Source: http://www.clsadb.com/document/b75fa0f2-f6e9-404a-bfe4-5b8da1b78039
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 20:30:58+00:00

Document:
Congregation for Bishops, Form for the Quinquennial Report (Formulae relationis quinquennialis), 1997.
1. This revised edition of the Form for the Quinquennial Report has been prepared by the Congregation for Bishops so as to facilitate the compilation of the Quinquennial Report as required of every Diocesan Bishop by Canon 399 of the Code of Canon Law.
2. The Quinquennial Report serves as a means of promoting the relationship of communion between particular Churches and the Roman Pontiff on the occasion of the ad limina visit. This Report therefore should be sent well enough in advance of the visit (at least six months) “so that the Holy Father can have a profitable meeting with each bishop on both a personal and pastoral level, and so that the competent Dicasteries of the Roman Curia can have a constructive dialogue with diocesan Pastors” (Directory for the ad limina Visit, Foreword, VI). It is fitting then to note that, in preparation for the private Audience which is customarily granted to each Bishop, the Holy Father is provided with a synthesis of each Bishop’s Quinquennial Report.
The preparation of the Quinquennial Report on the local level, therefore, affords a privileged occasion for reflection on the situation of the diocese and pastoral planning for its future.
3. What follows is proposed as a comprehensive yet succinct outline of the various areas of pastoral interest, both to assist Bishops in the elaboration of their Reports, and to facilitate their examination by the various Dicasteries and Offices of the Roman Curia.
Keeping in mind the variety of circumstances which characterize each particular Church, the Bishop will be able, accordingly, to adapt his reply to the present schema to the unique situation of his own diocese, provide more detailed information about those areas of greater importance in the life of his diocese, delineate those issues not treated of in the Form, as well as identify the more pressing problems which confront his pastoral governance.
4. Each section begins with a statistical outline, designed to provide, at a glance, the principal date of the diocese, followed by the presentation of a more detailed exposition.
The value of these statistics will depend upon accuracy with which they have been compiled.
For dioceses of smaller dimensions or of more modest means, it may be difficult at times to furnish the data which is here requested. The Bishop, therefore, should report the information requested in the degree to which it is applicable to the particular Church.
5. In preparing the Quinquennial Report, the Diocesan Bishop should strive to be objective, precise and succinct in supplying the requested information.
It is important that the Bishop not only describe any difficulties which might have arisen, but also their underlying causes, and those means which have been employed during the quinquennial period to resolve them, when presenting information concerning the actual pastoral situation of the diocese.
The presentation of the Quinquennial Report also provides an occasion to enumerate those pastoral questions which are yet to be resolved. It will be advantageous to include these within the text of the Report in such a way as to allow for an attentive study on the part of the interested Dicasteries prior to the ad limina visit, thus affording an opportunity for a more informed discussion during the visit.
In the case of especially confidential matters, the Ordinary may wish to inform the various Offices of the Roman Curia directly.
6. In drawing up the Quinquennial Report, the diocesan Bishop should involve those who are his closest collaborators in the exercise of his episcopal ministry. Nevertheless, the Bishop’s personal contribution remains essential, particularly in preparing Chapter III, which refers to his own episcopal ministry, and where the Bishop’s personal evaluation is required (eg. Chapter XXII).
1. Christian name and surname.
5. Diocesan responsibilities; extra-diocesan appointments.
3. Date of priestly ordination.
5. Extent of jurisdiction and activity entrusted to them.
When was the last Synod held and what important questions were considered? If held during the quinquennium indicate: the composition of the Synod, in particular: the ratio between priests and other faithful, and between de iure participants and those invited by the bishop; information concerning the organization, operation and procedure of the Synod; an assessment of the results, and comment with regard to difficulties encountered.
Were there any other diocesan assemblies?
E. Pastoral-Administrative Offices and consultative diocesan agencies, up to 31 December of the last year of the quinquennium.
1. Diocesan Curia: Commissions and Offices, list their staff, members and officials (clergy, men and women religious, laity: men, women).
2. The College of Consultors: composition and frequency of meetings, record of minutes, judgment of the Bishop in its regard.
3. The Council of Priests: number of members (elected, appointed by the Bishop, or ex officio), how often the Council is renewed, frequency of meetings. Understanding of the Presbyteral Council’s nature as a “senate of the Bishop.” Issues considered. Judgment concerning its operation and difficulties encountered. The establishment of a stable group of pastors for the examination of cases of the removal of parish priests (Canon 1742).
4. Pastoral Council (Canon 511), if constituted: number of members, laity, men and women religious, clergy. Subject matter proposed and treated. Judgment on the operation of the Council and on its consultative character.Other Councils.
5. Diocesan (or Regional) Tribunal: number of judges and other officials: clergy, religious, laity. Activity during the quinquennium.
F. The Cathedral of the Diocese. The Cathedral Chapter; principle functions entrusted to the Chapter. Any Collegiate Chapters.
G. Division of the Diocese into Deaneries. (Vicariates Forane, pastoral regions).
H. The Bishop’s evaluation and pastoral judgment on the effectiveness and efficiency on the above listed offices, agencies and tribunals.
For the information of the Holy See, please enclose copies of relevant documents regarding: synodal decrees, statutes of diocesan Councils (Council of Priests, Pastoral Council, other groups) and of the Cathedral Chapter.
1. General statistical overview of the diocese: in two columns - the first relative to 1 January of the first year of the quinquennium, the second relative to 31 December of the last year of the quinquennium - please indicate the following diocesan data: area of the diocese - total population - Catholic population - number of diocesan priests - number of religious priests - number of major seminarians - number of minor seminarians - number of non-priest men religious - number of women religious - number of parishes - number of Catholic educational institutions - number of Catholic charitable institutions.
2. Indicate the principal characteristics of the diocese as a sociological entity, briefly portraying its geographical, historical, social, economic and cultural aspects. Describe the morality prevalent within secular society.
3. The policy of the civil authorities in regard to public morality, to the mission of the Church, and especially to education.
1. The teaching of the Bishop and his initiatives to promote and safeguard the faith.
2. Pastoral visits: to parishes, to Catholic educational institutions, to religious communities and to other Catholic institutions; the mode of conducting such visits, their frequency, and an assessment of each.
3. What is the relationship between the Bishop and his clergy?
4. The Bishop’s rapport with other pastoral organizations which are present within the diocese (Military Ordinariate, Personal Prelatures). Rapport with religious communities and their superiors.Rapport with representatives of the various associations of the lay faithful, and of associations of priests.
5. Provision for the pastoral care of Catholics of other Rites who are subject to the jurisdiction of the diocesan bishop.
6. Rapport with civil authorities.
7. Collaboration with Bishops of the other Rites who have jurisdiction for the pastoral care of their own faithful within the diocese.
8. Association with other ecclesial communities or religious confessions present within the diocese.
9. Collaboration with other Bishops at the provincial or regional level; collaboration in the work of the Conference of Bishops. Retired Bishops residing in the diocese.
10. Absence of the Bishop from the diocese (Canon 395): motives, frequency, effects on the pastoral governance of the diocese.
1. Number of infant baptisms. Percent (at least approximately) of Catholic parents who do not have their children baptized.
2. Number of adult baptisms.
3. Number of First Holy Communions.
5. Number of canonically celebrated marriages - marriages celebrated in the extraordinary form - marriages celebrated with a dispensation from canonical form - marriages celebrated before a delegated layperson - mixed marriages.
6. Approximate number of persons who have received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
7. Percentage of Sunday Mass attendance (distinguishing where possible the following percentages: men, women, children, young people, adults).
a) Liturgical-sacramental life of the faithful: keeping in mind the data given in the statistics section, please express a judgment on participation in worship, the frequency and the manner of the celebration of the Sacraments. In particular: the observance of Sundays and Feasts of Precept; participation in daily Mass; the frequency of the reception of the Sacrament of Penance. Observance of the Easter Duty. Liturgical formation of the faithful.
b) Observance of liturgical and canonical discipline on the part of the ordinary ministers of the Sacraments, specifically: the use of approved liturgical texts; the valid matter and form for the celebration of the Sacraments and in particular for the Holy Eucharist; are the norms governing the use of “general absolution” observed? Liturgical formation of candidates for Holy Orders, especially with regard to the proper celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.Continuing formation of the clergy in liturgical matters.
c) Is the Sacred Liturgy celebrated with due dignity? Are the approved Liturgical rituals and books readily available? Is due care taken in the maintenance of sacred places, and of vestments, vessels and furnishing used for the celebration of the Liturgy? Liturgical singing: what provision is made for congregational singing? The use of gregorian chant, classic polyphony, or other music suited for the Sacred Liturgy?
d) The Liturgical Year: is proper emphasis placed on the seasons of Advent and Lent; on the importance of the Easter Triduum, especially on the celebration of the Easter Vigil?
e) Are the Funeral Rites celebrated in accordance with established norms? Sacramentals and their use among the faithful. The dedication of Churches.The practice of blessings.
f) Other liturgical Rites celebrated within the diocese.
g) Is the Liturgy of the Hours celebrated publicly?
h) The promotion of popular piety and of approved pious practices: the Rosary, the Angelus, Stations of the Cross.
a) The Holy Eucharist. Sunday Mass: worthy celebration, dignity, participation of the faithful; preparation and doctrinal content of the homily; use (and any abuse) of the anticipated Saturday evening Mass; any instances of Sunday celebrations in the absence of a priest; emphasis on the community aspect of the Holy Eucharist, avoiding its celebration for exclusive interest groups. Observance of the norm for bination and trination. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion: proper training and exercise of their ministry and any abuses. The administration of Viaticum. The proper custody of the Holy Eucharist. The concession of the indult to use the Missale Romanum of 1962.
The promotion of the worship of the Holy Eucharist outside of Mass (Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Forty Hours Devotions, processions, visits and holy hours of adoration, etc.) and catechesis on the mystery of the Holy Eucharist.
b) Christian Initiation. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; the Christian initiation of children or young people; are infants baptized within a reasonable time period after birth If not, what are the reasons for any delays; preparatory meetings with the parents. Confirmation: age and celebration. Is the Sacrament of Penance duly celebrated before reception of First Holy Communion? The Celebration of First Holy Communion.
c) Penance. The formation of conscience concerning the meaning of sin and the preaching of conversion; the maintenance of the liturgical and canonical integrity of the Sacrament of Penance in individual and communal celebrations. The use of a worthy setting for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance and proper respect and provision for the faithful who desire to make anonymous confessions. Preaching on the necessity of confessing mortal sins before reception of Holy Communion. Observance of the penitential days; of fast, abstinence and of the practice of works of mercy in the Christian life. Doctrine and practice concerning indulgences.
d) Holy Orders. Observance of the proper investigation of candidates for Holy Orders; the solemnity and participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Rite of Ordination.
e) Marriage: The religious understanding of marriage and its celebration among the faithful. The use of approved liturgical texts.
f) Anointing of the Sick. Application of the criteria for the administration and repetition of the Sacrament; and particularly in reference to the place and means of communal celebrations. Is the Sacrament readily available to the faithful?
a) Those beatified and the canonized saints of the diocese; their presentation to the faithful as models for the Christian life and in the work of evangelization. The veneration and use of relics.
b) Any efforts on the part of institutes of Consecrated Life and associations of the faithful to promote priests, religious or laity for beatification? Any processes of beatification or canonization currently under investigation in the Congregation for the Causes of Saints?
1. Major seminaries and the total number of seminarians for the diocese.
2. Minor seminaries and the total number of seminarians for the diocese.
3. Catholic Universities, number of students enrolled, degrees granted.
4. State or secular Universities and the number of students enrolled.
5. Ecclesiastical Faculties, number of professors and students enrolled in each faculty, degrees granted.
6. Other Catholic Institutes of Higher Learning, number of students enrolled in each, degrees granted.
7. Number of schools: a) Catholic b) non-Catholic state/secular c) others, distinguishing in each category pre-school/kindergarten, primary or elementary, and secondary schools.
8. Number of those enrolled in schools: a) Catholic b) non-Catholic state/secular c) others, distinguishing in each category pre-school/kindergarten, primary or elementary, and secondary schools.
9. Number of teachers in Catholic schools: a) pre-school/kindergarten, b) primary or elementary, c) secondary; distinguising in each group priests, religious, laity, and non-Catholic teachers.
10. Special Catholic Schools: a) pre-school/kindergarten, b) primary or elementary, c) secondary.
11. Percentage of Catholic children attending non-Catholic schools who receive religious instruction.
12. Number of priests, religious, laity who teach religion in: a) Elementary schools b) Secondary schools.
13. Priests, religious and laity teaching Theology or Canon Law in an Ecclesiastical Faculty or in advanced courses distinguishing in each category as above.
1. The promotion of vocations. The encouragement of vocations and assistance given in discernment of and perseverance in the vocation.
Diocesan initiatives for the promotion of vocations.Promoting vocations in the parishes. Vocations programs for youth. Vocations work: family, catechesis, youth, etc. Overall view of the Vocations’ apostolate in the diocese. Means for encouraging the faithful to accept responsibility in promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
a) General Characteristics. The location of the seminary.The administration of the seminary. The Spiritual Director. Professors: is there a sufficient number, what is their academic preparation? Students: quality, background, previous formation, criteria for admission to the seminary, the individual’s freedom of decision regarding his vocation. Vigilance concerning the orthodoxy of professors and textbooks.
b) Seminary Formation. Human formation: rules, discipline, formation in the human virtues and in a good manners. Spiritual formation: formation in prayer and in liturgical spirituality, acts of daily piety, periodic spiritual exercises (retreats), the work of the spiritual director. Intellectual formation: (propaedeutic course and six year period of philosophical and theological training): academic level, knowledge of the Documents of the Magisterium, especially of the Documents of the Second Vatican Council and of the Postconciliar Magisterium, knowledge of the Latin language and of modern languages. Pastoral formation: apostolic experience during the years of seminary study, knowledge of contemporary apostolic endeavours (new law associations, etc.).
3. Formation of candidates for the Permanent Diaconate: please offer information, as complete as possible (taking into account the particular nature of the Permanent Diaconate), on the basis of those questions formulated in n. 2 concerning the seminary.
4. Minor Seminary. Its identity as a centre for vocational promotion. The formation of seminarians in all the diverse aspects. Evaluation.
5. Formation of candidates for the priesthood who are of a mature age.
6. Ecclesiastical Faculties. General aspects. Level of learning and doctrinal orthodoxy.
7. Catholic Universities and other Catholic Centres of Higher Learning. Recognition of the part of the State. Rapport with the Holy See. Their level of learning and influence locally. Vigilance concerning doctrinal orthodoxy. Pastoral case of the students enrolled.
8. Pastoral care in Universities.
9. Catholic Schools. Importance of the Catholic School in the diocese. Rapport with the civil authorities. Financial state of the schools.Special soli citude toward the poor and needy. School related associations operating within the diocese (parents, teachers). Inclusion of the scholastic community in parish life and diocesan life. Rapport with Religious Institutes working in the field of Catholic education. Future outlook for Catholic schools in the diocese.
Catholic identity of the schools: religious instruction, spiritual and liturgical formation, academic level. Vigilance concerning the orthodoxy of teachers and textbooks/teaching materials. Pastoral initiatives in the schools. Attention to the formation of lay teachers in relation to their participation in the apostolate of Catholic education and the promotion of the Catholic identity of the school.
10. Religious instruction in non-Catholic schools, and for those attending non-Catholic schools.
11. The presence of non-Catholic teachers who also present ecclesiastical subjects in seminaries or other institutes of higher learning which are dependent upon the Church. The presence, as professors of religion or theology, of priests who have left the ministry. Observance of the appropriate norms of the Holy See.
1. Number of catechists in the diocese.
2. Associations working the field of catechesis. Information concerning their effectiveness.
1. Pastoral norms issued by the Bishop concerning catechesis. Has the diocese published its own catechetical material? What significant initiatives were taken by the diocesan Office for Catechetics for the promotion of catechesis during the quinquennial period?
a) Catechists: institutions for catechetics. Is there a sufficient number of catechists to meet the needs of the diocese? Manner of their recruitment.
Doctrinal and spiritual formation of catechists.Vigilance concerning the orthodoxy and moral life of catechists.
b) Catechetical materials: the use of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, of the General Catechetical Directory (or of other approved national or diocesan directories), and of other approved catechisms (national, regional, diocesan). The use of supplementary material, of various educational materials (audiovisuals, periodicals, etc.), judgment on the suitability and effectiveness of these materials.
a) The catechetical duties of the pastor and of parochial vicars, do they fulfil their catechetical responsibility? Collaboration of the members of religious institutes and societies of apostolic life in diocesan catechetical work.
b) Catechesis of children for First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation: particular characteristics, the setting for catechesis (in the family, in parishes, in schools, in associations and movements, etc.). Catechesis for the disabled. Catechumenate of adult converts: the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (its restoration at the diocesan and parochial levels). Preparation for Marriage (remote, proximate and immediate preparation; community involvement, personal meetings of the couples with the priest). Are courses of re-evangelization or pre-catechesis provided and for whom?
c) Structures and initiatives for the continuing formation of the faithful: of young people who are already confirmed, of adults, of the elderly, etc.
d) Catechesis and preaching: homilies, parish/diocesan missions, spiritual exercises/retreats, days of recollection, renewal courses. Catechesis and popular religiosity.
1. The number of priests incardinated into the diocese who exercise their ministry within the diocese - religious priests who exercise their ministry within the diocese - priests incardinated into other dioceses who serve within the diocese - priests who were formerly religious priests accepted into the diocese - diocesan priests working/assigned outside the diocese - diocesan priests with a License or Doctorate in Theology or Canon Law - diocesan priests with a License or Doctorate in other disciplines - median age of priests - median age of retired priests - the ratio of priests to faithful.
2. Number of permanent deacons incardinated into the diocese - permanent deacons incardinated into other dioceses who exercise their ministry within the diocese - proportion between celibate, married and widowed permanent deacons - median age of permanent deacons.
3. Total number of parishes - average number of faithful per parish - single parishes and groups of parishes entrusted to a single pastor (Canon 526, §1) - parishes entrusted to diocesan clergy - parish entrusted to religious clergy - parishes entrusted to several priests jointly under the moderation of one priest (Canon 517, §1) - total number of priests who care in solidum for such parishes - parishes without a pastor entrusted to a priest who directs the pastoral care with the help of deacons or non-ordained faithful (Canon 517, §2) - ecclesiastical offices besides parishes which attend to the cura animarum - priests working full-time in offices outside of parochial ministry entrusted with the cura animarum - number of pastors with an appointment ad tempus indefinitum, and those appointed for a set period of time - number of parochial administrators.
4. Associations of clergy present in the diocese: the purpose of each and an evaluation of their presence and influence in the diocese.
5. Numerical data concerning Basic Christian Communities.
II.	For the period between 1 January of the first year of the quinquennium and 31 December of the last year of the quinquennium - indicate the number of priest ordained for the diocese - diocesan priests who have died or have retired - diocesan priests who have left the priesthood: a) without dispensation, b) with laicization from the clerical state, c) priests who have left and subsequently returned to active ministry.
1. Ministry of the Clergy. Manner in which clergy appointments are made. Stability of the office of parish priest. Pastoral collaboration between priests and religious. Pastoral collaboration between priests and the laity in regard to their respective duties, especially concerning functions proper to clerics, particularly in the area of preaching. Are there any pastoral or parish councils, what are their effects and what perception do the priests have of them?
Resignations for reason of age. Do those who have retired exercise a pastoral ministry?
2. Distribution of clergy within the various regions of the diocese. Organization of parishes in urban and rural areas; specific problems encountered and criteria adopted for a fair distribution of clergy. Measures taken to ensure solidarity between the faithful and their proper parish priest. If there are parishes which have been entrusted to several priests jointly in solidum in accord with the norms of Canon 517, §1, indicate the circumstances which have required this. If there are parishes which are cared for in accord with the norms of Canon 517, §2, indicate why and how a share in the exercise of the pastoral care of the parish with a canonical pastor, by faithful who are not priests, has been determined.
3. State of the Clergy of the diocese. Esteem for proper priestly identity. Life of piety, fulfilment of the obligation of the Liturgy of the Hours, frequency of the celebration of Holy Mass. Dedication to the hearing of confessions, to immediate pastoral contact with the faithful, to the spiritual direction of the faithful. Esteem for clerical celibacy. Dignity in the personal manner of life, in external conduct/behaviour and in human relationships. Is proper ecclesiastical attire worn? Conduct of the clergy as regards political affairs and their ideological attitudes.
The provision of appropriate housing and sustenance for priests. The spirit of poverty and detachment from worldly goods.
transferred into the diocese. Are there any Fidei Donum priests present in the diocese? Are there any vagi present in the diocese?
Those who have left the priestly ministry: analysis of the individual cases, the reason for their leaving, and the pastoral care accorded to them.
4. Continuing formation of the Clergy. Reception of the Directory for the Life and Ministry of Priests. Spiritual formation: retreats, monthly days of recollection. Human formation: the care of priests who are young, elderly, sick or isolated. Intellectual formation: ongoing theological formation and the means by which it is accomplished; safeguards for doctrinal fidelity. Pastoral formation: missionary dimension of the presbyterate, appreciation for the universal dimension of the priesthood. Initiatives taken in all of the aforementioned areas.
Incentives to encourage fraternity among priests, the role of clergy associations and any conventions or assemblies of these groups. Sabbatical leaves for middle-aged priests.
Please attach here, for the information of the Holy See, the statutes of the associations of priests within the diocese.
5. Permanent Diaconate. Reception of the Directory for the Life and Ministry of Deacons. Description of the scope of diaconal ministry, duties assigned exclusively to deacons, ecclesiastical offices conferred on them, observations and assessment of the Permanent Diaconate in the diocese.
The relationship of permanent deacons with priests and laity. Rapport between the diocese and permanent deacons incardinated into other dioceses. Economic sustenance of permanent deacons. Offices or programs established for the continuing formation of permanent deacons.
1. Identification of each men’s religious institutes working in the diocese, with an indication of the particular purpose of the institute, of their apostolic activity (if they have an active apostolate), the number of their houses and number of members.
2. Identification of each women’s religious institute working in the diocese, with the information as requested above in no. 1.
3. Monasteries of contemplative life within the diocese and the number of religious in each monastery. Any monastic Federations which are present in the diocese.
4. Identification of societies of apostolic life working in the diocese, with the information as requested above in no. 1.
5. Identification of secular institutes working in the diocese, with an indication of the particular apostolic work of the institute and the number of members.
6. Number of consecrated virgins.
8. Provide information regarding associations of the faithful united with institutes of consecrated life, for example as a third order or in some other manner.
9. Houses of formation for the institutes of consecrated life within the diocese and the number of members.The existence and administration of any institutes of inter-congregational formation.
1. The vitality of the charism of religious life within the diocese, and its influence in the life of the Christian community. Vocations to the consecrated life.Institutes of consecrated life which are being founded in the diocese. Methods used to promote the consecrated life.
2. Fidelity of men and women religious to their proper charism and to their established constitutions, the observance of canonical discipline and obedience to the directives of the Bishop in the aspects of religious life which are set down in the Code of Canon Law.
3. Existence and operation of institutionalized forms of rapport between the diocese and religious, and among religious themselves (mixed commissions, Delegations of Conferences of men and women religious).
4. Cooperation of religious in the Pastoral Care of the diocese.
5. The pastoral care of religious, with respect for the particular nature and apostolic work of each institute.
1. Number of priests, of religious of institutes of diocesan right, and of laity from the diocese who serve in the missions.
2. Indicate, if possible, the number of religious of institutes of pontifical right, originally from the diocese, who serve in mission countries, specifying the institute to which they belong.
3. Number of priests, seminarians or religious from the missions received into the diocese as a form of assistance to the missions, specifying the reason for their presence in the diocese.
4. The amount of annual financial contributions (Canon 791, §4) and collections taken up for the missions.
1. Briefly explain the response to the Decree on the Church’s missionary activity, ad Gentes, in the pastoral plan of the diocese, of parishes, and of various ecclesial movements, in the promotion of vocations, in the formation of seminarians and in the continuing formation of priests.
2. Diocesan support for the activity of the Pontifical Mission Societies (The Propagation of the Faith, Saint Peter the Apostle, Holy Childhood, The Missionary Union for the clergy and men and women religious).
3. Other initiatives undertaken at the diocesan level in favour of the missions. Forms of “twinning” between the diocese and a particular mission, the means of support and assistance necessary for those who are engaged in missionary work.
1. Identity and number of members of local, national or international public lay associations.
2. Numerical data concerning lay associations, movements, groups and various communities arising from the free initiative of the laity.
3. Organizations associated with the Church for the formation of youth.
4. Information concerning the activity of institutes and centres for the formation of the laity, in particular for the laity who exercise a ministry in the Church.
5. Number of priests and religious entrusted with the spiritual care of these law associations and of other lay groups.
6. Number of laymen and laywomen who exercise ministries and which ministries they perform.
1. The Christian formation and the spiritual life of the lay faithful. Participation of the lay faithful in the life of the Church: consciousness of their proper role in the Church; active and responsible engagement of the laity in the building up of the Christian community; apostolic zeal, fidelity to the Doctrine of the Church and obedience to ecclesiastical authority.
2. Efficacious presence of the Catholic laity in the areas of politics, academics, society, economics, and the arts. Knowledge and application of the Social Doctrine of the Church on the part of the laity and associations of the lay faithful.
3. The vitality, apostolic influence, observance of ecclesiastical discipline and rapport with the hierarchy of lay associations created by and dependent upon the authority of the Church, and those lay movements and associations created by the free initiative of the laity.
laity: what importance have they, are the ecclesiastical norms observed in their proper exercise, what measures are taken to ensure the proper formation and to promote the spiritual life of the laity involved in these ministries?
5. Preparation of priests and religious to guide the diverse lay associations.
In two columns - the first relative to 1 January of the first year of the quinquennium, the second relative to 31 December of the last year of the quinquennium - indicate, where possible, data regarding the identity and number of other Churches and ecclesial communities within the diocese.
1. The esteem or lack thereof for the Catholic Church on the part of non-Catholic Christians present in the diocese; and difficulties encountered.
2. Diocesan or national organizations for the promotion of Christian Unity (cfr. nn. 37-54 of the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism); offices or programs established for this purpose and their activities.
3. Formation in ecumenism and ecumenical outreach (cfr. nn. 55-91 of the Directory), in particular with regard to praying together, the proper observance of the norms concerning intercommunion and mixed marriages.
4. Ecumenical collaboration, dialogue and common Christian witness (cfr. nn. 161-218 of the Directory).
In two columns - the first relative to 1 January of the first year of the quinquennium, the second relative to 31 December of the last year of the quinquennium - indicate, where possible, the number of members of other religions which are practices within the diocese.
1. Relations with Jews. The teaching about Judaism which takes place in the Catholic environment. Does anti-semitism exist within the diocese?
2. What other religions are practiced within the diocese; the legal and social status of their members. Degree of harmony or discord with the Catholic Church in regard to each. How immigrants of other religions are received within the diocese.
Describe activities of dialogue and collaboration with followers of other religions.
3. The formation of interreligious dialogue, in particular for pastors, seminarians and religious.
4. The presence of sects. A description of the particular groups present in the diocese, the pastoral remedies and responses to these groups.
1. Attacks on human life within the boundaries of the diocese: abortion, in vitro fertilization, euthanasia. Attacks on the family within the boundaries of the diocese: the instance of cohabitation, single-parent families (number of single, unmarried mothers), divorce, pseudo unions of homosexuals. The birthrate within the boundaries of the diocese.
2. Marital situation of the faithful in the diocese: please provide statistical information concerning separations, divorces, civil marriages.
3. Church sponsored pro-life organizations, support for such movements, centres for bioethical studies and research: please provide statistical information concerning their importance.
1. Cultural circumstances which affect the well being of marriage. What legal and social policies are promoted by the civil authorities in favour of family life?
Anti-life activities. Organizations against human life present within the diocese.
2. Pastoral care of the family: reception of Canon 1063 C.I.C. Pastoral care for those in mixed marriages. Pastoral care of persons who find themselves in difficult or irregular situations (adolescent and teenage mothers), the separated, the divorced who have attempted remarriage, those in civil unions, cohabitating couples.
3. Activities on the part of the Church or of Catholics (singularly or as groups) for the defense of the rights of the family; their influence on the policy of civil government and on public opinion. The initiatives taken by diocesan agencies for the transmission of the teaching of the Church on sexual morality, marriage, and respect for human life.
4. Activity of pro-life organizations and movements, and of centres for bioethical studies and research present in the diocese: to protect the life of unborn children, to foster the dignity of motherhood, to promote natural and morally licit methods for the regulation of human fertility, and to provide for spiritual and material assistance for the dying.
In two columns - the first relative to 1 January of the first year of the quinquennium, the second relative to 31 December of the last year of the quinquennium - furnish the data concerning the associations and organizations in the diocese whose purpose is the evangelization of culture.
1. General overview of the cultural situation in the diocese. Evaluation of the political culture of the civil authorities.
2. The problem of secularization and relativism concerning moral values and behaviour. The extent of theoretical and practical atheism in the diocese, its causes and pastoral remedies. Comment on the formation in Seminaries and in Faculties of Theology with regard to theoretical and material atheism. Are seminarians and priests educated to regard culture as a privileged area and means of apostolic activity?
3. Initiatives taken by the Church for the promotion of culture, in a particular ay among the underprivileged.
4. Efforts for the evangelization of culture. Means employed to promote mutual respect among the diverse cultural groups present in the diocese.
5. Appraisal of public displays of religiosity and popular devotions; endeavours to encourage or refine them where necessary. The “inculturation” of the Gospel.
1. Catholic publishing houses.Some information on their influence.
3. Diocesan newspapers and other diocesan periodical publications (specifying whether daily, weekly or monthly, and their respective circulation). Circulation of parish bulletins.
4. Catholic radio or television stations or cable channels.
5. Statistical information on centres of formation associated with the Church in the field of communications.
6. Most widely circulated magazines and newspapers in the diocese: a) of general interest b) of religious interest.
television stations and cable channels within the diocese. The presence of the Church in the various communications media, public relations efforts, and the responsibility taken by the diocese for religious programming. Relations between the Church and the communications media; is there a diocesan spokesperson, is there an office for social communications?
2. What is the doctrinal orthodoxy, the editorial quality, the financial stability and the influence on public opinion of the Catholic communications media which were indicated in the statistics? Efficaciousness of the presence of Catholics, individuals and groups, who work in the communications media, and any initiatives for stimulating a greater Catholic presence.
3. Diocesan activity and pastoral planning in communications. Pastoral care for communications’ professionals. Pastoral initiatives for promoting and defending Christian morality in the media.
4. Activity of any centres of formation in social communications associated with the Church. Formation of seminarians in the communications media. Efforts to promote the Catholic press among the faithful. Formation for the development of a constructively critical attitude toward the use of communications media in schools and in catechesis. Observance on the part of clerics and religious of the prescriptions of Canon 831 (requisites for involvement in the communications media).
In two columns - the first relative to 1 January of the first year of the quinquennium, the second relative to 31 December of the last year of the quinquennium - furnish information concerning ecclesial associations and organizations for the promotion of social justice and for the diffusion of the Social Teaching of the Church.
1. Concrete problems in the area of social justice and the defense of the human person: the administration of justice and the violation of human rights, violence toward ethnic minorities and against other social groups.
Problems arising from the actual socio-political situation. Labour and the problem of unemployment, unions an other workers’ organizations. The conservation of the environment. Public order and ideological conflicts within the diocese. The conduct of Catholics in public life.
2. Action of the Church in the field of social work and in the promotion of social justice: agencies, programs, publications.
3. Education in and diffusion of the Social Teaching of the Church: in the Seminary, in Faculties of Theology. Programs of formation and other initiatives provided for the laity, in particular for politicians.
4. Mutual cooperation with civil authorities, with other Churches or ecclesial communities, and with other religions, in the promotion of social justice.
1. Median level of income, the number of those below that level, the level of literacy, information concerning housing, health insurance and social security.
2. Data concerning volunteer agencies, organizations, associations and initiatives for the assistance of the underprivileged and for the promotion of the dignity of the human person.
1. Catechesis and spiritual attention for workers: programs and initiatives to encourage a proper understanding of the roots of Christian charity.
2. Assistance for the poor: describe the phenomenon of poverty in the diocese. Programs and initiatives to realize the preferential option for the poor, in favour of the needy of the diocese and of those of other dioceses.
3. Programs and initiatives to animate, sustain and realize human and Christian development. Aid given for human and Christian development outside the diocese.
4. Collaboration with civil authorities and with other state agencies, as well as with other Churches and religious confessions, in the relief of poverty and in the promotion of human Christian development.
1. Number of hospitals, health care institutions, institutions for the care of the elderly, other charitable institutions (dispensaries, emergency units, etc.) indicating those which are conducted by the diocese, by religious or institutions associated with the Church. Offer statistical information and an assessment of their importance.
2. The number of priests, deacons and religious who exercise an apostolate in hospitals and in charitable institutions of the Church, of the State or of private sponsorship.
3. Catholic or Christian associations of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, obstetricians, volunteers and the number of members of each association.
4. Institutions of health care studies and research, faculties of medicine, surgery, pharmacy, obstetrics, and nursing schools within the diocese.
1. Diocesan organizations and structures for health care and their activities.
2. Health care institutions conducted by the Church: assess results and difficulties experienced in this area. Collaboration with civil and religious authorities within the diocese.
3. Pastoral care of the sick: How is this ministry assured within parishes and within health care institutions?
What pastoral care is made available in health care institutions for doctors and nurses, other health care workers, the families of those who are ill?
4. Promotion of volunteerism within the health care environment: formations, organization and activity of volunteers.
5. Questions which arise in the health care milieu regarding the teaching of the Church concerning life, suffering and death; how are these questions addressed?
1. Immigrants within the diocese: migrants, refugees, seasonal labourers, seafarers, nomads, foreign students. Indicate their religious affiliation.
b) priests and other faithful sent to care for the emigrants; c) return of emigrants.
3. Describe the extent of tourism in the diocese and what measures are taken to meet the pastoral needs of tourists.
1. Immigration: reception given immigrants by the diocesan community; diocesan structures and pastoral initiatives for the care of immigrant groups; the presence of priests and collaborators who speak the language of the immigrants. Pastoral care of foreign students.
2. Pastoral care of nomads, gypsies, circus performers, and of seafarers (Apostolate of the Sea).
3. Pastoral initiatives on behalf of tourists; in airports, railway stations, seaports etc. Initiatives for the formation of youth during periods of vacation. Pastoral care of pilgrims and of places of pilgrimage within the diocese: Sanctuaries, Shrines.
Please offer information, in as precise a manner as possible, on the artistic and historical patrimony of the Church which is found in the diocese: sacred buildings, places of worship, museums, libraries and archives.
1. Diocesan efforts to conserve and promote the Church’s artistic and historical patrimony. What endeavours are made to encourage a sense of responsibility in the persons to whom the conservation of such patrimony is entrusted? The preparation or existence of an updated inventory, catalogue and photographic record of the diocesan patrimony. Methods employed for the prevention of theft and illicit alienation of works of art and other cultural patrimony.
2. What diocesan directives have been issued and what activities are encouraged for the promotion and conservation of the cultural patrimony of the Church and for the pastoral use of that patrimony (conventions, studies, exhibitions)? Who has responsibility for archives, libraries, museums or galleries within the diocese; and how accessible are their holdings? What formation programs of renewal for the clergy and the laity exist regarding the care, promotion and conservation of cultural patrimony?
vestments, vessels, appointments and furnishings which are used in sacred worship. What initiatives are taken to promote the patrimony of sacred music?
4. Collaboration with civil authorities with regard to the artistic and historical patrimony of the Church.
1. The general economic situation of the diocese (including estimated budgets and audited financial statements), and whether the ordinary resources are sufficient to meet the needs of the diocese.
2. Financial resources: patrimony, contributions (Canon 1262), levies or taxes (Canon 1263).
3. Amounts of assistance lent to other dioceses and regions, indicating the recipient, or lent by other dioceses to the diocese it self, indicating the donor. Contributions toward the needs of the Apostolic See (Canon 1271), the Peter’s Pence Offering.
1. Is there a Finance Office for the financial administration of the diocese, what is its structure, and who are the lay faithful who serve in this office? Has the diocesan fund for the support of the clergy been duly constituted (Canon 1274, §1)? What criteria are used to provide for the just remuneration of the clergy?
2. The program of health care coverage and social security for the clergy. The existence of a common reserve fund for meeting the various needs (expenditures/liabilities of the diocese) (Canon 1274, §3). Do any benefices still exist in the diocese?
3. How is ecclesiastical title established in civil law? By what title are diocesan properties and good held? Have any difficulties been created by or arisen because of the civil law?
1. Provide a general assessment of the situation of the diocese: religious vitality and formation of the faithful, those problems which are regarded as more pressing, listing pastoral challenges in order of priority.
2. Is there a general diocesan pastoral plan? Indicate the principle thrusts of the pastoral work accomplished during the quinquennium and give a general assessment of the results obtained and the methods employed in achieving them.
3. Indicate the pastoral goals which are of greatest importance for the future, and the proposed means to attain them.
Vatican City, Congregation for Bishops, 1997, 25 p.

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