ROCKFORD—Faith was unanimously chosen as a top priority for diocesan Catholic schools by the Diocesan Pastoral Council.

The DPC meets quarterly to address matters of pastoral concern raised by Bishop David Malloy. Bishop Malloy also at times, invites the council itself to raise matters that may be forwarded to the Presbyteral Council to consider.

At their June 13 meeting, Bishop Malloy asked the DPC to focus discussion on Catholic education and diocesan schools.

Addressing the group was Michael Kagan, superintendent of Catholic Schools. Bishop Malloy invited him and Dr. Michael Cieslak, executive secretary of the DPC, to outline the issues and challenges facing Catholic education in the diocese and to explain the need for strategic planning to address them.

Kagan gave the council an overview of the issues and the planning process, which will begin in a few months. Most of the meeting then involved questions and answers about the process and a discussion of what the council saw as initial priorities to be considered during the process.

Faith, family, economic justice, a greater outreach to Hispanic parents and students and a strong Catholic identity among faculty, staff, volunteers, parents and students were also key areas identified by  DPC members.

Another aspect raised by the council was the need for a greater unity and mutual understanding and respect between Catholic schools and parish religious education programs.

The council agreed with a member who proposed that a strategic planning process would be a “great opportunity” for schools and parishes “to step into real unity.”

“The advice and discussion here is always of value and I appreciate these initial thoughts as we move forward to address all the issues facing our Catholic education and identity.  It is very helpful,” Bishop Malloy said.

Prior to the discussion about Catholic schools, the group received updates about the Youth Summit set for Oct. 25 and Ministry Day planned for Oct. 30. They also heard a report on the 2015 Be Reconciled Day.

Bishop Malloy thanked council members Kathleen Giovingo, Dawn Harrielle, Laura Ortiz, Sister Janice Rosinski, SSJ-TOSF and Sally VanderBleek, whose terms were ending. He also recognized the service of outgoing chair, Deacon Bob Mitchison and vice-chair Amy Dietz.

Elected during the meeting as new DPC chair was Sharon Hall. Dan Payette was elected vice chair.

Dr. Cieslak reported that there are five vacant seats on the DPC to be filled.