Introductory Phase: September-November 2017
- Bishops Conversations – completed
- Standing Committee/Council Discussions – completed
- Clergy Conference (September 2017) – completed
- Compression Planning (October 2017) – completed
- Steering Committee formed – completed
- Western New York Convention (October 2017) – completed
- Northwestern Pennsylvania Convention (November 2017) – completed
Discernment Phase: December-May 2018
- Bishop Sean meets with the Diocese of Western New York
- Meetings with leadership (December 2017) – completed
- Listening Process
- Western New York (February 2018) – completed
- Northwestern Pennsylvania (April 2018) – completed
- Legal/Canonical Analysis – completed
- Financial Analysis – completed
- Prayer Support – ongoing
- Plan Joint Convention – completed
- Standing Committee Conversations – completed
Standing Committee Decisions: May 2018 – completed
- Western New York: vote whether to nominate Bishop Sean as Bishop Provisional
- Northwestern Pennsylvania: vote whether to proceed with the proposed partnership with the Diocese of Western New York
On May 7, both Standing Committees voted unanimously to support the proposed partnership.
Implementation Preparation: June-October 2018 – completed
- Refine financial plan
- Continue planning joint Convention and election process
- Joint Diocesan Convention: October 26-27
- Election of Bp. Sean as Bishop Provisional of Western New York for 5 years
Bishop Transition Phase: November 2018-April 2019 – completed
- Bishop Franklin brings ministry to a close
- Bishop Sean and Bishop Franklin work together on a transition plan
- Bishop Franklin retires: April 3
- Bishop Sean becomes Bishop Provisional: April 4
Organizational Transition: April 2019-October 2020
- Joint Mission Strategy Planning
- Staff redesign and integration
- Implementing possible joint governance structures (eg. COM, Disciplinary Board)
- Develop internal processes