Goals of Pastoral Planning
Despite the uniqueness of each parish planning process, the goals of pastoral planning are the same for each parish. These goals are the driving principles behind any planning process and should be considered when designing your unique process. The goals are as follows:
- Create a parish pastoral plan for each parish which designates 3-5 year goals
- Create deeper relationships initiate a community dialogue around the mission of the parish
- Engage the entire faith community in the planning process
- Educate the parish about the parish
- Strengthen the leadership role of pastor, pastoral staff, parish leaders and Parish Pastoral Council
- Increase participation in parish life
- Hold all activities of the parish accountable to the Gospel mission
Pastoral planning is not a means to an end. The conversation and reflection, the dialogue and prayer which mark the process of pastoral planning are themselves an exercise in being Church.
And so we begin with a reading from St. Paul:
Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.
Phil 4:6-9
May the God of peace be with us all!