Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since becoming your bishop, I have been inspired by the generosity and faithfulness of the priests, religious, deacons, and laity of this Diocese.  You have shown your dedication to the Truth of the Gospel, your devotion to the Sacraments, and your commitment to those in need.

Your faithfulness and your charity have demonstrated to me that we, with God’s grace, can achieve much in this Diocese.  To that end, I initiated a strategic plan that identifies the needs of our Diocese and establishes goals that will unite us.

This strategic plan is the result of extensive consultation with clergy, religious, and laity over a period of eleven months.  We held twenty-six focus groups and conducted three surveys.  We received thousands of responses from parishioners across the Diocese.

With this input, we established six focus areas, or pillars, and thirty goals.  These goals are applicable at the diocesan, parochial, family, and individual levels.  In the coming months, we will develop an action plan for the implementation of these goals.

It is my hope that this strategic plan will unite us as a Diocese in a common focus of ministry that glorifies God and makes known the presence of His Kingdom on earth.

Through the intercession of Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph, please join me in praying to Our Lord Jesus that this strategic plan will be a blessing to the Diocese of Arlington.
Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge

Bishop of Arlington