1. What is a cluster?
A cluster is a grouping of several parishes in a neighborhood or a particular area of the diocese. Clusters pool resources and approach common challenges together. The smallest cluster in the diocese has three member parishes, the largest thirteen. The average number of parishes is seven.

2. What is the cluster energizing process?
Clusters have existed in the diocese for quite some time. In November 1999 Bishop Daily, responding to the recommendations of the Seventh Diocesan Synod and its follow-up process, directed that the cluster system be strengthened and revitalized. The renewal of the cluster process as a diocesan initiative began in January of 2000. It is hoped that the collaborative use of personnel and resources in each cluster will enhance the effectiveness of the ministry of each parish within the cluster.

3. How many clusters are there in the Diocese?
There are thirty-one clusters, and each one has a unique character. Clusters meet regularly to discuss the needs of their member parishes and possible ways of working together to respond to those needs. The sharing of information and ideas is a critically important first step in the clustering process. Each of the clusters is moving at its own pace in terms of collaborative efforts. Some are developing communication channels; others are working on collaborative projects, while still others are developing pastoral plans for the sharing of resources in many areas of parish life.

4. How often do the clusters meet?

Generally, meetings are held once a month from September to June of each parish year. Some clusters have developed a sub-committee or "steering" committee system, through which needs are assessed by selected cluster members and a report given to the full cluster membership. Where this process is used, monthly meetings may not be held, but the full cluster membership will convene periodically to review sub-committee reports and take action. The exact frequency and structure of meetings is not most important. What is important is that the effective channels exist for communication and collaboration. For most clusters, the most effective channel is a monthly meeting.

5. Who is included in cluster membership?
Bishop Daily has asked that all pastors and parochial vicars attend cluster meetings regularly, and that the cluster membership eventually expand to include parish staff. In sixteen of the thirty-one clusters other parish staff — lay and religious, usually paid professional ministerial personnel — also attend meetings. One of the goals of the cluster process is to insure the continued presence of pastors and parochial vicars at meetings and also to bring more and more parish deacons to the meetings. A long-term goal is the participation of laity — parishioners — from the member parishes of the cluster.

6. During this first year, what has been the level of cluster membership participation?
The attendance of pastors at a rate of 84% has been excellent. The presence of parochial vicars at 45% is good but does need to improve. Staff attendance at 58% has been very good. A major task ahead is to expand staff attendance and to bring more parish deacons to the meetings. Right now, it is difficult for many deacons to attend, since they are at work when many of the cluster meetings take place. Several clusters are trying to adjust their meeting schedules to respond to this difficulty.

7. What is a cluster facilitator?
The facilitator is the person assigned by the Bishop to organize and coordinate the activities of the cluster for a two-year term. Presently, the facilitators of all thirty-one clusters are pastors of parishes within each cluster. The responsibilities of the facilitator vary from cluster to cluster. In some clusters, the facilitator chairs the monthly meeting, while in others different cluster members share these responsibilities. In all cases, the facilitator is the liaison to the Office of Cluster Planning and Collaboration. He forwards to the office the schedule of cluster meetings, sends a report on the meetings and guides all cluster communication with the diocese. Often he sends invitations and reminders to cluster members to encourage their attendance at meetings, and he works with cluster personnel in setting the agenda for meetings. Also, he is the contact person for the cluster grant process.

8. What is the relationship of the clustering process to the diminishing number of priests?
The clustering process was not established primarily to respond to the diminishing number of clergy. Rather, it was established to strengthen parochial ministry by enabling parishes to share resources and to engage in collaborative planning. The process seeks to take into account the talents and gifts of all those who live and work within the cluster. The purpose of clustering is to strengthen parish ministry and enhance the Proclamation of the Gospel. This goal is made clear by the priorities that have emerged in many clusters: catechist training, the development of lay formation programs and shared liturgical celebrations. In addition, clustering does provide the possibility for clergy to work together in new and creative ways. In some clusters, it has enabled priests to lessen the stress of some responsibilities, while enhancing their ministerial services to their people.

9. What is the Office of Cluster Planning and Collaboration?
Bishop Daily established the office on September 1, 1999. Its purpose is to organize and guide the energizing process of the thirty-one clusters in the Diocese. The office works closely with the cluster facilitator. It provides guidance and resources to enhance the collaborative effectiveness of the clusters. In particular, the office provides guidance in the area of group process and development of collaborative skills. The office handles all the administrative support work (compiles meeting schedules, processing of meeting reports, updating records of cluster membership, etc.) needed to sustain the cluster process. Three or four times a year, the office publishes a newsletter to enable communication among the clusters. Also, the office is the liaison with the diocesan administration, particularly with the Bishop himself.