Several gatherings and activities to support and celebrate the Catholic school community of the Diocese of Peoria are planned for September, including the Diocesan All Schools Mass and a meeting and surveys as part of the diocese’s long-range planning.

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, will celebrate the All Schools Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. The Mass, held in alternating years, is for all Catholic school children and their teachers throughout the diocese.

Three days later, the diocese will reach a milestone in its 18-month long-range planning initiative as feedback is gathered at a special group session on Sept. 13.

Representatives from each of the diocese’s 49 schools will gather for the Strategic Planning Consultative Group Session at St. Vincent de Paul Parish Hall in Peoria.

There they will “consider, discuss, and review initial key findings of the strategic planning process, as well as provide feedback for the consultants from the Meitler Consultants Inc., of Hales Corners, Wis., who are facilitating the process,” said Brother William Dygert, CSC, diocesan superintendent of schools.

About 200 participants are expected, including six representatives from each school — including the pastor, principal, a teacher, and members of each school’s education commission or parish council.

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, will give opening remarks, and Brother William will conclude the day.

After the meeting, two surveys will be conducted, one for parents who have students currently enrolled in Catholic schools, and the other for parishioners.

Both surveys are scheduled to run from Sunday, Sept. 14, to Saturday, Sept. 27. The surveys are Web-based and may be accessed at any time between these dates.