THE WORK OF PASTORAL PLANNING As we begin pastoral planning in our parish, it is important to acknowledge that for the work of pastoral planning to be fruitful, it is essential that it be sustained through prayer. Ultimately, God’s purposes inform all our action, and all our action ought to be oriented toward God. Moreover, it is the Holy Spirit who animates the Church and enlivens our shared life within parishes, schools, and other ecclesial institutions. As we begin our pastoral planning process, our community of faithful is asked to commit to praying in earnest for the success of the planning.