EFFINGHAM — Bishop Thomas John Paprocki invited diocesan priests to Effingham for three days last month to share his vision on strategy, parish planning and heeding Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's call to adopt the new evangelization, a call continued by Pope Francis.

"Strategic planning for growth in the church" was the theme of the annual priests' convocation held Sept. 15-18 at the Thelma Keller Convention Center. Charles Bamford, PhD, an internationally known consultant and professor in strategic design, challenged priests that their burdens, while already heavy, must also include devising, revising and adapting strategies for success.

"Like it or not, you are the CEO of your parish," said Bamford.

Father Chris Brey, dean of the Effingham deanery, agrees. He counts CEO as one of his primary responsibilities.

"I have found the pastor is janitor, roofer, shepherd, healer, teacher, mentor, CEO, and much more," said Father Brey. "I have always thought that seminarians should be taught business classes and training in management. As a pastor of three parishes, employer of 130 and one who tries to balance a budget of over $5 million, I agree with the professor."

Bishop Paprocki renewed emphasis on strategic planning and development at the 2013 priests' convocation. During his presentation last month, he told priests he was personally reenergized by his recent visit to the Diocese of Wichita to see firsthand, one of the church's most successful stewardship programs.

For Bishop Paprocki, the message is "if you are not growing, then you are stagnant or going backwards."

"Bishop Paprocki's plan for the growth of our diocese showed his pastoral sense in one of the speakers that he chose, Father Robert Spitzer," said Father Stephen Sotiroff, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Mattoon.

Father Spitzer, former president of Gonzaga University, talked about forming a culture in parishes where faith can flourish, with practical advice on more effectively conveying Catholic spirituality in the current culture, using reason along with faith to build confidence in the people that pastors serve. "His talks were not just intellectually stimulating, but inspirational to our own lives of faith as priests," Father Sotiroff continued.

Father Angel Sierra, pastor of Ss. Mary and Joseph Parish in Carlinville, Ss. Simon and Jude Parish in Gillespie, and St. Joseph Parish in Benld echoed the sentiment. "I found the information provided by Father Spitzer enlightening and beneficial not only for the priests present but also for the people of God whom we serve."