Sharing the Vision Update - 2007-2008

GOAL 1:  Provide authentic Catholic teaching to at least 50% of active parishioners in order to promote the sense of reverence for al l the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

Objectives

1. By Fall 2007, create an Adult Faith Formation Advisory Team to begin development of a parish pastoral plan for adult catechesis.
   
   
An Adult Faith Formation Advisory Team (AFFAT) began formation in September 2007, under the direction of Bette Scaringe, Director of Religious Education, and initial teachings on catechesis were led by Fr. Craig Smith.  In April 2008, the AFFAT began the process of identifying its vision and discerning goals and objectives, with Dee Lopez as its facilitator.


2. By Spring 2008, schedule “Catholicism for Ordinary Catholics” sessions on Marriage, Families, and Intimacy.
   
   Due to Apologetics classes extensively offering classes on Marriage and Family life for 2008-2009, it was decided to not pursue a separate class.

GOAL 2: Establish additional on-going parish experiences of faith that encourage the development of a personal relationship with Jesus (renewal rather than educational experiences).

1. By January 2008, form a standing Parish Mission Planning Team to plan regular parish missions to occur on at least an annual basis.
   
   A parish mission featuring Fr. Robert Young was held July 20-22, 2008. The theme of the mission was "Praying with Passion:  A Prayer Driven Life." The team is in the process of planning the summer mission for 2009 (July 19-21).
   
   
2. By April 2008, host monthly renewal nights that will incorporate music, prayer and witnesses to share and teach about developing a personal faith relationship.
   
   This objective has been implemented through Parish Movie Nights and Family Rosary. The Passion movie was shown in the Community Center during Lent, 2008. The Family Rosary began in May and is being held on the first Saturday of the month following the 9:00 AM Mass. The Passion was also shown March, 2009. Scheduling additional movies is under review.
   
   
3. By January 2008, identify facilities and opportunities for parishioners to attend retreats at facilities away from the Parish, and to publicize these opportunities to the Parish community.
   
   

   Facilities and opportunities for parishioners to attend retreats away from the parish have been identified, but have not yet been publicized to the parish via the church web page, bulletin, and a brochure on the ministry cart.

GOAL 3: Establish an outreach ministry to provide services to the homebound, elderly and other parishioners in need, which would include visitation, transportation, home repair, and additional support.

1. By February 2008, identify parishioners who are homebound and elderly.
   
   

   Identifying parishioners who are homebound and elderly has begun with sign-ups after Mass on April 19-20 and requests for referrals from our Bereavement Ministry, Communion for the Homebound Ministry, the Young at Heart group, and Deacon Ed Melvin’s hospital visitation ministry.  A parish listing of all parishioners over the age of 70 is also being utilized to help identify those that might want these services. This ministry is also advertised on the church web page with contact numbers for those that would like to either request its services or be a volunteer.

2. By March 2008, identify services and opportunities that are provided by non-profit community organizations for the homebound and elderly.
   
   In progress.
   
   
3. By June 2008, implement a ministry that reaches out to the elderly and homebound through visitation and telephone calls.
   
   Brenda Popp has agreed to be the Ministry Coordinator.  All volunteers received training and information on working with the elderly in May from Jim Croteau and completed the diocesan volunteer requirements. The further identifying of each referred person’s needs is underway and then they will be matched with a volunteer for home visits or phone calls.