To: Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of El Camino Real

As our Diocese moves into the summer months, we want to reflect on important events in the month of May.

Impressions from the Lay Conference evaluations

1. The laity are energized and ready to move on.

2. The laity recognize that some lay persons still need opportunities for reconciliation, and have suggestions on how to do that.

3. The laity want to move on in partnership with the clergy, and envision a future diocese in which bishop, clergy and laity will work together in mutual ministry.

4. Laity have opportunities to reach out into our multi-cultural society; clergy need provide laity with the tools to do this

Impressions from the Clergy Conference

1. 90% of the clergy are ready to move on.

2. Other clergy need opportunities for reconciliation. Such opportunities may come in liturgies of reconciliation, conferences on healing, and one-on-one conversations with the assisting bishop and others.

3. Clergy need to listen to the laity energized by the Lay Conference.

4. Most clergy believe we have significant work to do before we start the search process for a new bishop.

Thinking about the Future

1. To move forward, our diocese needs clear, honest and frequent communication. The Standing Committee is committed to transparency in all areas of diocesan life.

2. To move forward, our diocese needs collegial leadership: clergy working together, laity working with clergy, and various diocesan bodies working in sync with each other. The Standing Committee is committed to facilitating the ministries of all persons and bodies in the diocese.

3. To move forward, we need to learn how to honor minority feelings and opinions but not be stuck with them. The Standing Committee is committed to listening to all, and then working together to build our common future.

4. To move forward, we need to begin and vigorously pursue discussions of our core values and vision. The Standing Committee is committed to beginning these discussions in the month of June.

The Challenge and the Promise

In this time of transition, our diocese has many needs. However, it is also a time when we are being presented with many new opportunities to build up the community of the Diocese of El Camino Real. Working together, the Standing Committee believes that we will become stronger and ever more able to commit ourselves to the work God has given this Diocese to do.