preparation, including formation tracks and certifications in areas such as catechesis and parish leadership.
A full relaunch of a diocesan lay formation program is anticipated for 2026.
When developing the plan, the diocese will include both in-person and remote learning formation experiences in order to serve the diocese’s 21 counties.
Forming Our Young Church
The Pastoral Plan 2026 also recognizes the need to nurture faith among youth and young adults with initiatives that invite them into leadership, formation and meaningful community.
Several ideas are already emerging. Among them is the potential establishment of a Bishop’s Youth Advisory Council, which would include middle and high school representatives from each vicariate to meet with Bishop Walsh twice yearly for conversation, faith formation and leadership development.
For young adults age 21-40 years, a series, similar to Theology on Tap, is being envisioned, gathering across the vicariates for fellowship and catechetical conversation rooted in the catechism.
Another concept being considered is Growing In Faith Through Service (G.I.F.T.S.). This program for high school juniors and seniors would blend spiritual formation with hands‑on service and leadership training.
These initiatives, together with the priestly vocation initiatives, reflect the pastoral plan’s hopeful commitment: to form disciples for ministry and mission, celebrate our young people with new opportunities to share their gifts and help each person more deeply discern God’s call and His plan for their life.
