Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln has scheduled two additional virtual listening sessions for its laity as part of its ongoing strategic planning process. These sessions aim to gather feedback from participants to help inform the diocese's plans for the next five to ten years.

The newly added sessions will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 23, from noon to 1 p.m., and Monday, April 28, from noon to 1 p.m. These are in addition to a session already set for Saturday, April 12, from 3 to 4 p.m., all according to Central Daylight Time.

Jennifer Gutierrez of JAG Consulting, who is moderating the sessions, mentioned that the feedback collected will be compiled into a final report for Bishop James Conley in May. She stated, “We have had strong participation in our listening sessions thus far.” Gutierrez emphasized the significance of the feedback, noting that “it will help form the vision and the pillars of the diocesan plan moving forward.”

Bishop Conley expressed the importance of honest feedback in shaping the diocese's future. “We hope parishioners across the diocese will take an hour of their time to help us shape the future of the Lincoln Diocese,” he said.

So far, four sessions have been conducted with lay members, and around 20 participants have attended each. Additional sessions have also included pastors, religious sisters, ministry leaders, and diocesan employees.

Gutierrez acknowledged the involvement received in previous sessions, saying, “I have been very impressed with the thoughtful suggestions, questions, and engagement of the laity, staff, priests and religious with whom we have had the privilege to speak.” She described the addition of two more laity sessions as “a great opportunity for even more lay faithful to help shape the future of our diocese.”

To participate in a listening session, interested parties should register at lincolndiocese.regfox.com/lincoln-diocese-jubilee-listening-session. Each session is limited to 30 participants, aiming for representation from all demographic and geographic areas within the diocese. Those unable to attend are encouraged to submit feedback via a survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8QDZTL2.

After compiling all the feedback, Bishop Conley and the strategic planning team will work on developing a vision, mission, and strategic plan throughout the summer, with a final plan anticipated to be released in the fall.