December 3,2001

Rev. Peter Lyons, T.O.R.
Pastor
St. Wenceslaus and St. Ann
2111 Ashland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21205

Dear Peter:
                 I am enclosing the final report from my pastoral visit on November 3-December 2,2001. I encourage you to share the entire report with the Pastoral Council, the parish staff, and especially, with all the parishioners.

                 May I repeat what I hope I made clear throughout the visit: that I am extremely grateful for your thorough preparation for the visit and for your gracious hospitality to me, Sr. Rosalie Murphy, Therese Wilson Favors, and Deacon Paul Weber. Being with you, both personally and professionally, was a great grace.

                 The major recommendations are printed in bold type in the report. Please be advised that in two years I will ask for a written report from you on the progress being made to achieve them. And with respect to all the other recommendations, I expect that these will be adequately addressed within the next five years.

                 Once again, thank you, Peter. You have my gratitude and prayers and best wishes for your continued consolation as Pastor of St. Ann and St. Wenceslaus.

320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-4421 / (410) 547-5452/ Fax: (410) 727-5432 /

PASTORAL VISIT

St. Wenceslaus Parish
November 30-December 2, 2001

GENERAL

The Committee commends:

     •  The Parishioners of St. Wenceslaus Parish for their preparation for the Bishop and the visiting team.
     •  The Parishioners of St. Wenceslaus Parish for their support ofthe outreach to the wider community.
     •  The Parishioners of St. Wenceslaus Parish for the sharing of their time and talents to advance the mission of the parish.
     •  The Parishioners of St. Wenceslaus Parish for their generous financial support of the Heritage of Hope and the Stewardship campaigns.
     • The Parishioners of St. Wenceslaus Parish for their support of and cooperation with the changes in pastoral leadership.

The Committee recommends:  

• That the Pastor facilitate the improvement of the computer capabilities of the parish.

PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Committee commends:

     •  The Pastoral Council for collaborating with the Pastor in planning for the future of the parish.
     •  The Pastoral Council for their participation in Operation Faith-Lift.
     •  The Pastoral Council for their efforts to engage more parishioners in taking active roles in the various ministries.
     •  The Pastoral Council for their support of a Stewardship campaign to improve the financial condition of the parish.
     •  The Pastoral Council for their honest assessment of the needs ofthe parish in preparation for the Bishop's Pastoral Visit.
     •  The Pastoral Council for their efforts in addressing lay leadership development, vocation promotion and maximum      utilization of facilities.
     •  The Pastoral Council for success in evangelizing youth and young people by involving them in the various programs.

The Committee recommends:

     •  That the Pastoral Council support the pastor and staff in evangelization efforts with the particular focus on increasing male membership, participation and leadership in the parish.
     •  That the Pastoral Council pursue additional ways to collaborate and communicate with St. Ann 's Parish and to share resources.
     •  That the Pastoral Council continue to provide opportunities for development and utilization of lay leadership including young adults.
     •  That the Pastoral Council expand the base of volunteers in leadership positions.
     •  That the Pastoral Council involve its members more with ecumenical and neighborhood activities and concerns.

PASTORAL STAFF

The Committee commends:

     •  The Pastoral Staff for their efforts at including children in the social and fund raising activities as well as providing child care while parents attend services.
     •  The Pastoral Staff for their cooperative working relationship with the Pastor.
     •  The Pastoral Staff for their preparation for the Bishop's visitation.
     •  The Pastoral Staff for their programs supporting the elderly, the prison, St. Katherine's school and the poor.
     •  The Pastoral Staff for their hospitality and outreach to the young members of the parish community.  

The Committee recommends :

     •  That the Pastoral Staff develop concrete plans in the areas chosen for the parish's growth: young adult ministry, facility planning and improvement, and lay ministry and leadership training.
     •  That the Pastoral Staff collaborate with the staff of St. Ann's parish on ministries and services of common interest.
     •  That the Pastoral Staff investigate the opportunities for the funding of a mentoring program for youth.
 

YOUTH

The Committee commends:

     • The youth for their openness and honest dialog with the Visiting Team.