Conclusion

As a diocese we need to develop short-term practical steps toward a longer term vision leading to a new approach to ministry to Catholics in western Nebraska. We not only need a new approach of ministry to Catholics, but one that calls us to a new approach to ministry by Catholics. We see the Church in western Nebraska to be recognized as Christ's hands on earth, growing in faithfulness to God's invitation, inflaming existing members and attracting new members. Growth toward this vision and living our mission as God's people will require change. The challenge is to make these changes uniformly and consistently, with accountability throughout our geographically large diocese.

We can meet the challenge by recognizing the value of structure and the role the diocese plays in providing the leadership and support that our Catholic communities within the Grand Island Diocese will need to move toward our vision.