MAPPING OUR JOURNEY. Pastoral Plan. Holy Family Catholic Community Middletown, Maryland. April, March, 2018

Transcription

1 MAPPING OUR JOURNEY Pastoral Plan April, March, 2018 Holy Family Catholic Community Middletown, Maryland

2 Mission Statement At Holy Family we believe the Spirit is building a family of families, centered around Eucharist. We strive to be a place of welcome, to live the Gospel in service to all, united with the Universal Church. Vision Statement As one family, we give praise and thanks to God, and love and service to all. Value Statements We belong to a community of faith inspired by the Holy Spirit. We strive toward a relationship with God that leads to spiritual and personal growth. We provide for the needs of people and all creation. We commit ourselves to developing and exercising good stewardship. We help others experience Christ through us.

3 HOLY FAMILY B U R K I T T S V I L L E R O A D M I D D L E T O W N, M A R Y L A N D My Dear Friends in Christ, April 6, 2014 How pleased I am to share my enthusiasm and excitement for Mapping Our Journey. These pastoral planning efforts are about understanding God s call and focusing our vision. I have entrusted our Pastoral Council with leading this process that I hope will involve and energize our whole community. Our recent capital campaign highlighted the need for our parish to look ahead. Since 1986 we have been active and vibrant in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, focused on building and housing our community. But in 2018, the fulfillment of our mortgage on the Father John Moore Center, provides a new horizon for us and we must listen for God s call. Free of the financial burdens of our mortgage, where is God calling us to go? Who is God calling us to be? Further challenges by our Holy Father, Pope Francis, to serve the poor and reach out to those in need have only made this call more urgent. These questions cannot be answered in isolation by any one person or group. We can only go where God leads us if, together as a community, we discern prayerfully and then work collaboratively. With Mapping Our Journey, we seek to encourage and assist our parish leaders to recognize God s active presence, to gather feedback from within our parish community, to go in search of best practices, and to collaborate with other parishes and churches. The process is about bringing us together, celebrating our history, and then helping us to understand and prepare for the future as God would have us. In this way, we can live out fruitfully the mission entrusted to us a family of families. With the help of this day of introduction and based on the information contained in this booklet, we will be able to translate this great vision into practical steps for action as disciples and as a community. These necessary steps will help us to recognize and celebrate the vibrancy of our community now and to grow God s Presence into the future. I am grateful for your presence here today at this kick-off event and for your willingness to discern together with us and then help us to act on God s will. Your presence signifies a deep commitment to our parish and to serving the Lord. May God bless and reward you for your efforts. May God bless our efforts with a deeper awareness of who we are called to be and a greater strength to help get us there. I remain Sincerely yours in Christ, (Rev. Msgr.) Robert J. Jaskot, Pastor Fax:

4 HOLY FAMILY B U R K I T T S V I L L E R O A D M I D D L E T O W N, M A R Y L A N D Dear Fellow Parishioners, Mapping Our Journey is not only an opportunity to maintain the vibrancy of Holy Family Catholic Community, but also an opportunity to intensify that vibrancy! Some may ask, Why are we developing a Pastoral Plan? There are actually two answers to this question. First, we are talking about changing people s lives. Second, we are not only changing the lives of those we serve, but also changing ourselves. What we do should be an expression of the Gospel in action if you will The Gospel with feet! What are we being asked to do? Below you will find the task given to ministries, organizations and groups, as well as the entire parish community by your Pastoral Council. Notice discerning God s will over our own is the very heart of our planning effort. Also, notice the words collaboration, open communication, and partnership. Each is vital to arriving at a Pastoral Plan founded on reflection and active involvement by many. Our planning efforts are not intended to be done in isolation. Mapping Our Journey A Sense of Direction Seeking to discern God s will while valuing collaboration and open communication, the ministries, organizations, and groups of Holy Family in partnership with all members of our parish community are called to develop an adaptive three year pastoral plan that guides us towards the full realization of our parish s overall Mission. How can we prevent the finished pastoral plan from being put on a shelf and forgotten? Our answer is making it a living document. It should be seen as a tool to achieve desired goals while anticipating ever changing needs. It should be subject to on-going revision and modification. The action plans, contained in the Pastoral Plan, are intended to be changed and updated often over the next three years. It is the Pastoral Council s hope that copies of our plan become worn and crumpled from use. Your Pastoral Council is committed to supporting you throughout the planning process. We desire to work in partnership with you, earn your trust, and provide the resources you need. Please understand it is not the job of the Pastoral Council to tell you what must be done or how to do it. We look forward to making this critically important journey with you. May God bless your efforts to answer the call Jesus Christ has given us. Peace. Chuck Harris Pastoral Council Chairperson, Fax:

5 Mapping Our Journey AGENDA Welcome Chuck Harris, Pastoral Council Chairperson, 2014 Pastor Father Rob Pastoral Planning Prayer Introductions at tables Mapping our Journey Why are we doing this? Planning is a process, not an event Organizing for success Checking our present and future reality Developing and writing our Action Plan Timeline Dinner and Fellowship I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security. Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, #49

6 MAPPING OUR JOURNEY It is the purpose of this document to present the steps related to our pastoral planning process. It is divided in two sections. The first section, Action Plan Checklist, outlines the sequential steps to be followed throughout the planning process. The second section, Supporting Documentation, contains definitions, explanations, and examples for each of the five steps in the checklist. The foundation building blocks of our planning effort are collaboration, rich discussion, consensus agreement, and discernment of God s call to us. Your Pastoral Council requests you stay true to these building blocks throughout the planning process. All are encouraged to seek advice, ask questions, and request support from Pastoral Council liaisons. You are not planning Mapping Our Journey alone! ACTION PLAN CHECKLIST STEP TIMELINE TITLE ACTION 1 April, 2014 Mission, Vision, Values Statements (STEP 1) Six High-Impact Areas of Need and Focus (STEP 2) Review and discuss Holy Family s Mission, Vision, and Value statements with members Review and discuss the six areas of need, as defined by the analysis of parish data with members. 2 May August, September, February, 2015 Checking Our Present and Future Reality (STEP 3) Developing the Action Plan (STEP 4) Writing Our Action Plan (STEP 5) After discernment and reflection, conduct a rich discussion of each of the four reality questions with members. Develop a written response for each question. Implement the six-step process used to develop the Action Plan. After members come to consensus agreement on the responses, submit a copy to your liaison(s) Translate the responses, (Checking Our Present and Future Reality STEP 3) into action statements. Use the standardized format to write the Action Plan. 4 March, 2015 Submit Action Plans Submit the completed Action Plans to the liaison. 5 April, 2015 Developing the Pastoral Plan Action plans will be organized by Mission Unit in the Pastoral Plan. The Pastoral Council will publish and distribute the Pastoral Plan. Full Implementation of Pastoral Plan

7 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Pastoral Planning is a process, not an event STEP 1 Mission, Vision, and Value Statements Our mission statement defines the fundamental purpose of Holy Family and succinctly describes why our parish exists. HOLY FAMILY MISSION At Holy Family we believe the Spirit is building a family of families, centered around Eucharist. We strive to be a place of welcome, to live the gospel in service to all, united with the Universal Church. Our vision statement serves as an outline of what we want to be and how we must operate to fully realize our mission. HOLY FAMILY VISION As one family, we give praise and thanks to God, and love and service to all. Our value statements are the beliefs shared among our parishioners that drive our culture and priorities. HOLY FAMILY VALUES We belong to a community of faith inspired by the Holy Spirit. We strive toward a relationship with God that leads to spiritual and personal growth. We provide for the needs of people and all creation. We commit ourselves to developing and exercising good stewardship. We help others experience Christ through us. STEP 2 Data Trends Six Identified Areas of Need and Focus The following are areas of need, as defined by the analysis of parish data, which require concerted effort and attention by our parish community. PARTICIPATION IN LITURGY - Increase overall Mass attendance with focuses on young adults (21-30) and disengaged Catholics of all ages. FAITH FORMATION Understand faith formation as lifelong learning beginning with vibrant K-12 and young adult religious education programs guided by certified Catechists. At the same time continue to inspire the formation of adult discipleship through on going opportunities of study and fellowship. MINISTRY AND OUTREACH Energize ministries and outreach programs by following effective practices of participation and leadership, including on-going prayerful self-evaluation and formation. STEWARDSHIP - Inspire and encourage the generous giving of time, talent and treasure as the appropriate response of gratitude to God for our blessings, our act of thankfulness as we give to others the Gift we have received.

8 FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE - Develop and implement an overall maintenance plan appropriate for our aging building and infrastructure that includes the additional growth we expect. BUDGET PLAN - Develop a comprehensive parish financial plan that includes potential needs based on priorities within the community. STEP 3 - Checking Our Current and Future Reality The questions below should prove helpful when considering the current level of functioning for your ministry, organization, or group, as well as, determining where you need to be functioning three years into the future. Please consider the questions both in particular for your ministry, organization or group, as well as, on a general level for the whole parish. After prayer, reflection and discussion among the members of the group, organization or ministry, write a response to each of the four questions. These responses will play a critical role in the further development of your action plan, (STEP4). What are the accomplishments of your ministry, organization, or group? How are those accomplishments celebrated? What influences access to your services and who do you serve (or not serve) whether intentionally or by accident? How well does the current way of thinking and acting of the ministry, organization, or group prepare it to meet future needs of our parish and/or those needing your services? What current practices (either cultural or organizational) should be amended or even eliminated, to foster growth? What changes would enhance your ability to serve better at this time, as well as three years into the future? What resources, (training, materials, increased membership budgeted funds, etc.) are needed to support these changes? STEP 4 - Developing Our Action Plan It is now time to translate your responses from the Checking Our Present and Future Reality (STEP 3) into action statements. The six steps below will guide you through the process of developing and writing the action plan. 1. Having prepared a written response for each of the Checking Our Current and Future Reality questions, forward a copy to your Pastoral Council liaison(s). 2. Contact your Pastoral Council liaison(s) to schedule a meeting date and time between the group and Pastoral Council representatives. 3. Meet with Pastoral Council representatives to share and discuss the written responses. The goal of this meeting is to encourage and nurture discussion and the exchange of ideas based on the written responses. 4. After meeting with the Pastoral Council Representatives, the group should prayerfully review and revise the written responses one final time.

9 5. Develop and write an action plan by translating the revised written responses into action statements. 6. Submit the completed action plan to your Pastoral Council liaison(s) for publication. It is important that all members reach consensus agreement on the content of the action plan. STEP 5 Writing Our Action Plan All ministries, organizations, and groups will use the format below to write their Action Plan. MISSION STATEMENT: At Holy Family we believe the Spirit is building a family of families, centered around Eucharist. We strive to be a place of welcome, to live the gospel in service to all, united with the Universal Church. GOALS ACTIVITIES WHEN RESOURCES EVIDENCE Pastoral Council liaisons are ready to support ministries, organizations and groups during the development and writing of their Action Plans. Resources are available to work in partnership with you throughout the process. Goals Important Considerations: Goals are broad statements or descriptions of what the group, organization or ministry wishes to accomplish. Goals focus on the final impact or outcome that the group, organization, or ministry wishes to bring about. Goals always anticipate an action, (example: To increase.). Goals are broken down into essential actions or activities that contribute to the accomplishment of the goal. Applying the SMART RULE to the development of goals: S Specific - Is the desired outcome clear? M Measurable - Can it be evaluated? A Attainable - Can it be done or accomplished? R Responsible Who will do it? T Time - When will it be done?

10 SMART Goal Example: Mission Units, working collaboratively, will increase the percentage of parishioners actively participating in Holy Family ministries, organizations, and groups by five percent (5%) each of the next three calendar years. A SMART goal involves a specific target: parishioners actively participating in ministries, organizations, and groups A SMART goal is measurable: five (5%) A SMART goal is attainable: Is it realistic to expect a five percent (5%) increase each of the three calendar years? A SMART goal is responsible: Mission Units working collaboratively A SMART goal is time bound: At the end of each calendar year there will be a five (5%) percent increase in participation. Activities Activities are the essential actions required to accomplish a goal. The following questions may be used to determine if a chosen activity is appropriate. How will this activity help achieve the goal? Can the activity be implemented? What evidence shows this to be an effective activity? Activities Example: Complete a survey, by June, 30, 2014, that collects parishioner feedback related to Mass attendance. Survey parishioners attending weekend Masses. Survey a group of registered Young Adults (ages 21 30). Survey a group of registered Catholics who are not attending Mass. When Important Considerations: Many well written action plans fail simply because the plan does not contain completion times or dates. When is especially important when ministries, organizations, or groups are writing a three year action plan. Determine completion date(s) for activities in the action plan and enter those dates in the column titled When. Required Resources Important Considerations: Resources may readily be available in other parishes, the archdiocese, organizations, or internet sites with little to no cost to Holy Family. Investigate how or if these resources could benefit you in achieving your desired goals. Resources requiring fiscal funding certainly may be included in your action plan. Please keep in mind that all financial requests must be reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee prior to final inclusion in your Pastoral Plan.

11 Evidence Important Considerations: Identify what data/feedback you will collect to monitor progress toward the achievement of each goal. Decide whether revisions or adaptations to the plan are needed. Remember, your action plan is a living document and subject to on-going modification. Notify your Pastoral Council liaison(s) of any changes made to your action plan. MAPPING OUR JOURNEY TIMELINE April, 2014 Kickoff Event April 6, 2014 Review of Mission, Vision, and Value Statements with members (STEP 1) Review Identified areas of needed emphasis and focused attention with members (STEP 2) May August, 2014 Work session Determining Our Current and Future Reality (STEP 3) Develop a written response for each question. September, February, 2015 The six-step Developing the Action Plan (STEP 4) process implemented. Meet with Pastoral Council representatives to share and discuss your responses. Write the Action Plan (STEP 4) March, 2015 Submit the completed Action Plans to your liaison. April, 2015 Pastoral Plan published and distribution. May, 2015 Full implementation of the Pastoral Plan Ministries, Organizations, and Groups monitor and adjust their action plan as needed. January, 2016 Progress report completed and shared with the parish community.

12 Pastoral Council Contact Information Representative: Phone: Chuck Harris (Chair) Gretchen Mitchell (Vice Chair) Paul Browne Maureen Dougherty-Nissel Trish Funkhouser Kathy McAlpin Tom McLister Hal Mosser Sue Rausch Katie Ryan Annette Stepler Irene Wunderlich Holly Holt (youth representative The Parish is not an outdated institution if it proves capable of self-renewal and constant adaptively; it continues to be the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters. This presumes that it really is in contact with the homes and the lives of its people, and does not become a useless structure out of touch with people or a self-absorbed cluster made up of a chosen few. Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, #28

13 MISSION UNITS AND LIASION ASSIGNMENTS Liturgy Altar Servers - Sue Rausch CLOW - Kathy McAlpine Environment & Arts - Sue Rausch Eucharistic Ministers - Kathy McAlpine Greeters - Kathy McAlpine Lectors - Sue Rausch Liturgy Committee - Sue Rausch Liturgical Arts Committee - Sue Rausch Music - Sue Rausch Nursery - Kathy McAlpine Sacristans - Kathy McAlpine Parish Support Basket Bingo - Annette Stepler Christmas Crafts Fair - Annette Stepler Church Cleaning - Trish Funkhouser Coffee & Donuts - Trish Funkhouser Country Auction - Trish Funkhouser Grocery Certificate Program - Annette Stepler Horticulture - Trish Funkhouser Landscape - Trish Funkhouser Money Counters - Annette Stepler Office Volunteers - Annette Stepler Parish Events - Trish Funkhouser Pastoral Council Trish F. / Annette S. Faith Formation Baptism Preparation Mitchell/Holt Catechists K-8 - Mitchell/Holt Confirmation Prep Team - Mitchell/Holt Faith Formation Team - Mitchell/Holt Family Faith Formation Team Mitchell/Holt Library - Mitchell/Holt Marriage Preparation - Mitchell/Holt RCIA - Mitchell/Holt Sacramental Preparation - Mitchell/Holt TYM Advisors - Mitchell/Holt Ministries and Community Outreach Administration AME Cemetery - Maureen Dougherty-Nissel Backpack Program - Irene Wunderlich Birth Rite and Respect Life - Katie Ryan Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts Maureen Dougherty- Nissel Cold Weather Shelter - Irene Wunderlich Communion to Sick/Homebound Irene Wunderlich Elizabeth Ministry - Katie Ryan Food Bank - Katie Ryan Good Samaritan - Paul Browne Grief Ministry - Maureen Dougherty-Nissel Habitat for Humanity Maureen Dougherty-Nissel Haiti Ministry - Katie Ryan Knights of Columbus - Paul Browne Ladies Auxiliary - Paul Browne Martha Mary Ministry - Katie Ryan Men s Discussion Group - Paul Browne Over 55 - Paul Browne Parish Nurses - Irene Wunderlich Prayer Line - Paul Browne Prayer Shawl - Katie Ryan Prison Ministry - Paul Browne Rosary Making Ministry - Katie Ryan Social Justice - Irene Wunderlich Softball - Maureen Dougherty-Nissel St. Vincent de Paul - Irene Wunderlich Welcome Committee Maureen Dougherty-Nissel Pastor and Deacons - Tom McLister Administrative Staff - Tom McLister Corporators - Chuck Harris Facilities Committee - Chuck Harris Finance Committee - Tom McLister Maintenance Staff - Chuck Harris Pastoral Staff - Tom McLister

14 NOTES MAPPING OUR JOURNEY

15 Pastoral Council Prayer We stand before You, Holy Spirit, conscious of our sinfulness but willing to serve, aware that You have called us and that we gather in Your Name. Come to us, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts. Give us understanding and perseverance to know Your Will, along with the strength and courage to make Your Will our own. Guide us by Your Wisdom as we seek to discern the vision You have for our parish and how You are calling us to serve. Unite us in the love of Jesus Christ and keep us faithful to all that is true. As we gather in your name, help us to treat one another with love and respect, that our discussions and reflections may help us earn the reward promised to good and faithful servants. We ask this of You who lives and reigns with the Father and the Son, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Adopted January, 2014

16 This is why I want a church that is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us In their difficulties they know the suffering Christ. We need to let ourselves be evangelized by them We are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them, and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them. Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, #198