The simple message of Bob Dillon’s folk tune “The Times They are a-Changing” is certainly appropriate in all times.  Since the first pastoral planning process in 1994 much of what we took for granted has undergone significant transformation.  We have seen the rise of parishes sharing pastors, an increase of Parish Life Directors, parishes merged with others and some closures.  Surely, the future holds even more changes. 

 In 2001 Bishop Hubbard established a Pastoral Planning Advisory Council whose function is to advise the Office of Pastoral Planning on issues pertaining to future planning, reconfiguration of parishes and preparation of ministers and communities for anticipated changes in personnel or parish configuration or structure.  Early on, the advisory council identified seven assumptions to serve as their guiding principles. While designed specifically for the mission of the Pastoral Planning Advisory Council, the assumptions also serve as a foundation for faith filled, life giving parish communities. The prayers in this book were designed to provide opportunities for groups within the parish/cluster/deanery to break open Scripture around the assumptions and to share personal insight and experience.  Based on the work of Rev. Arthur Baranowski, these prayers are designed as the central piece for meetings and gatherings.  “Because prayer is listening as well as talking, all of the listening to life experiences focused through Scripture and Tradition is part of the prayer.  Participants take time as a community to listen and to respond to the faith sharing that takes place.  Being in God’s presence together through prayer deepens the bond between members more than anything else.” These prayers can be used at Pastoral Council Meetings, Cluster gatherings, Committee Meetings within the parish/cluster/deanery, with established small groups, etc.  The style of these prayers is different from the prayer commonly used at meetings.  Once the groups have become familiar and comfortable with the format, they will be amazed at the depth of sharing that takes place.

 It is helpful to select a facilitator/leader for the prayer.  That person’s job is to be a kind of timekeeper and move the rest of the group through each section.  In a sense, ALL are responsible for the prayer, but the having a keeper of the time puts the group at ease.  Ideally, groups will spend between 20 – 25 minutes in prayer.  Be sure to choose a different person for this task each time the same group prays in this way.