One Heart in Christ
Diocese of Lincoln Pastoral Plan
Most Reverend James D. Conley
Bishop of Lincoln
Printable version: One Heart in Christ - Bishop James Conley (PDF)
Play or download MP3 Audio of Bishop Conley reading the Pastoral Plan
- This is your home, your mission, your One Heart in Christ (April 10, 2026), by Bishop James Conley
- Renewal and the call to live the pastoral plan (April 9, 2026) by Jeff Schinstock
- Diocese of Lincoln creates first pastoral plan (December, 12 2025) by Jennifer Gutierrez
Printable version: One Heart in Christ - Bishop James Conley (PDF)
Un Solo Corazón en Cristo - Carta Pastoral del Obispo James Conley en español
Q&A about One Heart in Christ
What is the One Heart in Christ Pastoral Plan?
A pastoral plan establishes a shared vision for the future and will guide the Diocese of Lincoln’s mission and ministry over the next five years. OHIC includes four main Pastoral Principles: Healthy Parishes, Education, Religious Vocations, and Holy Marriage and Family Life.
How and why was it created?
All lay faithful, priests and religious across the diocese were invited to participate in a first-time listening session experience beginning in February 2025. Almost 300 people accepted the invitation to participate and shared their vision for their parishes. A team of diocesan faithful was then selected by Bishop Conley from across the diocese to build a thoughtful, focused plan around the needs expressed from the listening sessions. One Heart in Christ was created as a response to the needs expressed by our laity, priests, and religious and is a renewed, joyful call to proclaim the good news of Christ to each other as the truth, the life, and salvation.
How will this work?
One Heart in Christ is a collaborative partnership between the diocese and the clergy, religious, and the lay faithful in the parishes. It outlines goals around the Pastoral Principles and is a collaborative partnership between the diocese and the parishes. Recommended first year priorities have been highlighted based upon what we heard – and outline what support the diocese can provide to move those priorities forward. However, the parishes and their pastors can select which one or two things are most important to them.
What if an area I feel is important is not addressed as one of the four main pastoral priorities?
The Pastoral Principles were developed from the hours of listening sessions we conducted with parishioners, priests, religious and ministry leaders from across the diocese. The plan does not address every need of the diocese, but does target the major areas of focus that surfaced from those listening sessions and were identified by the committee. You are encouraged to visit with your pastor if you feel there are also other needs that could be addressed at the parish level.
What does “success” look like for our One Heart in Christ Pastoral Plan?
Imagine walking into a parish that feels alive the moment you step through the doors. A place where you are welcomed and greeted by name. Where Mass is overflowing, Eucharistic adoration hours are full, and sacraments shape schedules. Marriages thrive. Families thirst to know Jesus. Vocations flourish and clergy and religious are well supported. This is your home, your mission, your One Heart in Christ.
How do I get involved?
God has given each of us a role and gifts to share with each other. Don’t wait to be asked to start making a difference with the priorities identified in this pastoral plan. Reach out to your pastor and ministry leaders in your parish and let them know you’re ready to do your part to help bring your parish and our diocese together as One Heart in Christ.
