RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD CATHOLIC CHURCH Image by Steven Brown, Parishioner, Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church 2016-2021 PASTORAL PLAN
I. MISSION STATEMENT W e, the parishioners of Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church, acknowledge, understand, and accept the responsibilities associated with the gifts bestowed upon us through the Holy Spirit, we continue to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We celebrate the Eucharist and sacraments in our culturally diverse community, where persons of all races and nationalities are invited to help us become a living witness of the gospel. We share our faith and empower members in our faith community to become disciples of Jesus Christ with a commitment to stewardship and the church s social teaching. We rely on the help of the Holy Spirit as we pursue this mission. II. PURPOSE - PASTORAL PLAN The purpose and intent of the Pastoral Plan is to serve as guidance toward the goals of the Parish and to foster the Vision and Mission of the church. The Plan outlines the function of the Liturgical Ministries and Committees, and defines their role in the administration of the church. Through the work of these various ministries, we support the Parish, the community and the overarching goal of the church which is the celebration of the Eucharist. Any major undertaking by the church will be measured against the Pastoral Plan to insure that it is compatible with the mission of Resurrection of our Lord and the vision that has been set forth to guide us. Pastor, Robert E. Chaney Resurrection of our Lord Catholic Church 112 Fell Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
III. PASTORAL MINISTRIES 1. LITURGY Choirs: Gospel Voices of Resurrection Sons of Resurrections Youth Altar Servers Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Greeters Lectors Media/Sound Technicians Ushers Church Maintenance Team Women of Jerusalem 4. FAITH FORMATION Bible Study Sunday Morning Bible Study Tuesday Evening Faith Formation Classes 5. ADMINISTRATIVE Building and Grounds Committee Capital Campaign Committee Finance Council Pastoral Council Stewardship Committee 2. HUMAN CONCERNS Bereavement Committee Wellness Committee Human Concerns Committee Transportation Committee 3. PARISH LIFE Council of Catholic Women Holy Name Society Parish Life Committee Knights of Peter Claver Branch 278 Knights of Peter Claver Council 278 Knights of Peter Claver Junior Court 278 Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court 278
IV. 2015-2016 PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS Father Robert E. Chaney, Pastor William Law, Jr. Marcus Lotson Sylvia Johnson Deloris Manor Gloria Davis-McArthur Sandra Cross Bessie Crawford Special thanks to the members of the Pastoral Council for employing their gifts of time and talents to construction of this Pastoral Plan. The completion of this Plan was achieved by the dedication of the countless hours and the generous participation of the Parish Council who along with the teamwork of former Pastoral Council members Charles Bell, Jean Simmons, Carolyn James, Ocia Walker, Ruby Miller, Patricia Albright and Ernest Roberts brought the Plan into fruition.
V. 2012-2015 PASTORAL COUNCIL 3/YEAR - 3/PHASE MODEL In the winter of 2011, a Sub-Committee convened to begin the task of creating a model to assess strategies, benchmarks and recommendations to be implemented within the context of the parish s designated timetable. Development of the Pastoral Plan has been a continuous work in process, guided by the Holy Spirit, dedicated to full, conscious and active participation in our Church s and Diocese s mission to build God s reign through a vibrant and faith-filled Eucharistic community that proclaims the Gospel in Word, Sacraments, Celebration and Service. The Sub-Committees, Council and Ministry Leaders accomplished the Pastoral Plan by means of: 1) Conducting an In-Pew Survey of the parishioners at both masses [2012]; 2) Collecting information via questionnaires completed by Ministry Leaders of each parish ministry [2013]; and 3) Developing a blueprint inclusive of strategic areas and resources [2014-2015] This Pastoral Plan will be updated and remain a continuing planning process. As such, the 2016-2021 Pastoral Plan should be started no later than January 2016.
1. LITURGICAL MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES Description of the Liturgical Ministries: To enhance parishioners spiritual life through the Mass, the Sacraments, special life events and other spiritual growth activities. MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES MISSION GOALS /ACTIONS LITURGY COMMITTEE MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST LECTORS USHERS GREETERS MUSIC MINISTRY Resurrection Choirs: The Voices of Resurrection Sons of Resurrection Gospel Choir Youth Choir LITURGICAL DANCERS MEDIA/SOUND ~ Implement plans for all spiritual events and evaluate those events for its effectiveness ~ Assist in the distribution of communion at Mass and outreach to the homebound through distribution of communion and listening to their concerns and relaying their needs to the pastor ~ Proclaim God s Word at Mass and all services in clear and precise language ~ Act as the doorkeepers of the church, assisting the pastor in providing a climate during the Mass that is orderly, gratifying, and stress-free ~ Greet parishioners and welcome visitors entering and departing the church ~ Recruit a chairperson and committee members to work with the Pastor in the implementation of the plans for the required events *A total of seven Liturgical Ministers are needed for this committee ~ Train new ministers chosen by the pastor to serve during Mass and take communion to the homebound *A total of seven Eucharistic Ministers are needed for each Mass. ~ Provide annual workshop for training and enrichment. *Two Lectors are needed for each Mass. ~ Recruit additional parishioners to serve as ushers for all services ~ Provide annual training workshops to heighten the usher s skills *A minimum of four Ushers are needed for each Mass ~ Recruit additional parishioners to act as greeters ensuring coverage for all services, at the beginning and closing of each mass ~ Provide annual workshops for training and enrichment *Two Greeters are required for each Mass ~ Provide spiritually uplifting music at all services. ~ Under the directions of the Choir Directors, Choir members will learn new uplifting songs to be sung at each Mass *The number of people in each Choir varies *Each Choir should have a minimum of 10 ~ Provide young ladies (and men) the opportunity to express their spirituality through the visual aid of dance ~ Operate the technical equipment to amplify, enhance and mix sound to support the Mass ~ Set up, test and operate equipment in accordance with the acoustics; select, place and adjust microphones ~ Expand opportunities for youth who wish to express their spirituality through dance movement to music that is uplifting ~ Recruit and expand the troupe by inviting young people to join via announcements at church, the weekly church bulletin and church fair ~ Determine the sound requirements for the Mass and other services ~ Operate controls to maintain correct sound levels ~ Service, maintain and repair the sound equipment
1. LITURGICAL MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES MISSION GOALS /ACTIONS ALTAR SERVERS ~ Assist the pastor in the celebration of the liturgy during each mass. ~ Recruit young men (and young women) for the ministry and provide proper training to serve at mass *The number of Altar Servers for each Mass will be at the digression of WOMEN OF JERUSALEM CHURCH CLEANING ~ Placement of the pall upon the casket upon the deceased during the funeral Mass. [The pall is the 6 x10 covering, which serve as a reminder of new life celebrated by baptism and to the new life the deceased experiences through physical death] ~ Responsible for keeping the church clean and tidy between services, event and various church activities ~Perform all of the essential duties and responsibilities related to the up-keep of the sanctuary, chapels and adjoining rooms. All spaces are to be maintained with the support and assistance of this ministry s volunteers the pastor ~ Recruit, schedule and train parishioners on the responsibilities needed to assist this ministry ~ Recruit parishioners to perform the cleaning duties of the church each week throughout the year. *A minimum of four volunteers are needed each week
MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES LITURGY COMMITTEE MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST LECTORS USHERS GREETERS MUSIC MINISTRY LITURGICAL DANCERS MEDIA/SOUND ALTAR SERVERS WOMEN OF JERUSALEM CHURCH CLEANING 1. LITURGICAL MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES THE COMMITTEE S VISION ~ Continue to offer the celebration of worship that parishioners are accustomed and to be inclusive of all parishioners ~ Create a fifth Sunday Youth Mass allowing youth to assume responsibilities the entire mass ~ Continue to provide the faithful participation in our services and to become more interactive with our sick and homebound ~ Lectors will engage in training and obtain materials needed to support and stimulate this ministry ~ Recruit and train additional youth ushers to act as substitutes to perform duties for absent ushers ~ Ensure that individuals attending Mass and events feel welcomed to the parish ~ Make certain that greeters are present before and after each mass ~ Increase the repertoire of music for each of the choirs ~ Consistently recruit new choir members to engage in the praise and worship of Jesus Christ ~ Create performance movements that are expressions of prayer and spiritually uplifting ~ Recruit new members to the Dance Troupe and increase the skill level of the younger dancers ~ Rehearse with the dancers as needed ~ Train additional parishioners to operate the Media/Sound equipment safeguarding that staff are available for each Mass ~ Develop and coordinate the recording tapes of the Mass to be disseminated to the sick and home-bound parishioners ~ Continue to recruit and train youth to serve in this ministry ~ Increase the number of parishioners to serve and assist with this ministry ~ Maintain and recruit parishioners for the ministry to ensure continuity of volunteers maintaining the cleanliness of the church
2. HUMAN CONCERNS MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES Description of Human Concerns Ministry: To serve those of the faith community and surrounding community who are in need. MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES MISSION GOALS /ACTIONS BEREAVEMENT ~ Communicates the compassion of the parish by ~ Contact parishioners to serve on this committee COMMITTEE providing a meal for bereaved families on the day ~ Coordinates the setup of the Parish Hall for the meal, preparation of HUMAN CONCERNS COMMITTEE of the burial of their loved ones ~ Provide food items, etc. to parishioners and the community at-large that need assistance the foods, service of the meal and the clean up after the repast ~ Collect weekly non-perishable food items to donate to the Social Apostolate ~ Continue the monthly Community Development Collection that assists those in need ~ Participate with the Adopt-A-Street program for both - Fell Street and ACL Boulevard; ACL Blvd cleaning efforts coordinated by the Knights of Peter Claver Council 278 ~ Continue to solicit collections for the Annual Blanket Drive coordinated by the Knights of Peter Claver Council 278 ~ Solicit support and recruit parishioners to participate in the annual Relay-for-Life event ~ Continue to host the annual Voter Registration Drive ~ Solicit donations, assemble collected items and distribute the school supplies for the Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive ~ Host 90 th Birthday celebrations for parishioners ~ Prepare baskets for the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas to be distributed by youth ~ Promote the The Sanctity of Life from conception to natural death ~ Encourage the continued participation of women with the St. Elizabeth Ministry [providing spiritual reinforcement for women during their pregnancy] TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ~ Provides transportation for parishioners who need assistance travelling to and from both Masses ~ Organize and coordinate the provision of bus transportation for parishioners ~ Recruit qualified bus drivers with CDL licensing ~ Train and certify drivers under Diocese of Savannah guidelines
2. HUMAN CONCERNS MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES MISSION GOALS /ACTIONS WELLNESS MINISTRY ~ Fosters and supports a healthier lifestyle through education and provide health professionals at all of the services in case a health emergency develops ~ Meet monthly to insure requirements are being met ~ Plan for health seminars and health fairs ~ Ensure at least two (2) volunteers for each Mass and other occasions ~ Provide a six (6) month activity calendar with planned workshops ~ Provide information on specific diseases or positive health habits ~ Perform monthly blood pressure checks
3. PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES Description Of Parish Life Ministry: The Parish Life Ministry is the organ of the Parish through which all Parishioners are afforded the opportunity to get to know one another by attending the various social gatherings organized by these ministries. MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN HOLY NAME SOCIETY YOUTH GROUP KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER COUNCIL-278 MISSION ~ Provide parish-wide social events that recognize the interest and needs of the parishioners. ~ Supports, empowers, and educates all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership, and service, as Associates of the National Council of Catholic Women ~ To promote opportunities for practicing Catholic 18 years and older ~ To provide opportunities for youth that will continue to enhance their spiritual, moral and cultural development ~In association with the national organization, Council 278 s mission is to render services to God and His Holy Church in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and assisting the clergy in the planning, promoting, sponsoring and executing works of Catholic action wherever and whenever possible GOALS /ACTIONS ~ Coordinate the collection of covered dishes from parishioners. ~ Schedule the food purchases by the Church for this ministry s events. ~ Recruit needed volunteers to ensure the success of the gatherings. ~ Support local families, children, and individuals in shelters with baskets, toiletries, and seasonal clothing. ~ Host annual Father s Day Breakfast ~ Host informational sessions to discuss international projects recognized by NCCW. ~ Assist youth graduating with Holy Name scholarships to further their education endeavors ~ Provide educational scholarships for the youth of the parish. ~Foster and improve the members participation with the youth of our parish ~ To perform such special works as assigned to it by the pastor ~ Continue their faith formation through practicing the tenets of their catholic faith ~ Provide opportunities for peer-to-peer support and encouragement among the youth ~ Visit the sick and home-bound and assist to support their needs by sending cards and creating holiday baskets ~ Support the pastor of the parish and the bishop of the diocese ~ Participate collectively in the various parish and community activities ~ Encourage lay Apostolic and Catholic action ~ Make contributions to worthwhile causes (church and community) ~ Foster recreational assemblies and facilities ~ Help develop the youth of the parish Award scholarships
3. PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES MISSION GOALS /ACTIONS KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER LADIES AUXILIARY COURT-278 KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER JUNIOR COURT-278 KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER JUNIOR DAUGHTERS COURT-278 ~ To serve God and His Holy Church ~ Observe its doctrines and to be sensitive to the needs of the church, community and families; ~ Foster among the Sisterhood- Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity ~ Render service to God and His Holy Church ~ Render aid and assistance to the sick and disabled ~ Promote social and intellectual association among its members ~ To address the spiritual, educational, and social needs to Catholic girls ages 7-18; ~ To encourage the active involvement of the girls in their faith and in their community ~ Provide donations and participate with the Back to School supplies distribution to students; ~ Present boutonnieres to the fathers of the parish on Father s Day; ~ Support Court 278 Junior Daughters; ~ Maintain committed financial obligations ~ Hold annual recruitment drives ~ Be active participants in the spiritual aspects of our faith community. ~ Participates in semi-annual community service projects. ~ Sponsors member/non-member social activities. ~ Plan to have more social events i.e. picnics, bowling or skating events to attract new members to increase interested and motivated young ladies to join.
MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN HOLY NAME SOCIETY YOUTH GROUP KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER COUNCIL 278 KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER LADIES AUXILIARY COURT 278 KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER BRANCH 278 KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER JUNIOR COURT 278 3. PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES THE COMMITTEE S VISION ~ Recruit and encourage the participation of parishioners to the ministry ~ Build collaborations among participants encouraging greater interaction with parishioners to enhance the fellowship ~ Empower Council members to continue to be the voice of Catholic women ~ Transform our community through prayer and action ~ Provide a forum for Catholic women to speak and act on matters of mutual interest in our community ~ Identify families and children in need of support and resources ~ Encourage the members of the Society to participate more actively in the life of the church and the community ~ Foster the Religious, Educational and Social aspects of the children and youth of the parish ~ Re-create a dedicated and benevolent climate favorable to an all-inclusive approach to addressing the needs and implementing activities for the children and youth of the parish ~ Increase membership and become more involved in the community and increase fundraising activities along with helping the less fortunate ~ Provide venues for youth to embrace their Christianity ~ Equip youth with the tools they need to become leaders for the New Evangelation ~ Continue to support both the parish and community ~ Maintain the enrollment of sixty active members in Council 278 ~ Increase visibility and participation in the community and charitable causes ~ Increase the number of scholarships awarded ~ Encourage additional members of Council 278 join Knights of Peter Claver Assembly 45 (4 th Degree) ~ Promote better member participation in Court sponsored activities, encouraging a sisterhood of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity *This vision also includes continuing to strengthen the Court through workshops that will merit membership growth as well as retention ~ Increase by 75 percent the number of juniors transferring to the senior division of the Knights of Peter Claver once they have reached the maximum age of a Junior Knight ~ Increase the overall support of the church family and encourage the church family to be supportive of all Junior Daughters by participating in their fundraisers and projects
4. FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES Description of Faith Formation Ministry: Faith Formation is the religious training of our children, people who wish to join us in our Christian journey, and the continuing enrichment of our faith. MINISTRIES/ MISSION GOALS /ACTIONS COMMITTEES FAITH FORMATION FOR YOUTH FAITH FORMATION FOR ADULTS BIBLE STUDY-- SUNDAY MORNING TUESDAY EVENING ~ Teach the Catholic faith to the children of the ~ Work with parents as their children are preparing for meaningful parish especially to those who are attending non- reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Catholic schools. The classes prepare participants Confirmation. for receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, ~ Continuation of enrollment of our youth into the Faith Formation Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. ~ Impart an awareness and understanding of Sacred Scripture and its ~ To deepen our children s awareness, significance on Christian living understanding of God s loving presence in their lives ~ Reinforce, nurture and strengthen Christian values and to increase their knowledge of the true message love ~ Prepare those adults and children who want to learn about Catholicism to receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist) ~ To read and study the Bible - the word of God ~ To address and strengthen the spiritual needs of the participants ~ Prepare participants for entrance into the church by studying the teachings of the church. This is done by both adults and children attending classes ~ Provide materials for the accurate study of Catholic doctrine ~ To deliver a comprehensive and clear understanding of the language in the Bible. ~ Maintain a consistent meeting site. ~ Enhance and continue Group discussions
MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES FAITH FORMATION FOR YOUTH FAITH FORMATION FOR ADULTS BIBLE STUDY-- SUNDAY MORNING TUESDAY EVENING 4. FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES THE COMMITTEE S VISION ~ Encourage active attendance and participation of students {Pre K-8 th grade ~ Recruit volunteers that will be faithful catechists. ~ Continue ongoing calendar events for activities such as pizza parties, movie nights, etc. ~ Recruit perspective parishioners ~ Increase the number of parishioners that read the scriptures, increasing their knowledge
5. ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES Description of the Ministries: This collection of committees works to assist in the daily/weekly operation of the parish. They provide responsible parish decision making, prudent parish financial management, and serviceable parish buildings and grounds. MINISTRIES/ MISSION GOALS /ACTIONS COMMITTEES PASTORAL COUNCIL FINANCE COUNCIL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE ~ Assist the pastor in the decision making of the parish with representatives of the parish body. Assist the Pastor in following established guidelines of the Diocese, oversee financial operations of the church, and insure financial policies and practices are followed in order to maintain the financial health of the church. ~ Develop creative ways to raise money for retiring the present debt on the new Sanctuary and to raise money for future parish improvement projects ~ Recruit and train a cadre of parishioners committed and dedicated to the mission of our church for nomination and election the council ~ Host a quarterly meeting all of the church s ministries and committees to ensure that needs of the parish are addressed in the framework of a combined mission ~ Create a manageable and realistic annual budget ~ Review and monitor the parish s annual budget monthly and review monthly financial reports ~ Review bank account information and banking fees ~ Encourage parishioners to support the offertory ~ Identify and suggest the sale of property and/or assets ~ Recruit members of the congregation who have a background in bookkeeping, accounting or finance to serve on Finance Council ~ Develop and run major fundraising events ~ Identify annual fundraisers with proven success records ~ Research grants available to churches ~ Request the participation of business and community support with fundraisers
5. ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRIES and COMMITTEES MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES MISSION GOALS /ACTIONS BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE ~ Provide and maintain a safe, secure, attractive and comfortable physical environment for parishioners and visitors ~ To educate members of congregation in the use of their time, talent and treasure, as it relates to their personal growth and the advancement of the parish ~ Monitor all buildings and ground areas routinely to identify and correct any unsafe conditions ~ Routinely test all fire and security system alarms ~ Conduct quarterly committee walk of all properties ~ Maintain grounds maintenance agreements and monitor contractor performance ~ Monitor all building electrical, climate control and plumbing systems and correct any problems using contractors or volunteers ~ Maintain maintenance agreements and schedule with climate Control Company ~ Foster parish-wide involvement of the parishioners with the parish and programs ~ Encourage a personal and parochial commitment to the fiscal and sacrificial giving OFFERTORY COUNTERS ~ To count, prepare and deposit Sunday contributions ~ Ensure that Diocesan guidelines are followed, as it relates to the accurate accounting of contributions to the parish
MINISTRIES/ COMMITTEES PASTORAL COUNCIL FINANCE COUNCIL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE: STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE OFFERTORY COUNTERS 5. ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRIES/COMMITTEES THE COMMITTEE S VISION ~ Provide comprehensive leadership workshops for the entire parish the ministries ~ Coordinate quarterly meetings of the ministries with Pastoral Council to improve the oversight of parish planning/events ~ Create a quarterly newsletter to report Parish Council concerns ~ Hold open pastoral elections ~ Keep the parish financially solvent ~ Maintain a contingency account for unforeseen emergencies ~ Retire debt on the new sanctuary ~ Generate and increase opportunities for giving that is accessible through innovative technology ~ Encourage the congregation to share innovative fundraising ideas with Committee members for reducing the present indebtedness ~ Encourage and invite parishioners to attend the committee meetings ~ Develop a new master plan to address usage of the former church ~ Pave the parking lot ~ Develop long term master plan for entire site ~ Sale of the property on ACL Blvd ~ Correct the church signage following the completion of the state roadwork/expansion project [on the corners of Bay and Fell Streets] ~ Educate the parishioners on the spirituality of stewardship, as a way of life; encourage the implementation of the gifts that God has given us time (the most valuable gift), talent and treasure. ~ Provide training to enhance the knowledge of the Offertory counters regarding the Diocesan Standards ~ Increase the number of available counters to ensure that the minimum required are present for all masses