Pastoral Planning 2008 Phase 1 August 19, 2008
Proposed Planning Process Phase I Spring-Summer 2008 Ministry planning and organization Planning for parish 150 th anniversary in 2010 considered Parish Pastoral Council revisioning of Workgroups and membership in light of ministry organization Facilities/Space needs and visions identified, prioritized, costing finalized, and funding sources identified Phase II Fall 2008-Summer 2009 2008-2009 ministry initiatives implemented emphasis on the Word and Eucharist Council restructures with new Ministry Leadership Teams and membership Project plans developed for immediate space needs; some renovation underway Planning for long-range space projects and funding initiatives Phase III Fall 2009-Summer 2010 2009-2010 ministry initiatives implemented emphasis on gifts discernment and who God is calling our community to be (?) Launch anniversary celebrations Immediate space need renovations completed Planning for long-range space projects Fundraising initiated (?) Phase IV Fall 2010-2012 2010-2011 ministry initiative implemented Long-range plans implemented; renovations undertaken and completed
Our Mission: GRATITUDE, DISCIPLESHIP, HOSPITALITY As A Catholic Community, We Witness To The Love Of Jesus Christ In The World. Our Vision: To celebrate who we are as a vibrant parish community where all are welcomed, nourished in faith, and called to share God s gifts with one another and the world. Proposed: Five interconnected areas of ministry, each with critical areas of emphasis to support the parish mission. Some Guiding Principles: Eucharist is the source and summit of our life in Christ. All are welcome! is our mantra of hospitality. We are committed to evangelization of others, the reconciliation of inactive Catholics, and enhanced participation one more step on the journey for all in our parish life. As a stewardship community, we value each individual s gifts of the Holy Spirit and expertise shared in support of the mission and one another. Justice and outreach are at the core of our ministry to the local community and the world. We strive always to work in collaboration as the one Body of Christ. Small Christian communities provide a model for parish life. We are on a spiritual journey of learning and conversion, committed to lifelong faith formation which includes children, youth and adults. We support our ministries with faith-building communications. About this plan The items listed in each ministry area are not meant to be exhaustive or the exclusive domain of the ministry leadership team but rather indicative of significant components of each area of ministry to be shared by all. Our areas of ministry thrive when they are seamless in nature. The following goals are both descriptive of current activities and indicative of the goals to which we aspire as a community.
Proposed Structure of Leadership and Ministry Parish Pastoral Council Leadership Community At-Large Members (12) Pastoral Staff (12) Youth Rep (1) Ministry Leadership Team Chairs (5) Stewardship Council Chair (1) Finance Council Chair (1) Ministry Leadership Teams Worship Leadership Team Faith Formation Leadership Team Pastoral Care/Social Outreach Leadership Team Community Building Leadership Team Operations Leadership Team Leadership Team Purpose To provide visionary leadership for each major area of ministry To continuously evaluate effectiveness and growth opportunities for existing ministering communities and need for new areas of ministry Provide Pastoral Council with ministry-related learning opportunities as well as regular updates and topics for discussion and discernment Leadership Team Structure Chair, Co-Chair, Staff Liaison lead the team Minimum range of 8-12 members in each team Team meetings include prayer, learning, along with faith sharing and discussion, visioning, and planning Chair is ex-officio member of Pastoral Council Ministering Communities: Each team serves a larger collection of ministering communities (i.e. committees) within its major or umbrella area of ministry Chair and Co-Chair facilitate communication among different ministering communities within the major ministry areas Team membership is open to members and leaders of ministering communities as well as the parish at-large (representation of each ministering community not mandatory) With ongoing mentoring of new leadership as a priority, terms of membership for Chairs, Co-Chairs and members should be limited to approximately 2 3 years with a dynamic and changing mix of new and veteran members
WORSHIP Our goal is to assist in leading all ages to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations. (S.C. 14) By recognizing the giftedness and holiness of each person, we strive to see the presence of Christ in all we do. The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the font from which all her power flows. (S.C.10) Worship Leadership Team: Always beginning with an emphasis on prayer, catechesis, and celebration, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our work in the area of Worship, encouraging participation. Creating an atmosphere of collaboration with parishioners, the Team facilitates the liturgical life of the parish. Ministering Communities: Liturgy Preparation: Facilitated by Liturgy Coordinators we prepare and celebrate our Parish Liturgies on Sundays, Holy Days, Feast Days and especially Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum. Liturgical Ministries: Ministers of Hospitality, Ushers, Priests, Deacons, Altar Servers, Lectors, Presiders for our Liturgy of the Word with Children, Homilists, Music Ministers and Ministers of Communion all bring their time and talent to make our liturgy a celebration of the People of God. Formation: As an ongoing support to our Stewardship efforts, we provide formation, practicum and mentoring experiences for all who wish to enter a liturgical ministry. Spiritual Growth: Supporting the spiritual journey of our faith community, this ministry provides a variety of prayer forms, both devotional and contemporary, encouraging the spiritual growth of parishioners and is available to resource long-standing groups such as the Prayer Group and others. Environment and Art: With an emphasis on beauty and simplicity, our Environment and Art Team along with our Sacristy Team maintain the sacredness of our Worship space. Sacramental Celebrations and Funeral Liturgies: With appreciation that the celebration of all the sacraments supports our participation in the Eucharistic mystery, we provide assistance to Faith Formation and others with Sacramental Celebrations and, in collaboration with Pastoral Care, preparation for Funeral Liturgies. Liturgical Music: Our Music Ministry provides a prayerful and integral component to the liturgy, utilizing the gifts and talents of all ages. Community: Six standing choirs, seasonal/combined choirs, cantors, instrumentalists, accompanists, staff and administrative volunteers Resourcing: Functions also as a musical and A/V resource to other ministering communities and parish events.
FAITH FORMATION Collectively and individually, we envision ourselves as a learning community in the journey of faith toward conversion and discipleship. Our goal is to foster a culture of lifelong formation in the faith. Faith Formation Leadership Team: Created to advise the Parish Pastoral Council in areas regarding all aspects of Lifelong Learning in light of the Parish Mission and our Ministry area goal of fostering a culture of formation in faith over the life of the parish. We will develop and continue to monitor a coherent Catechetical plan including Youth Ministry that integrates the many components of an overall program, provides opportunities for all the hear the Gospel message and the rooted tradition of the church and to celebrate that in prayer and Liturgy and live it in our daily lives. The Team membership will reflect the various ages, interests and needs and scope of the ministry of education and youth and of everyone in the parish as far as is possible. The first year effort will be to ground ourselves in an understanding of good catechetical and youth ministry praxis and develop a plan to follow for the next 3-5 years to assure that needs recognized and identified are addressed. The Team will be prepared to present information and ideas for exploration to the Parish Pastoral Council in timely fashion and in ways integrated with other ministry efforts to maximize both effectiveness and availability. Particular areas of interest are: Parish Catechist training and development; adult spirituality; followup to sacramental preparation; evangelization of youth; social justice awareness and outreach; retreat experiences; and linking with communications, small group ministry, youth development. It will be necessary to address adequate staffing, funding, and space to foster program development and growth including but not limited to meeting space, technology usage, as well as creative funding for youth service development. Ministering Communities: Catechists for Sacramental Preparation Elementary Faith Formation Family Faith Formation Liturgy of Word with Children Nursery Ministry Baptismal Preparation Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation First Eucharist Preparation First Reconciliation Preparation Confirmation Preparation Youth Ministry Middle School Faith Formation High School Faith Formation Youth Social Ministry/Outreach Boy Scout/Girl Scouts First Wednesdays Parish Youth Team CYO Sports Saint Joseph Book Club CSE Training Youth Ministry Visioning We evangelize junior and senior high youths, empowering them to own their Christian identity within the parish and the community at large by drawing them to enthusiastic participation in worship, community building, social, learning and service/outreach activities. Students will be encouraged to experience each of these areas with the goal of realizing their interconnectivity with the Eucharist. This emphasis on evangelization will be implemented in conjunction with the efforts of Faith Formation over the next five years. Maintain as a primary focus, the invitation to participation in the liturgical ministries of the Eucharist, especially on Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm. Expand social outreach opportunities. Provide retreat experiences. Increase youth participation in parish life beyond the sacrament of Confirmation. Create more effective ways of communicating with teens specifically through the use of various technologies. Involve both teens and adults in both active planning and participation in youth events as a means of support for the continued development of the vision of the youth ministry program o Specific programs needing enhanced leadership, participation and development include, service/outreach, Sunday night programming, and retreat planning.
PASTORAL CARE/SOCIAL OUTREACH Our goal is to develop a vision of practicing Biblically based justice and charity in all aspects of parish life, and providing opportunities for parishioners to participate in service ministries. Pastoral Care/Social Outreach Leadership Team: This Team of representatives from the various pastoral/outreach ministries along with the staff liaison, will collaborate together to identify the pastoral care and outreach needs of the parish community and provide service ministries to meet those needs. Outreach Ministering Communities: Social Ministry Advocacy and Planning Team: Provides education on public policy issues and social issues and develops new service projects. One new ministry proposed Family Service which will provide justice and service opportunities for families. RAIHN Project: Develops and provides service to homeless families staying at Temple Sinai. Martha Ministry: Develops and provides parish receptions for families following a funeral. Caring for God s Creation: Develops and provides advocacy and education for the parish around environmental issues. Sharing Hearts Urban/Suburban Connection: Collaborates with Our Lady of the Americas parish cluster on joint service projects. Tithing: Works to identify funding needs of service organizations both in the parish and larger community. Habitat for Humanity: Develops funding and services to build homes for low-income families. Food Van Delivery: Works to provide food to needy parishes. Pastoral Care Ministering Communities: Stephen Ministry Reach Out Team: Develops and provides Stephen Ministers to parishioners in need; provides hospital and nursing home follow-up. Spiritual Direction: Trained spiritual directors guide individual parishioners in their personal relationship with God. Communion Ministry: Through sharing of the Eucharist, this ministry, working in collaboration with Worship and Community, is the presence of St. Joseph s to the sick, hospitalized, homebound, and seniors in nursing homes,. Knitting Ministry-Strands of Love: Develops and provides prayer shawls for parishioners in area hospitals. Morninglory: Bereavement ministry with those who are grieving. Transportation: Provides transportation to doctor s appointments, grocery store, etc. Parish Nurses: Develops and provides education on health issues and services including blood pressure checks. Caring Cards: Develops and provides cards of support for parishioners. Shepherd Home: Parishioners who assist with end-of-life ministries at this comfort care home.
COMMUNITY BUILDING/EVANGELIZATION MINISTRY The goals of this new ministry are to maintain a dynamic and shared vision of pastoral planning; continually expand our relational net in a Gospel spirit of evangelization; and further build small Christian communities as a parish model. Community Leadership Team: Actively listening to the voice of parishioners, Team provides a variety of ways to effectively communicate the vision and mission of our parish life, bringing together parish leadership groups with the community to work collaboratively. This Team will provide Pastoral Council with updates and topics for discussion related to the Team, its ministering communities, and pastoral planning process; develop opportunities to explore the spiritual dimension of community-building and evangelization with ministering communities and Pastoral Council; identify synergies between ministering communities within Community and other Teams; provide resources to all ministering communities for their development as intentional small communities prayer, educational material, faith-sharing resources. Ministering Communities: Small Group Planning Team: With the goal of being a community of small Christian communities, this team resources our small group ministry; provides a framework for parish-wide initiatives with parish-created and/or published small group faith-sharing programs, particularly for the 40 Days of Spirituality cycles; continually explores new models for development of small groups, such as lectionary, topical, issue-oriented, online and gender-based groups; and is available to resource long-term groups such as Women Growing in Christ and Sophia Seekers. Communications Ministry: Emphasizes interactive, two-way communications between the pastor, staff, the leadership community, all parishioners, and the local community, including website content and design management in collaboration with Operations. Hospitality Team: Representing a pillar of our mission statement, seeks to further our understanding of how to be most welcoming while also assisting with major event planning and the weekly Java & Juice. Evangelization/Enhanced Participation Team: Develops outreach to inactive Catholics in our community and responds to needs expressed through initiatives such as the 07 parish census. New Parishioner Team: Maintains a process of outreach to new parishioners to extend our welcome and invitation to participation. Gifts Ministry: Will invite all to take one more step on the journey of faith emphasizing the spirituality of being good stewards of time and talent, working in collaboration with the Stewardship Council and Operations. RCIA Core Team: Invites exploration of the Catholic faith with a goal of increasing participation in RCIA. Ecumenical Team: Will develop opportunities to collaborate with other local faith communities on initiatives in addition to the ecumenical Penfield Food Shelf. Fellowship/Community Activities: Bridge, Knights of Columbus, Men s Basketball, Cooks, Parish Picnic Vocations: Pro-actively encouraging parishioners to discern the call to ordained ministry and lay ecclesial ministry.
OPERATIONS Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40) Our goal is to coordinate the administrative and operational functions of the church so as to promote, support and strengthen the work of the church as it fulfills is vision and mission. Operations Leadership Team: Through the stewarding of our parish resources, the Team works behind the scenes assessing, evaluating and reshaping the parish s financial, legal, physical, custodial, technological, personnel, and recordkeeping structures and procedures to facilitate the practicalities of all the other ministries. The Finance Council oversees the parish s business and financial affairs, ensuring they are handled in accord with established diocesan financial policies and procedures. It develops and audits an annual parish budget based on the financial stewardship commitments, is responsible for receiving and accurately accounting for all financial and tangible gifts, and ensures that all parish financial obligations are met in a timely manner. Helping stewards give from their accumulation is the function of the Planned Giving ministry, through which the parish can achieve dreams beyond the annual budget. Office Administration: With the help of various office volunteers and staff, we provide Christ-like hospitality to all those visiting or working in the parish office, as well as continually maintain and update the parish database, sacramental records, and facilities calendar. The Building and Grounds Committee with its associated ministries work along with the parish maintenance staff to maintain our existing facilities and assist in the development of any improvements to the parish campus. Custodial / Security / Maintenance Facility Services are committed to enhance and maintain the parish campus and provide clean, safe, and sanitary conditions for those using our facilities. This ministry offers efficient and effective cleaning, maintenance, and security service. Services such as building maintenance, floor care, carpet shampooing, janitorial service, and facility setup are provided. The Technology Ministry provides guidance, oversight, support, and expertise on technology-related issues. Its mission is to assess the computer needs of the church and give recommendations on the use and purchase of computer equipment and software. This ministry also supports individual needs of ministries by offering graphic design, database management, desktop publication, presentation development, web support, and training. The work of the Stewardship Ministry is to help God s people grow in their spiritual relationship with God through the use of the time, talent, and finances that God has entrusted to them. Through annual renewals, ongoing communication and education, and periodic appreciation events, this ministry promotes the vision of helping all parish members respond as disciples in very real and practical ways. Current Ministering Communities Finance Council Planned Giving Cmte General Office Help Money Counters Building & Grounds Garden Club Rough & Ready Crews Custodial/Maintenance Stewardship Council Stewardship Appreciation Event(s) Cmte Database Management IT/Web Development Communications Weekly Bulletin
Matrix of Ministry Space The following indicates which areas of ministry would be most enhanced by a facility renovation, repair or upgrade. Worship Faith Formation Pastoral Care/Social Outreach Community Operations/ Stewardship Baptism Immersion Font & Collateral Construction St. Joseph s School Estimates Timing $328,000 338,400 2008-2010 Large/flexible meeting space (accommodate 200+, moveable walls, built-in technology) School Cafeteria Worship Space Upgrades (lighting) Gym/PRC/Youth Room Lighting, roofing, heat/ventilation $ 2008-1010 $ 2008-2010 Lighting $30,000 100,000 2008-2010 Lighting $ 15,000 Roof, heat, vent. $125,000 Parking lot repairs/ foundation replacement $250,000 Malley Building Carpet Malley Building Reception Area Renovation Worship Space Stained Glass Windows 2008-2010 2008-2010 Carpeting $ 2008-2010 Office renovation $ 2008-2010 $5,000 each 2010 Renovation of Church entryway (balcony removal, hospitality room, restroom, gathering area) $300,000 2010-2012 Worship Space Upgrades (pews, flooring) Pipe Organ Pews $90,000 160,000 Flooring $ 2010-2012 $500,000 1,000,000 2012-2015