Our Pastoral Plan: The Spirit Is Moving

After months of surveying and listening, over 210 young adult delegates convened at Archbishop Mitty High School for a day of prayer, dialogue, and hope. Delegates responded to questions that needed their unique perspective, and a task force was formed to gather their input. In January 2025, the task force presented the Young Adult Addendum to the pastoral plan at a celebration featuring tacos, appreciation, and inspiring words from Bishop Cantú.

Learn more about the Young Adult Assembly: https://www.dsj.org/evangelization/young-adult/young-adult-assembly/

In May 2024, over 200 parishioners from 30 parishes gathered for the Hospitality Summit — a day of inspiration, training, and prayer focused on the Sunday Mass experience. Participants explored what newcomers see, think, and feel when they walk through our doors, and left equipped to be better ministers of welcome. It was the first of several landmark diocesan gatherings.

In January 2025, the 26 parishes with Spanish-speaking ministries or Masses gathered for a joyful Encuentro. This assembly brought alignment between the USCCB’s National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry and our diocesan pastoral plan. A prominent USCCB staff member affirmed the rightful place of Hispanic leadership in parish life and the vibrancy it brings to our communities.

Learn more about the Encuentro: https://www.dsj.org/evangelization/cultural-ministries/hispanic-ministry/encuentro-diocesano-hispano-english/

Beginning in March 2025, Parish Leadership Team (PLT) gatherings have united lay staff and volunteers as co-responsible partners in implementing the pastoral plan at the parish level. In 2025, three gatherings were held with over 400 members attending each session and a 96% parish attendance rate. PLT members have been instrumental in assessing parishioner needs, identifying parish focus areas, and rallying their communities behind the discerned work of renewal.

Beginning in March 2025, Parish Leadership Team (PLT) gatherings have united lay staff and volunteers as co-responsible partners in implementing the pastoral plan at the parish level. In 2025, three gatherings were held with over 400 members attending each session and a 96% parish attendance rate. PLT members have been instrumental in assessing parishioner needs, identifying parish focus areas, and rallying their communities behind the discerned work of renewal.

In August 2025, over 100 English and Spanish-speaking ministers were trained in the first Institute for Leadership in Ministry (ILM) short course for Marriage & Family Ministry. Over the course of a month, this cohort studied the anthropology, theology, pastoral care, and practical strategy needed to build family ministry at the parish level, with insights from Santa Clara University professors and other professionals.

To fund the spiritual renewal efforts outlined in the pastoral plan, a feasibility study confirmed that the soil was fertile for growth. In August 2025, four pilot parishes launched the Sowing Seeds of Faith campaign to great success with their pledges exceeding their combined goal and still growing. The campaign has now expanded into Wave 1, with additional parishes joining the effort.

Learn more about Sowing Seeds of Faith: https://www.dsj.org/giving/seedsoffaith/

In September 2024, seven Advisory Committees were launched to support, monitor, and advise chancery teams on implementing the plan’s priorities and objectives. These diverse committees — composed of laity, priests, and deacons passionate about their ministerial fields — have provided specific guidance to ensure that diocesan resources make a real difference at the parish level.