Timeline

Introductory Phase:  September-November 2017

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