Parishes are encouraged to work with other parishes and join in archdiocesan initiatives according to the interests of the parishioners. Frequently the ethnic and cultural mix of the parishes will impact these choices. Each
Parish Pastoral Council should include consideration of such joint and archdiocesan efforts in its planning for the parish and its schools and other operations. The various offices at the
Archdiocesan Catholic Center that are focused on social, religious, cultural, and ethnic issues and endeavors for the archdiocese provide information, ongoing training, and opportunities for participation and leadership in all of these matters. Many of these opportunities are featured on the
Archdiocese of Los Angeles website and in communications to the parishes through the
Archdiocesan Community Email Services (ACES) system.
Increasingly, pastoral regions and deaneries are hosts for meetings, training, and planning sessions for all persons involved in parish life. In particular, parishes and schools are encouraged to participate actively in ongoing training on archdiocesan policies and procedures set forth in this Administrative Handbook. Such training sessions are sponsored and led by regional bishops through their deacons, parish business managers, Archdiocesan Catholic Center department heads, and the
Department of Catholic Schools. Information about training is provided on the
Administrative Handbook Blog and is distributed through ACES, as well as published in the print and online versions of The Tidings (see
Angelus: The Tidings Online and
Vida Nueva).