Parish Pastoral Planning
Pastoral Planning begins on the parish level by inviting each pastor to form a Parish Pastoral Council, a group of lay leaders who, with the pastoral staff, gather the consultation of the wider community and create a plan of action based on the essential mission of the Church.
Parish Pastoral Planning involves a large consultation of all parishioners and a deep reflection on the core values of the parish community. Through Parish Pastoral Planning, parishes throughout the Diocese are invited to:
- Look at the parish in light of the Gospel Mission
- Facilitate a broad consultation process with all members of the parish community
- Assess the strengths and resources of the parish
- Assess the limitations and needs of the parish
- Examine the local neighborhood in which the parish exists
- Articulate a mission statement for the parish
- Create priorities and goals for the next 3-5 years
- Create Action Steps (Objectives) to achieve the goals
- Call forth leaders from among the community to bring the plan to reality