March 31, 2017
Dear Friends,
The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all peoples, inviting them into a relationship with the Lord. Every disciple is baptized into this mission of Evangelization, which we have been exploring here so that we can better engage in our common mission.
Over the last several years, we have identified Word, Worship and Witness as the characteristic elements of Evangelization. We have also engaged in surveys, diocesan assemblies, deanery meetings, and conversations with parish leaders and chancery personnel regarding the structure and functions of the Office of Pastoral Services, specifically how they could be modified to align more with the needs of our parishes and deaneries. I am pleased to announce the formation ofthe Department for Evangelization. This department will include services in the areas of Liturgy, Youth and Young Adults, Faith Formation, Marriage and Family Life, Cultural Diversity, Social Ministries, and the Institute for Leadership in Ministry.
I have asked Father John Hurley, CSP, whom many of you know through his recent work with us in
Evangelization, to lead this new department as Vicar for Evangelization. I am pleased that he has accepted this appointment. In view of the importance of these efforts, Father John will report directly to me. Father John comes to the Diocese with broad experience in the area of Evangelization, both locally and nationally. He has worked on parish, diocesan, and national levels and has over forty years of pastoral experience.
I have full confidence that with the formation of this new department and our ongoing work with leadership in the areas of Word, Worship, and Witness, our evangelical efforts will be well-resourced and appropriately aligned with the needs of parishes and communities throughout our local Church. Please join me in welcoming Father Hurley to this new ministry, which officially begins on April 18.
With every best wish and kind regard, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Patrick J. McGrath
Bishop of San Jose