“THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL” fills the hearts and lives of
all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of
salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness
and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew
… I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark
upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this
joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s
journey in years to come.”

Bishop Joe Vásquez initiated a process to develop this Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Austin. Pastoral leaders and the faithful engaged in a year-long process of prayer, reflection and discussion to identify how the people, parishes, schools and diocesan o ces might answer the call
of Pope Francis to embark upon new paths on our common journey to Jesus Christ. This is a call to encounter Jesus Christ in a more intentional way with a deeper faith so that we can be transformed for greater Christian witness through renewed ways of ministry.

This Pastoral Plan is an intentional invitation to people and faith communities of Central Texas to an Encounter that Leads to Transformation. First, all the people of the Diocese of Austin are invited to continue on their pathway of discipleship through a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ. Second, the invitation to renewal and transformation is also addressed to parishes, schools, Catholic entities and other ministries so they may help people deepen their encounter
with Christ. Finally, the plan is an invitation to diocesan structures and o ces to be transformed to support parishes, schools and individuals.

 

Mission Statement

This Plan is designed to build upon the existing mission statement of the Diocese of Austin, which reads:

“We, the Diocese of Austin, through the Word and Eucharist, prayer, formation, education, social ministries and advocacy, embrace diverse cultures throughout the diocese so that together, as the Catholic Church, we may continue the mission of Christ in the world today.”