By Msgr. Noel C. Burtenshaw

It is slow. But, it is sure. And it is evolving.

Monsignor Jerry E. Hardy, chancellor of the archdiocese, set out the plan to capture the priorities for the Church in North Georgia last December. He gave those involved a timetables. Watchfully, he now guides the plan.

"The priests and sisters were invited to respond first," says the Chancellor. "We were amazed and delighted with the numerical response. Ninety-five percent returned a priority statement. Their clear, precise priority decisions also point a direction."

The direction is towards the needs of the poor and the elderly. The clerics and religious mentioned food and shelter needs, emergency needs, inner city and rural poor. They also mentioned group care homes for the elderly, in lieu of a nursing facility. These were "top of the list" priorities for the sisters and priest.

Now, the second step is being taken. "The returns we received have been sent to parishes," says Monsignor Hardy. "Parish Councils and staffs will consider these results. Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 22, this second phase will be under study. Each pastor is being asked to get the considerations going and return the recommendations to us."

The next step in this process is the deanery stage. "What we get from the parishes will be sent to the deans," says Monsignor Hardy. "In turn we hope that a viable Pastoral Council will develop from these deliberations. We are on target. Most of all we are happy with the enthusiasm."

By Easter, it is hoped, this gigantic deliberation by the Church of Atlanta will be completed and the decisions known. Those decisions from the clergy, religious and people of the Archdiocese will be presented to Archbishop Donnellan.