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

Almost 300 members of the Diocese of Lincoln participated in the "Jubilee Listening Sessions" this spring. These sessions were designed to gather feedback from various diocesan groups, including laity, pastors, priests, women religious, and staff. The aim was to help establish pastoral priorities for the diocese.

The listening sessions were organized by Jennifer Gutierrez of JAG Consulting alongside a diocesan team. From February through April, 13 sessions took place at different times and locations. Seven virtual sessions were held for laity, two for pastors, one with women religious, an in-person session with the Diocesan Pastoral Council, another with Bishop James Conley’s Mission Leadership Team, and one with staff from the Chancery and Pope St. John XXIII Diocesan Center. An online comment form was also available for those unable to attend.

Participants came from Lincoln and 28 other areas within the diocese. Bishop Conley expressed gratitude: “I am grateful to our diocesan faithful for participating in the sessions and for prayerfully sharing their perspectives.” He noted that they received valuable feedback on strengths and challenges at different levels.

The invitation to participate was distributed via various channels starting in January. This included advertisements in the Southern Nebraska Register and social media posts until April's end. Weekly print ads featured registration details along with QR codes and links. Articles appeared in several issues of local publications as well.

Gutierrez commented on the process: “The strength of the listening sessions came from the participants themselves—their thoughtful reflections shaped a space where every perspective mattered.” She mentioned that common themes emerged which will guide future planning.

A planning team will convene later this summer to develop a diocesan plan informed by these findings and other data. This plan is expected by fall 2025 with an action plan launching early 2026 under leadership across clergy, religious figures, and laity.

Gutierrez emphasized lay leadership's role: “Lay leadership will play a crucial role... ensuring that...the plan is tailored to meet actual needs.” Bishop Conley added: “The creation...of our diocesan plan marks something truly extraordinary...into the future God desires.”