The Diocese of Rapid City is collecting information to create a strategic plan for the next 10-20 years. Our parish will be asked to hold several town hall meetings throughout the next year to aid in the development of the Strategic Plan. Please plan to attend each meeting as they happen. If you cannot attend in person, please watch the livestream of the event and submit your comments/questions through Facebook or by email to olbh@olbh.org.
Guiding principles of the Diocesan Strategic Plan include:
[1] We will observe all relevant norms of Church doctrine and law. [2] We will not presume that the way it has always been is the way that it must be; under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we will learn and be open to change as we engage this process. [3] The strategic pastoral plan should include proposals for the recruitment, formation, affirmation and support for priests, deacons, religious, and lay leadership for ministry, and parishes. [4] We acknowledge not every part of the diocese, especially mission territory, functions according to the norms that typically govern parish structure and life. We will respect this diversity and work as one body to meet the needs of all. [5] The weekend Mass will remain central to our planning efforts. [6] The support and nuturing of healthy, viable parishes is paramount to our efforts. [7] Parish priests should not say more than four weekend Masses (2 per day). [8] Priests will not be asked or expected to serve beyond the canonical age of seventy-five.
Parish Level Meetings:
First Town Hall Meeting regarding the Diocesan Strategic Plan Overview SLIDESHOW and LIVESTREAM [January 8, 2022]
Second Town Hall Meeting regarding the demographics of Our Lady of the Black Hills and the growth predictions for our community SLIDESHOW [July 30, 2022].
Deanery Level Meetings:
OLBH is a member of Deanery 1. From March to August, Deanery 1 is in the process of holding group discussion meetings to provide the Bishop with input for helping parishes to be more effective and efficient in reaching out to their respective parishes. Here are reports from each Deanery 1 meeting.
Session 1 (March 18, 2023): SWOT Analysis Report: Report on identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for each parish. SWOT Analysis
Session 2 (April 15, 2023): Parish Structure Options Report – Report on the options for restructuring parishes in order to serve parishioners. Pastor's Plan Pro and Con
Session 3 (May 20, 2023): Parish Services (Implementation) Report – Report outlines the sacramental, liturgical, faith formation, office hours, etc. for each parish based on options recommended by each parish. Implementation Report
Session 4 (June 17, 2023): A Draft Report to the Bishop - To anser three questions regarding Deanery 1 parishes. Draft to the Bishop
Session 5 (July 15, 2023): Second Draft Report to the Bishop - This report reflects the proposed recommendations from the Deanery 1 parishes to the Bishop including Our Lady of the Black Hills. It is a second draft and it will be reviewed again at the sixth meeting to be held on August 19. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the report please contact Teresa Thompson, Bridgette Fode, Deacon John Osnes, Deacon Greg Sass, or Deacon Phil Thompson. 2nd Draft to the Bishop
Session 6 (August 19, 2023) Final Report to the Bishop