Sharing the Vision 2006-2007 Documents
Sharing the Vision Update
June, 2007 Progress Report
Below is a final report from the Implementation Teams that were formed for accomplishing the goals and ten objectives selected by members of the parish at the Second Assembly Day held March 18th, 2006:
- Goal 1 Team Leader: Gary Brinkworth -- Homilists focused on Eucharist on several occasions at all masses. Additionally, a series of short teachings on the Eucharist was presented Fall, 2006 by Deacon Marcus Hepburn. Fr. Craig Smith presented several teachings on Reconciliation during the Spring, 2007. Suggestions were passed on to the Worship Leadership Community for discussion and possible implementation. This objective will continue during 2007-08 focusing on Marriage, Families and Intimacy.
- Goal 2 Team Leader: Dennis Scarry -- The goal to increase participation in Small Christian Communities (SCC's) was transferred to the SCC Core Community for discussion and implementation. The Stations of the Cross "meditation walk" was completed in the North parking lot in March, 2007 and was dedicate on June 9, 2007. A parish mission, held this past August, providing teaching (by Fr. Smith) and personal testimonies from several parishioners (Julie Bettinger, Bob Schuchts and Dennis Scarry) regarding how Grace was/is experienced in their lives. An Advent "Fiesta" (December, 2006) provided an immersion experience for parishioners to meet Christ incarnate in the migrant workers in Quincy.
- Goal 3 Team Leader: Gloria Smith --The goal to increase participation in Small Christian Communities (SCC's) was transferred to the SCC Core Community for discussion and implementation. A welcome wagon was completed last Fall (2006) and many ministries have prepared brochures outlining their mission. All ministries were contacted and encouraged to participate in the annual Ministry Fair (held each Fall).
December, 2006 Progress Report
Implementation work continues for the three goals and ten objectives selected by members of the parish at the Second Assembly Day held March 18th (see more information below). Below is a summary of the four Goal implementation Teams currently in operation or you may read the full progress report for complete information:
- Goal 1 Team Leader: Gary Brinkworth -- Deacon Marcus Hepburn's short teachings on the Eucharist, held in October, were a success! Since then the homilists have focused on the Eucharist on several occasions. A list of suggested changes to the way we celebrate liturgy and prepare the worship environment is under consideration.
- Goal 2 Team Leader: Dennis Scarry -- The Quincy Advent Fiesta, held Dec. 16th, provided an immersion experience for many parishioners and ministry groups within the parish. A Parish Mission for Summer, 2007 is currently in the planning stage; look for a survey to be distributed soon to solicit ideas for the mission. Plans for the outside Stations of the Cross "meditation walk" are underway.
- Goal 3 Team Leader: Gloria Smith -- This goal has been divided into two separate teams. The "Neighborhood Small Christian Communities Group" merged with the Core Group of Small Christian Communities. Their plan includes a training workshop for new facilitators as well as working with the Pastoral Staff regarding software purchased to implement neighborhood SCC's. The "Marketing Ministry" team is very eager to help ministries make brochures and flyers for marketing. A program is currently being developed on "Marketing Your Ministry Through Coffeee After Mass." The Welcome Wagon has been completed and looks fabulous! All ministries are encouraged to add their tri-fold brochure to the display.
July, 2006 Progress Report
Work has begun on implementing the three goals and ten objectives selected by members of the parish at the Second Assembly Day held March 18th (see more information below). Below is a summary of the four Goal implementation Teams currently in operation or you may read the full progress report for complete information:
- Goal 1 Team Leader: Gary Brinkworth -- Teachings on the Sacrament of Eucharist by Deacon Marcus Hepburn have been scheduled (see the online Faith Formation Calendar). The team is also working on a list of possible changes to the way we celebrate liturgy and the worship environment.
- Goal 2 Team Leader: Dennis Scarry -- The team is busy discussing outside speakers for next year as well as ways other ways to promote parish faith experiences.
- Goal 3 Team Leader: Gloria Smith -- The objectives for this goal are diverse and thus two teams have been formed. The Ministry Team: Neighborhood Communities is researching ways to form neighborhood-based small Christian communities and the Ministry Team: Marketing is focusing on ways to help market and advertise the various ministries at Good Shepherd. Visit the Ministries web page to see a complete list of ministries as well as contacts for each.
Missed the Assembly Days? Here's a Quick Summary
First Assembly Day - February 25
We had 130 Good Shepherd parishioners gather for the first Parish Assembly Day on February 25. Presenters gave a pictorial slide show of the history of the parish. The group received an in-depth explanation of the parish-wide survey results and an explanation of what the answers indicate. Fr. Mike offered his own perspective, too. After a brief overview of the "Seven Essential Elements of Parish Life," tables of 8 worked together to identify strengths and challenges, then formulate proposed goals that would help our parish move forward.
Evaluation forms gathered from the day gave only high marks – and many stated that they felt blessed to be personally involved in the planning process for our growing church.
Second Assembly Day - March 18
At this second gathering, 92 parishioners worked together to prioritize the top three goals for Good Shepherd using a prayerful discernment process. After the three goals were chosen, small groups of 8 brainstormed specific objectives to meet these goals. Finally, the 20-25 proposed objectives for each goal were narrowed to three objectives per goal.
Implementation Teams are being formed to determine the specific steps that need to be taken to achieve the objectives chosen. If you are interested in being part of one of these teams, please contact Pat Beckett, beckettp@gs.ptdiocese.org or call her at the Parish Office, 893-1837.
Need to Know More About Sharing the Vision?
Sharing the Vision is a parish planning and goal setting process initiated by Bishop John Ricard to help resolve the challenges we face today and more.
It's a is a highly structured, long-term, and three-tiered program that allows the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee to plan from the ground up, from the parishes to the deaneries to the diocese.
At the parish level, our prayers, hopes and dreams for Good Shepherd are being distilled and translated into goals and objectives that specifically address the opportunities and challenges we face together in our unique faith community.
At Good Shepherd, “Sharing the Vision” has involved an “umbrella” Parish Pastoral Planning Commission (PPPC), four core committees, parish data collection (CARA Survey). Following the two parish assembly days, and after a plan is drafted, the Pastoral Council will oversee the plan.
The Diocesan View
Each entity of the diocese (parish, deanery and diocese) will review the progress made toward the goals at the respective levels. Representatives from our PPPC will meet with representatives of the diocesan pastoral planning commission (DPPC) to review deanery results and make choices as to what should be in the diocesan plan. Progress reports will be disseminated publicly at annual assemblies for the parish, deanery and diocese. In preparation for the diocesan assembly day, all parish plans, survey data, demographics, projections for growth and assessment of the viability of parishes and missions as they currently stand, will be reviewed in order to formulate a vision and goals for the diocese for the next 5, 10, and 15 years. The diocesan plan is scheduled for completion in 2007.
The Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More kicked off their "Sharing the Vision" process at the same time as Good Shepherd.
To volunteer, or to find out more information on this program, please contact Pat Beckett at 850-893-1837 during the day or e-mail her: beckettp@gs.ptdiocese.org |
