Planning might not make perfect, but it certainly improves the chances of success. With a little forethought, current practices can be improved, new initiatives introduced and new talents brought on board Happy New Year! January is a good time for rest from the pastoral scene, but also a time for preparing for the year just begun. In the same way as nature rests and heals in winter, so pastoral people can use this time productively in planning for the year ahead.You will have your own priorities in your parish. Some priorities, however, are common to every place. May I suggest a few that strike me, with the aim of addressing one each month? Every parish coordinating body has its own priorities, but sometimes it is good to introduce a general topic to broaden discussion, so that the urgen