Spiritual Life

The Christian faithful are those who have been incorporated in Christ through baptism and, thus, constituted as the people of God. As sharers in Christ’s priestly, prophetic and royal office in their own manner, they are called to exercise the mission which God has entrusted to the Church. The Christian is called to fulfill the mission in the world, according to each one’s state in life. (Canon 204)

Basic to the mission is the spiritual foundation of each Christian. The individual Christian finds oneself in a parish community where that person is nourished, supported, and formed. These elements are found in worship, evangelization, stewardship, baptismal call and call to holiness.

Worship:

1. Liturgy is a priority in parish life and responds to the riches of the culture and heritage of the parish.

Indicators:
• Preaching speaks to the life of the parishioners
• Eucharist is celebrated with prayerfulness and dignity
• Parish diversity is available to present good liturgy
• Various forms of devotional prayer are fostered

2. Sacramental celebrations reflect the cultural heritage of the people assembled.

Indicators:
• RCIA is the formation experience for those adults seeking the Sacraments of Initiation
• The Sacrament of Reconciliation is encouraged with adequate times available
• Marriage preparation is sufficient
• Annointing of the Sick is celebrated communally and when requested
• Funerals are celebrated with compassion and understanding
• Archdiocesan Policies on sacraments of initiation are followed

3. Structures for preparing and caring for the liturgy are in place and operating.

Indicators:
• People are asked to participate and are trained in a variety of liturgical ministries
• There is a liturgy coordinator and or parish liturgy committee
• All liturgical ministers communicate regularly

4. Music is recognized as essential in liturgy and there is financial support.

Indicators:
• Parish music ministers enable the assembly in its sung prayer
• There are worthy instruments able to support assembly’s singing
• There is a competent director of liturgical music
• Choice of music reflects diverse culture and spiritual traditions in the parish

Evangelization:

5. Evangelization is recognized as an essential aspect of the life and mission of the parish.

Indicators:
• Parish leadership and membership is formed in a vision of evangelization
• The parish encourages racial and ethnic harmony
• Newcomers are welcomed
• Efforts are made to reach out to the alienated inactive and the unchurched

Stewardship:

6. Parishioners give of their time talent and treasure to support the Church’s mission.

Indicators:
• There is ongoing stewardship education occurring
• Obstacles to promoting stewardship are faced and dealt with openly

Baptismal Call:

7. Children, youth and adults are made aware of the various options for professional Church ministry.

Indicators:
• Vocational education is an integral part of religious education and parochial school curriculum
• Vocations Office is welcomed to share information
• Parishioners are celebrated in their vocational response in marriage, single life, celibate life

Call to Holiness:

8. The parish supports and nurtures the spiritual life of the parish community.

Indicators:
• There are opportunities for individuals and families to join others for prayerful support
• Programs for personal spiritual formation are provided on a parish and/or inter-parish basis
• Diverse spiritual traditions present within a parish are appreciated and fostered
• There is an outreach to learn the spiritual needs of the parish

Education and Formational Life

Programs of life-long education and catechetical formation, including sacramental preparation and Catholic schools shall be available through cooperative efforts between and among parishes, if not provided on a stand alone basis. It is essential that the parish have the ability to foster a sense of vocation, of eagerness to live out the basic baptismal commitment to service whatever one’s state in life. A parish does this through education and catechetical formation.

Education and Formation:

9. The parish implements a comprehensive plan for the religious formation and education of the entire faith community.

Indicators:
• A comprehensive well integrated catechetical plan exists which provides opportunities for all parishioners to encounter the Gospel message
• Adequate funds resources staff and space are allocated to implement the catechetical plan
• Catechetical programs are evaluated on a regular basis
• Assistance is provided to parents in understanding their role as ministers to their children in the formation of Christian values

Parochial School:

10. An essential ministry is to nurture the faith of families through parochial schools; either in a parish, co-sponsored or a neighboring school.

Indicators:
• Parents are encouraged to be involved in the Catholic school
• Pastors and pastoral staff of the parish are involved with the school
• Cooperative planning exists between school and parish staff for sacramental preparation
• If in a co-sponsored situation, the parish supports the school spiritually and in other appropriate ways

Educational Leaders:

11. All catechists have appropriate preparation as well as practical experience

Indicators:
• Parish Directors of Religious Education have appropriate education, ability and experience to provide catechist formation and effective administration of religious education programs
• All catechists are skilled and knowledgeable
• Catechists are intrinsic to the Gospel, active in parish life and faithful to the teaching of the Church
• Parish priests and permanent deacons are actively involved in ongoing formation

Catechetical Programs:

12. The programs and materials used in religious education are consistent with Church teachings.

Indicators:
• The essential elements of the Christian message are faithfully presented
• Catechesis encourages service and works towards social justice
• Catechesis fosters ecumenism
• Catechetical programs imply models and methodologies which are sensitive to the abilities and the local cultural needs of participants
• There are active sacramental preparation programs

Life of Service

Members of the parish are called to become ministers through their reception of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The most significant place for that ministry to take place is in the everyday life of parishioners seeking to renew society with the spirit of the Gospel. The parish community must also acknowledge and promote ministry which is directed to, for and with the sick, the dying, the disabled, the afflicted, the lonely, the alienated and the unborn. The parish must also promote family life, catechesis, education and action on behalf of justice for all.

Social Teaching Education:

13. The parish provides for the education and formation of its people in the social teachings and tradition of the Church.

Indicators:
• Religious education programs integrate social teaching at every level
• Racial and ethnic harmony is addressed as a priority
• An organized program of instruction in social teaching has been implemented discussing issues in light of Catholic Social Teaching

Public Life:

14. The ministry of the parish reflects political and public dimensions of our faith, encouraging the faithful to work for justice in their own public lives.

Indicators:
• The call to be responsible citizens is acknowledged and highlighted
• There is a social justice committee in place
• The social justice committee has an agenda of social change

Responding to Human Needs:

15. The parish focuses on the human needs of its own members and the needs all the poor and marginalized

Indicators:
• Organizations are in place to provide service in response to human needs, e.g. food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters or in support of parishes or organizations which have these services
• There are programs which minister to the sick, bereaved and homebound
• Parishes reach out to the poor, the newcomer, the needy and the disabled
• Parish is aware of and makes use of local, national and international helping efforts
• Parish responds to needs of families in crisis

Respect for Life:

16. Concern and respect for life is integrated into parochial life.

Indicators:
• Educational opportunities concerning respect for life issues, from conception to natural death, are offered to the parish
• A consistent ethic of life is promoted and expressed for those who are most vulnerable in particular the unborn
• Christian family life is fostered in all its dimensions (traditional, single-parent, widowed, and never married)
• Non-violent behavior, language and life choice is fostered in the family

Ecumenical and Interfaith:

17. The parish engages in education for Christian unity and in ecumenical activities.

Indicators:
• Parish leadership is represented in local ecumenical associations
• The parish conducts and participates in ecumenical services
• Parish leadership promotes understanding of other non Christian religious groups, particularly those represented in the local community
• The specific interfaith concerns of spouses and families are met

Parish Community Life

The parish has an awareness of its youth, young adult and adult members. There is an effort on the part of the parish to actively include all members of the parish in the various activities that make up the parish.

Youth Ministry:

18. There is a comprehensive pastoral ministry for youth.

Indicators:
• The parish alone or with other parishes has a qualified Youth Minister
• The parish provides for training and formation opportunities and materials for all those involved in youth ministry
• All adults who minister with youth are faithful Roman Catholics witnesses of the Gospel and active in parish life

Young Adult Ministry:

19. The parish community fosters pastoral ministry with young adults

Indicators:
• An effort is maintained to engage young adults in all aspects of parish life
• Young adults are encouraged to engage in activities which enhance their faith life
• There is a program for young adults who are beginning their faith journey

Women’s/Men’s Groups:

20. Effective ministry to the women and men of the parish is present.

Indicators:
• Membership in parish organizations includes people of all representative ages and neighborhoods within a parish
• Meetings include prayer, information, education, entertainment and social fellowship
• The activities of the women’s and men’s clubs respond to the concerns of the individual, the family, the parish, the community and the archdiocese

Family Life:

21. There is a comprehensive pastoral outreach to the families who are part of the parish community.

Indicators:
• The parish helps make the connection between the parish community and the church of the home
• Parish programs, policies, ministries and services take family needs into account by providing before and after school care, Rainbows for All God’s Children, etc.
• An advocate for family life is present to parish staff

Administrative Life

The parish community shall ensure proper and just fiscal administration, business, personnel and property management in response to the parish community’s commitment of time, talent and treasure.

It is important that the Finance Council, the Pastor and Pastoral Staff and the Parish Pastoral Council maintain a collaborative relationship. These areas of leadership must take responsibility for being creative in responding to the needs of parishioners.

Finance Council:

22. There is a Finance Council in place that consults with the Pastor on major financial decisions, budget, development and major maintenance schedule.

Indicators:
• The Finance Council is in place and consults with the Pastor
• There is a finance plan of action in place
• There is a study in place that analyzes the costs associated with the operating parish facilities and find such operations cost efficient
• Parish priorities are reflected in financial decisions
• The focus of the Financial Council reflects an interest in both managing costs and developing revenue

Pastoral Council Leadership:

23. Pastoral leadership encourages the fullest possible collaboration of clergy, religious and laity in their common mission.

Indicators:
• The Parish Pastoral Council is in place which allows participation of parishioners and staff in the planning and decision-making processes
• The Council reflects the social and ethnic mix of the parish
• Council members are encouraged to receive training and formation as parish leaders
• The Parish Pastoral Council evaluates and responds to the needs of the parish

Financial Stability:

24. The parish is able to support its ministerial outreach and maintain the parish facilities.

Indicators:
• The parish offers just and fair wages to its employees
• The parish is able to pay its debts within a reasonable time
• All Archdiocesan financial obligations are met
• The parish is not overly dependent on special fundraising activities
• The parish ensures proper fiscal administration business management and maintenance

Pastoral Life Ministry

There can be no ministry without ministers. Clergy and religious have traditionally ministered to others. Today, we acknowledge that all baptized persons, in addition to the primary call to evangelize and transform the world, are also called to serve within the Church. Some are called to official ministries.

It is important that the Finance Council, the Pastor and Pastoral Staff and the Parish Pastoral Council maintain a collaborative relationship. These areas of leadership must take responsibility for being creative in responding to the needs of parishioners.

Ministerial Plan:

25. A ministerial plan is in place which ensures there are competent people prepared to meet the ministerial needs of the parish.

Indicators:
• There is a parish plan or a cooperative plan with other parishes to meet the ministerial needs of the parish(es)
• There is a knowledge of the ever changing needs of all those to whom the parish is called to minister

Families Per Priest:

26.A parish should have no more than 1200 registered families per priest and no less than 400.

Indicators:
• How do parishes measure up to this principle?

Professional Pastoral Staff:

27. Each parish professional ministerial staff person is fully qualified and approved by the appropriate Archdiocesan Office. Such staff are: Director of Religious Education; School Principal and Teachers; Liturgy Coordinator; Church Musician; Youth Minister.

Indicators:
• Pastoral Staff are recommended by and or processed by appropriate Archdiocesan Office
• Pastoral Staff are encouraged to participate in Archdiocesan regional and national formation
• Credentials are examined as part of interview
• All references are followed through on to ensure proper background
• There is in place adequate support staff to work with Professional Pastoral Staff

Parish Staff:

28. Parish staff meets regularly to pray together share their experiences and develop administrative decisions and direction

Indicators:
• Parish staff meet at least once a month
• Prayer is an integral part of each meeting
• An agenda is provided before each meeting
• Decisions are made that enable the implementation of a direction to move forward
• Opportunities are provided for relaxation and socializing with the staff
• Summary notes are shared after each meeting to keep a record of decisions made

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February 26, 2006

Dear Folks,

You may have heard through the media over the past few months about the New Energies Parish Transition Project which was begun in our Archdiocese over a year ago. It is a diocesan-wide planning project which seeks to strengthen the Church and position it to serve the needs of the Catholic faithful in the next decade and beyond. Every parish is or will be engaged in this process both by self-evaluation and through conversations with neighboring parishes.

Archbishop Myers has six goals in mind in promoting the project: (1) to enhance quality parish life throughout the Archdiocese, (2) to support increased understanding of and action on the 28 Principles of quality parish life, (3) to strengthen the presence and ministry of the Church, (4) to increase collaboration between and among leaders, parishes, and the whole Archdiocese, (5) to act as good stewards of all human, financial and facility resources and (6) to build a greater sense of unity within the rich ethnic, cultural and age diversity within the Archdiocese. For the past number of months, our parish Pastoral Council has been engaged with the New Energies Core Team, in evaluating the parish according to the
28 principles. We gathered with a group of approximately 30 people who minister here at Annunciation on a Saturday in January and began the process of self-evaluation according to the principles. I intend to begin reporting to you through our bulletin and web page the results of these efforts as we move along in the process. Please feel free to respond to any of these comments by e-mailing me.

Principles 1, 2, 3 and 4 all deal with the liturgical life of the parish. Principle 1 states, “Liturgy is a priority in parish life and responds to the riches of the culture and heritage of the parish.” The indicators of this are: (1) good preaching, (2) the prayerfulness and dignity with which the Eucharist is celebrated, (3) the parish diversity is available to present good liturgy and (4) various forms of devotional prayer are fostered. It was the feeling of all involved that this is one of the strong points of the parish; with the
suggestion that more varied forms of devotional prayer be offered. In the area of liturgical life, it was expressed that we find ways to foster greater participation of the assembly in our Sunday worship.

Principle 5 addresses Evangelization and states, “Evangelization is recognized as an essential aspect of the life and mission of the parish.” Its indicators are: (1) parish leadership and membership is formed in a vision of evangelization, (2) the parish encourages racial and ethnic harmony, (3) newcomers are welcomed and (4) efforts are made to reach out to the alienated, inactive and unchurched. The group felt that we have a welcoming parish community, but is was suggested that we make greater efforts to reach out to the alienated and inactive.

The parish New Energies Core Team is Elaine Rovetto (chair), Tom King, Sister Clare, Susan Kusnic and Fr. Mike. Again, if you have any comments, please e-mail them to me.

Fr. Mike

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March 5, 2006

Dear Folks,

I began last week to write a series of articles about the new initiative begun in the Archdiocese called the New Energies Parish Transition Project.  Continuing this weekend, I want to remind you that this project is designed to strengthen the Church and help to position it to serve the needs of the Catholic faithful in the next decade and beyond.  It begins with a parish self-evaluation.  We conducted this evaluation on a Saturday in January and I am writing this series of articles to inform our people of the results.  Last week I addressed the area of Parish Spiritual Life; this weekend I will talk about our evaluation of parish’s Educational and Formational Life.
Please feel free to e-mail me with any comments.

Principles 9, 10, 11 and 12 all deal with the educational and formational life of our parish.  Principle 9 states, “the parish implements a comprehensive plan for the religious formation and education of the entire faith community.”  The indicators of this are: (1) a comprehensive, well-integrated plan exists which provides opportunities for all parishioners to encounter the Gospel message, (2) adequate funds, resources and space are available, (3) Catechetical programs are evaluated regularly, (4) assistance is provided to parents in understanding their role as ministers to their children in their Christian formation.  The evaluation found that most of our educational programs are satisfactory and stated that we excel in the area of sacramental preparation programs.  Some of our challenges lie in the development of ways to attract a wider participation in what we offer, as well as providing adequate space especially for our religious education program.  Sharing space with the tenant in the school building sometimes causes conflict.  We were most proud the professionalism displayed by the catechetical leaders of our parish and the dedication of our volunteer catechists.  We are challenged, though, to develop a process to work more effectively with children with special needs. 

The parish New Energies Core Team is Elaine Rovetto (chair), Tom King, Sister Clare, Susan Kusnic and Fr. Mike. 

Again, if you have any comments, please e-mail them to me.

Fr. Mike

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March 12, 2006

Dear Folks,

This article is now the third in a series of articles that I am writing about the new initiative begun in the Archdiocese call the New Energies Parish Transition Project. This project was designed to strengthen the Church and help to position it to serve the needs of the Catholic faithful in the next decade and beyond. This week I would like to report to you about our self evaluation with respect to principles 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 of the 28 Principles give to us by the Archdiocesan Task Force for New Energies. The 28 principles can be found on our parish web page.

Principles 13-17 deal with the area of the parish’s Life of Service. The life of service is based on one’s Baptismal call to participate in God’s life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The ministry is one that is supported by the parish, but actually takes place in the daily lives of the parishioners. It encompasses five areas of ministry: Knowledge of Catholic Social Teachings, Public Life, Responding to Human Needs, Respect for Life, and Ecumenical and Interfaith involvement. In the area of Knowledge of Catholic Social Teachings; the indicators are (1) religious education programs integrate social teaching, (2) racial and ethnic harmony is fostered. The self evaluation indicated that we integrate social teaching very well but are satisfactory in addressing the area of racial and ethnic harmony. In the area of Public Life, the indicators are: (1) the call to be responsible citizens is highlighted; (2) there is an active social justice committee. The self evaluation indicated that we are satisfactory as a community in this area. Within the area of Responding to Human Needs, the indicators are: (1) organizations are in place to respond to human needs, (2) there are programs which minister to the sick, bereaved and homebound, (3) parish reaches out the poor, the newcomer, the needy and the disabled, (4) parish makes use of local, national and international helping efforts, and (5) parish responds to the needs of families in crisis. The self evaluation indicated that we respond very well to this area, particularly to supporting the human needs of parishioners and all the poor and marginalized. In the area of Respect for Life issues, the self evaluation indicated that we need improvement in showing our concern for these issues. With respect to the area of Ecumenical and Interfaith issues, the indicator is that the parish engages in education for Christian unity and in ecumenical activities. Again, this was an area that indicated the improvement was needed.

The parish New Energies Core Team is Elaine Rovetto (chair), Tom King, Sister Clare, Susan Kusnic and Fr. Mike.

Again, if you have any comments, please e-mail them to me.

Fr. Mike

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March 19, 2006

Dear Folks,

This week I would like to address with you principles 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the New Energies Parish Transition Project.  This project is an Archdiocesan effort to help strengthen the Church and help to position it to serve the needs of the Catholic faithful in the next decade and beyond.  Each parish does a self evaluation and then within the deanery joins in dialogue with another parish to examine ways in which we might share ministries and resources.  The 28 principles can be found on our parish web page.

Principles 18-21 deal with the area of a parish’s Community Life.  A parish community life is vital when there is an effort on the part of the parish to actively include all members of the parish in the various activities that make up the parish.  With in the area of youth ministry, the expectation is that there is a comprehensive pastoral ministry for youth.  Our evaluation felt that we do have a long running youth ministry program for teenagers that has been flourishing but yet is still challenged to include our youth in a more comprehensive way with the larger community.  A junior youth ministry would also be an asset for the parish. 

Ministry with young adults is Principle19 and our self evaluation showed that our greatest hope is that we could find a way to greater involvement in our parish life by our young adult parishioners.  It did find that our young adults are encouraged to engage in activities, but the response is often not what we would hope.   Principle 20 states that our parish reaches out to women’s and men’s groups, encouraging participation in parish organizations as well as in prayer experiences, education, and social fellowship.  Our evaluation indicated that we do this rather effectively.

Finally, within this category, is Principle 21, Family Life.  The criteria for effective family life ministry include providing services for nuclear, blended and single parent families and outreach to the elderly.  We found in our self evaluation that we do this very well. 

This past Tuesday our New Energies Core Team met with the rest of the deanery and we were paired with Our Lady of the Visitation Parish to form a Cluster Group for dialogue over the next few months.  Our Core Team is Elaine Rovetto (chair), Tom King, Susan Kusnic, Sr. Clare and Fr. Mike. 

Again, if you have any comments, please e-mail them to me.

Fr. Mike

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March 26, 2006

Dear Folks,

Continuing my series of articles about the New Energies Parish Transition Project, I will address this week Principles 22, 23 and 24 of the 28 Principles.  You can find all 28 principles on our web page.  These principles deal with the Administrative Life of the parish.  Recalling that in January, we gathered a group of our ministers who helped us with a self-evaluation based on the Principles, the following was their response to the area of Administration of the Parish. 

The principles state “that a parish community shall ensure proper and just fiscal administration, business, personnel and property management in response to the parish community’s commitment of time, talent and treasure.”  It goes on to say that “It is important that the Finance Council, the Pastor and Pastoral Staff and the Parish Pastoral Council maintain a collaborative relationship.  These areas of leadership must take responsibility for being creative in responding to the needs of parishioners.” 

With respect to the criteria for evaluating the Finance Council, the evaluation stated that we do very well in the area of having a council in place that prepares a budget and ensures a schedule for major maintenance upgrades, as well as seeing that parish priorities are reflected in financial decisions.  We were found to be satisfactory in the area of having a clear financial plan. 

The next area of evaluation is the Parish Pastoral Council.  The results showed that the council’s participation in planning and decision making is above average while it was also felt that the council was satisfactory in reflecting the social and ethnic mix of the parish.  The Parish Council does attempt to consistently evaluate and respond to the needs of the parish.

Principle 24 states that the parish should be able to support its ministerial outreach and maintain the parish facilities.  The self-evaluation rated the parish satisfactory in this area as well as in the areas of just wages for employees, paying debts within a reasonable time, and meeting Archdiocesan financial obligations.  The parish performs very well in ensuring a proper fiscal administration, business management and maintenance of our facilities. 

In summary, it was felt that the best thing about the ministry of administration in the parish is that we have put together a solid team working for the good of the parish.  The greatest hope being that our people continue to take pride in their church and our physical plant.  Overall, financially our parish is on the right track.

Our New Energies Core Team is Elaine Rovetto (chair), Susan Kusnic, Sr. Clare, Tom King and Fr. Mike. 

Again, if you have any comments please e-mail them to me.
Fr. Mike

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April 2, 2006

Dear Folks,

This week I will discuss with you the final four principles of the New Energies Parish Transition Project.  Principles 25 through 28 address the parish’s Pastoral Life Ministry.  You can find all 28 principles and the articles I have written about them on our web site: www.annunciationchurch.org.  Recalling that in January, a group of ministers and our Parish Pastoral Council met to discuss and evaluate our parish based on the 28 Principles, today we will look at the last group of those principles.

Principle 25 states that there is “a ministerial plan in place, which ensures there are competent people prepared to meet the ministerial needs of the parish.”  The evaluation found that we do this very well here at Annunciation with a special emphasis of looking for ways to meet the ever-changing needs of all those to whom we minister.  Principle 26 states that “A parish should have no more than 1,200 registered families per priest and no less than 400 families.”  We have nearly 1400 registered families and could benefit from another priest on staff.  Principle 27 addresses the Professional Parish Staff and states that they are “fully qualified and approved by the appropriate Archdiocesan Office.”  The evaluation indicated that we do this very well and it indicated that we have a strong support staff to work with our professional staff.  The final principle, Number 28, addresses how the Parish Staff works together.  Our parish staff meets regularly to pray together, to share vision and planning and to develop administrative decisions and direction.  Overall, we come through in this area very well.  The evaluation indicated that we work hard to fulfill our parish mission statement by demonstrating dedication, concern and fine leadership.  Our hope is that the younger members of our community will assume more ownership for the pastoral mission of the parish.

Next week, I will discuss the various models that are proposed for parishes to consider when they complete the New Energies process.  Our New Energies Core Team is Elaine Rovetto (chair), Susan Kusnic, Sr. Clare, Tom King and Fr. Mike. 

Again, if you have any comments please e-mail them to me.

Fr. Mike

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April 9, 2006

Dear Folks,

Over the past six weeks, I have been discussing in these articles the New Energies Parish Transition Project which was begun in the Archdiocese over a year ago. It is a diocesan-wide planning project which seeks to strengthen the Church and position it to serve the needs of the Catholic faithful in the next decade and beyond.  Every parish is or will be engaged in this process, both by self-evaluation and through conversations with neighboring parishes.  I have shared with you the results of our parish self evaluation and you can find those results on our webpage www.annunciationchurch.org.  This week I want to introduce you to the possible parish models that the project proposes for parishes in the Archdiocese.

Model One: Merged Parish
Merged parishes create a new parish configuration which is able to provide many more activities and opportunities than the original parishes could have managed on their own.  A merged parish happens when: 1) two or more parishes come together to form one new parish.  Merged parishes are new entities and the new parish obtains the assets as well as the liabilities of the parishes which formed it.  2) the old parishes are suppressed and the new one is established.  A new name is given to the parish which may be a brand new name or a combination of the former parish names.  Usually the new parish has one worship site, but permission may be given for several worship sites for a limited time period.

Model Two: Linked Parishes
Linked parishes happen when two or more parishes share a pastor.  Linked parishes do as many things as possible cooperatively especially given that the pastor/administrator is striving to serve two separate parishes.  Characteristics of linked parishes include:  1) the parishes remain independent corporations and canonical entities, 2) the parishes are separate communities of faith, 3) the parishes may have a common parish Pastoral Council and some common committees, 4) parishes will have separate Finance Councils, 5) linked parishes do many things cooperatively, such as programs and in-services, 6) joint staff meetings where cooperative planning happens are marks of well-functioning, linked parishes.

Model Three: Partnership Parishes
Parishes enter into partnership with other parishes when: 1) they create joint programs, 2) when appropriate, they share staff to enhance the quality of ministry and practice good stewardship of resources.  Examples of ways parishes can partner include: 1) a common catechetical program, 2) shared youth ministry program or adult formation program, 3) support for a common Catholic School, 4) shared parish outreach programs. 

Our parish’s New Energies Core Team will begin conversation with Our Lady of the Visitation Parish this month.  We are discussing the partnership model. As things develop, I will keep you informed.  Please feel free to e-mail any comments to me.

Our core team is Elaine Rovetto (chair), Susan Kusnic, Sr. Clare, Tom King and Fr. Mike.

Fr. Mike

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