The ongoing implementation of Synod Initiatives, plans for future parish staffing, and using technology to strengthen communications throughout the regions were priority issues addressed May 5 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council's second meeting.

The gathering with Cardinal Roger Mahony at the Cathedral Conference Center included more than 20 people representing the five pastoral regions, priests, religious, deacons and parish life directors.

A representative from each of the five pastoral regions reported on how the six Synod priority initiatives are being implemented in their region. The initiatives are in the areas of evangelization, structures for participation and accountability, ongoing faith education and formation, ministry and leadership, Eucharist and sacramental living and social justice.

Multiple efforts also are underway to strengthen communications within the regions. All five regions, for example, post minutes of their regional council meetings under the regional listings within the archdiocesan website, www.archdiocese.la.

The San Gabriel Region has developed a regional newsletter and is creating small parish bulletin announcements letting parishioners know of the existence of the regional pastoral council. Our Lady of the Angels Region has a website and moderated blog at www.olaprcouncil.org; the site was created to offer opportunities for wider participation in regional concerns and to increase awareness of the regional council.

"We hope to promote communication among the parishes," said Caitlin Morais, archdiocesan pastoral council member from the Our Lady of the Angels Region.

Videoconferencing technology is scheduled be set up in nine deaneries throughout the regions by the end of this year. The remaining 11 deaneries will get the technology in 2008. The technology --- which will increase efficiency and cut down on commuting costs --- is "a high priority," said Cardinal Mahony.

The cardinal also announced that the California Catholic Conference of bishops is going to set up a statewide legislative e-mail network to be able to communicate with the state's Catholics on legislation that impacts Catholics.

"The assisted suicide bill [AB 374, which the church opposes] would be a good way to use this," said the cardinal.

Deacon Gus Sebenius, who heads archdiocesan parish viability planning, reported on the continued progress on planning for future parish staffing needs. Proposed parish models like twinning or consolidation are being further defined so that clergy, staff and parishioners are clear about the concepts when options are being explored and decisions are being made.

Msgr. John Woolway from the Council of Priests expressed a concern about the twinning model "because of the added stress involved to the priest pastor" who agrees to pastor two parishes simultaneously.

Deacon Sebenius acknowledged that "the health of the man and the health of the community are vastly important."

For twinning to work, said Cardinal Mahony, both parishes need to have strong staffs and parish councils and the resource of additional associate or retired priests.

"That's why we go back to the parish council. It's so critical to be strong," said the cardinal.

Following the parish viability study, Holy Redeemer Church in Montrose and nearby St. James the Less Church in La Crescenta realized that they could twin beginning July 1.

The cardinal encouraged parishes to try various ideas to see what works. "Every region is different. Every local has its own unique situation," he said. "We're going to be going through a lot of changes. I find it very exciting. I don't find it discouraging at all. We're finding new ways to be church."

Deacon Sebenius also noted that there needs to be a larger pool of parish life directors in the archdiocese and communities need to be prepared to receive them.

All the regions need to be looking comprehensively at their Mass schedules as another way of addressing priest staffing at each of the Masses, said the cardinal. Changes would be made incrementally and slowly, he added. The San Fernando Region already is conducting a regional survey of Mass schedules at the parishes.

Dominican Sister Carolyn McCormack summed up the opportunity facing archdiocesan ministers and parishioners: "The call to look with new eyes and be willing to take risks to try new things is really integral to this moment today."