As we enter a new year, the Colmar-Plaine Pastoral Zone is preparing to experience a significant event: the pastoral visit of Monsignor Pascal Delannoy, Archbishop of Strasbourg, which will take place from January 4 to 12, 2025. This event is an opportunity to strengthen the links between the different communities and to renew our enthusiasm.
A diverse and committed preparation team
The preparation of this pastoral visit was entrusted to a team rich in its diversity and skills. Made up of 12 people, this team brings together priests, mothers and fathers with young children, adolescents or young adults, as well as grandparents. Professionally, its members are active in various sectors: social work, health, teaching, industry, childhood, and higher education. Among them, some are retired, while others are still students or working.
In the Church, experiences also vary: some start in the Pastoral Animation Team (EAP), while others have long experience in organizing previous pastoral visits. Of the 12 members, 4 are pastoral agents of the diocese of Strasbourg (pastoral cooperator, zone facilitator, parish priest, dean, and episcopal vicar). Many are also involved in movements such as Catholic Action for Children (ACE) or Équipes Notre-Dame, and in services such as catechesis, preparation for the sacraments, the choir, or liturgical animation.
All parish communities in the pastoral area are well represented, and beyond ecclesial commitments, several members are active in local citizen initiatives. This diversity represents a real wealth, reflecting our pastoral zone.
Three major axes for the pastoral visit
The program of the pastoral visit was enriched around various themes, the main points of which are:
Proximity
- Ensure a presence close to the field, with an accessible and attentive archbishop.
- Create the conditions so that each person feels truly visited.
Fraternity, Encouragement and recognition
- Pay special attention to “little hands” and to all people involved in parish services.
- Highlight the importance of each person’s work in the life of the Church.
Daily celebrations
- pray and celebrate every day with the communities.
Other supporting themes
- Children's enthusiasm: meetings between children and their archbishop, during gatherings or in groups.
- Ecumenical collaboration: promote common actions between Christians, through prayers, liturgical moments and pastoral exchanges.
- Assistance to poor families: Organize meetings with families in need, particularly through initiatives such as solidarity grocery shopping.
- Franco-German cooperation: strengthen ties between communities on both sides of the Rhine.
- A look at the local economy and employment: interest in local initiatives, whether micro-enterprises or large structures.
- Dynamism of emergency services: meet young people involved in the emergency services, such as young firefighters.
- Great local witnesses: draw inspiration from notable figures in local history, such as Victor Schoelcher.
- Field visits: be present at the heart of structures, with local stakeholders and parishioners.
Find the complete program
To discover all the details of this pastoral visit and inform yourself, do not hesitate to download and display the poster and the program below.
We invite you to fully experience this highlight of the pastoral year, in communion with Monsignor Delannoy and the entire Colmar-Plaine Pastoral Zone. Let us be bearers of closeness, fraternity and communion for this new year which is beginning!
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