Our Journey: From Synod to Pastoral Plan

The pastoral plan for the Diocese of San José did not begin with a document. It began with prayer, listening, and the voices of thousands of faithful across Santa Clara County. Here is the story of how our community discerned the path forward — and who is helping guide us along the way.

It Started with Listening: The Diocesan Synod

In response to Pope Francis’s call for a synodal Church, Bishop Oscar Cantú launched a Diocesan Synod — a process of deep listening across the diocese. Parishioners, clergy, religious, and community members were invited to share their hopes, concerns, and dreams for the future of the Church in the Santa Clara Valley.

Thousands participated through listening sessions, surveys, and small-group conversations held in parishes, schools, and communities throughout the diocese. These voices were gathered, synthesized, and presented at the Synod General Assembly Weekend, where delegates from across the diocese came together to discern the priorities that would shape our future.

The synod revealed clear themes: a desire for deeper spiritual formation, more welcoming communities, stronger outreach, investment in families and young people, and structures that support renewal at every level.

Learn more about the Synod Assembly Weekend: https://www.dsj.org/diocesan-synod-general-assembly-weekend/

Diocesan Synod archive page: https://www.dsj.org/diocesan-synod/

From Listening to Action: The Planning Process

Following the synod, Bishop Cantú commissioned a formal pastoral planning process to translate the community’s discernment into concrete priorities, objectives, and action steps. Working groups, committees, and diocesan staff collaborated to develop a comprehensive plan organized around six strategic priorities and 22 objectives:

 

  1. Worship
  2. Formation
  3. Outreach
  4. Family Ministry
  5. Youth & Young Adults
  6. Structural Renewal

Each priority area includes specific objectives with measurable goals, ensuring accountability and progress as the diocese moves forward together.

Pastoral Planning process archive page: https://www.dsj.org/pastoral-planning-2/

A Living Blueprint: December 6, 2023

On the Feast of St. Nicholas, December 6, 2023, Bishop Oscar Cantú officially promulgated the pastoral plan for the Diocese of San José. The plan was presented not as a static document, but as a living blueprint for spiritual renewal — one that would grow and adapt as the Holy Spirit continues to guide our community.

The plan’s vision is anchored in the diocese’s approach to its 50th Jubilee in 2031, which joyfully coincides with the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance and message to St. Juan Diego.

➡ Read the full Pastoral Plan and see what we’ve accomplished

Advisory Committees

Seven Advisory Committees support, monitor, and advise the chancery teams in their implementation of the pastoral plan’s priorities and objectives. These dedicated and diverse committees are composed of lay faithful, priests, and deacons who are passionate about their ministerial fields and committed to ensuring that our renewal efforts are effective and grounded in the real needs of our parishes.

➡ Learn about the Advisory Committees

Advisory Committees page: https://www.dsj.org/about-us/pastoral-planning/pastoral-plan-advisory/

Related Links

Bishop’s Video Messages Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuVyEW3VuIsJumEfC67FM8hsfEmKC9iCf

Charting a Spiritual Renewal (news article): https://www.dsj.org/charting-a-spiritual-renewal-bishop-oscarcantu-unveils-newoffice-stevemilligan/