Synodal Declaration: Archbishop Listecki reveals his vision for the direction of the Catholic Church

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It was an historic Sunday for Milwaukee's Catholic community. Archbishop Jerome Listecki said Mass, and then signed the "Decree of Promulgation" -- a letter stating his plan for the church's future over the next 10 to 15 years.

Sunday morning's Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist began like any other, but this Mass was historic, because after three months of studying and reflecting on the needs of the local church, Archbishop Listecki accepted the recommendations made by the delegates who represent more than 200 parishes in the Archdiocese, as well as Catholic hospitals, schools and charities.

This June, they voted on what they think the priorities of the Archdiocese should be.

"I accepted that work as a vision and a blueprint for us to continue the work and vision that`s entrusted in us and in the minds of our delegates being a better church. To deepen that by being intentional disciples, reminding ourselves that we are disciples of Jesus Christ and that we continue to evangelize and continue that faith with others," Archbishop Listecki said.

Among the recommendations the church wants to focus on include cultural diversity, Catholic social teaching and marriage and family.

"If it gets done, it`ll be good. Sometimes all these big plans, you know -- but, I`m looking forward to seeing how it all goes," parishioner Mary Brauer said.

Mary and Bud Brauer say they're keeping an eye on changes involving children and education.

"I think that`s the future of the church. It just is. Without that ongoing, it`ll slowly dwindle into nothingness. That may be a little bit of a drastic thought -- but we do need the support and it`s gotta come from education, from the schools," Bud Brauer said.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's Synodal Declaration -- the Archdiocese's first Synod in more than 25 years.