In top photo, Jim Merhaut presents his keynote talk during the Sept. 26 online Convocation for Parish Pastoral Council members.
Effective pastoral planning begins by listening to one another, to those we serve and to the Holy Spirit.
Such was the message conveyed to the 85 women and men from parishes around the Diocese who participated in the 2026 Parish Pastoral Council Convocation Sept. 26. Due to the state of emergency, the convocation was moved from its original in-person location, St. Veronica Parish, Howell, to an online format.
The day’s speaker, Jim Merhaut, founder and director of Coaching to Connect, addressed the topic, “Listening that Leads to Mission: Strategic Spiritual Listening.” Through prayer, conversations and collaborative dialogue, the participants explored how attentive listening fosters understanding, uncovers shared priorities and leads to practical strategies for parish life. The participants were also given tools and action steps that they can share with their parish council or ministry.
The strategies, “are very doable and the results are amazing,” Merhaut said, but the bottom line is if those in leadership positions in their parishes don’t listen, they won’t know what other people in the parish are seeking, Merhaut said.
As a result, “You will not be able to serve them in the way that can help meet their needs,” he said.
Check back on TrentonMonitor.com for expanded coverage on the 2026 Diocesan Pastoral Council Convocation.
This photo shows a screenshot of the 2026 Diocesan Pastoral Council Convocation which was held online Sept. 26. The day’s keynote presenter was Jim Merhaut, shown top row, third from left. Courtesy photo