Diocesan Governance Commission begins work on strategic plan for Diocese of Covington

The Diocesan Governance Commission began the final stage of a strategic planning process for the Diocese of Covington during its first meeting on Sept. 12. Bishop John Iffert welcomed approximately 200 volunteers to the Bishop Howard Memorial Auditorium in Covington to start discussions on the structure and work of the diocesan Curia.

The commission will examine how diocesan offices support parishes, schools, and ministries throughout Northern Kentucky. Members will focus on four specific areas: departments and ministries, finance, revenue and allocations, shared services, and communications. This group is the fourth and final commission in a series that previously addressed Catholic Charities, Catholic Schools, and the establishment of a Catholic Foundation.

The initial meeting consisted of a general session to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, beginning with 45 minutes of prayer known as spiritual conversation. The commission is scheduled to meet through December, with all four planning commissions set to gather for a closing Mass and meeting in January.