In 2021, after an 11-month period of consultation with clergy, religious and laity, the Arlington diocese announced the launch of a strategic plan to identify the needs of the diocese and create a plan of action to address those needs.
The Diocese of Arlington Strategic Plan has six strategic pillars, or areas of focus, with five corresponding objectives, or goals, to be achieved through the participation of the entire diocese. The six pillars are: Revitalize Evangelization and Faith Formation; Cultivate Authentic Discipleship in Christ; Invigorate Catholic Education for All; Strengthen Parish and Family Life; Foster One Communion of Many Cultures; and Deepen Our Commitment to Charitable Works.
In the past several months, working groups have come up with proposals for projects to implement these goals. “We are about to present those proposals to the bishop now that we have reduced the number,” said Ward Jones, chief operations officer for the diocese, who has organized much of the effort. “He wants to share those proposals with two of his consultative bodies: his Presbyteral Council and his Diocesan Pastoral Council — a group of lay members, priests and consecrated religious.”
One proposal would expand the diocesan retreat center, San Damiano Spiritual Life Center in White Post. Currently, the facility has 31 guest rooms and nearly every weekend is booked, according to Jones. Adding more rooms as well as athletic fields would allow for more than one retreat group at a time and attract more youth groups. Additionally, this project would cover more than one pillar — Cultivate Authentic Discipleship in Christ, Invigorate Catholic Education for All, and Strengthen Parish and Family Life.
As proposals are finalized in the coming weeks, Jones hopes parishes will continue to implement the diocesan strategic plan on the local level.
