Writing Objectives
What is an Objective?
An objective is a brief, clear statement of an outcome to be reached within one year as a step toward each goal in the parish pastoral plan. An objective describes what is to be done, who will be affected and who will do it. The outcomes of an objective are stated in such a way that it is measurable. Each objective has a completion date as well.
What are the parts of an Objective?
Objectives are made up of four parts: an action verb, a task to be completed, a target group, and a completion date.
Action Verb: An objective is an action. Be sure that the verb you choose indicates a concrete action. Examples are to initiate, to design, to assess, to invite, to offer, to create, to use, etc.
A Task to be Completed: This is a statement of what is to be done in fulfilling the larger goal.
Target Group: This describes the people to be reached through the objective.
Completion Date: Name the date, within the next year, that the objective is to be completed.
Considerations
Objectives should be as practical as possible and may include the following:
Major Tasks Involved: List the steps to be taken and draw up a timeline for completion
Costs: Estimate the expenses and other resources needed to accomplish the objective
Leaders: Identify lead people who will be responsible for this specific objective. List all those who will need to be involved in carrying it out. One goal of the pastoral planning process is to get more people involved in the life of the parish. This is an opportunity to invite new people to take responsibility by asking them to be responsible for an objective. Objectives should not be designated to one person alone, but as a team. New leaders can be elicited from those who attended the reflection sessions or who were identified as leaders in the one-to-one conversation process.
Example of Objectives
GOAL: To establish neighborhood faith communities in at least one-third of the parish
OBJECTIVES:
- To create a parish map and census by / / .
- To offer three information sessions on neighborhood faith communities for interested parishioners by / / .
- To research available training materials on small Christian communities by / / .
- To train 6 small faith community leaders by / / .
GOAL: To enrich our worship life through expanded prayer opportunities in the parish.
OBJECTIVES:
- To begin Morning Prayer on days when there is no daily Mass during Advent.
- To recruit and develop leaders for Liturgy of the Word with Children by / / .
- To begin Scripture reflection group each Thursday in anticipation of the Sunday Eucharist by / / .
Each of these objectives should be followed by:
- Major tasks involved
- Costs
- Persons most affected by the objective and leaders involved in carrying it out
When creating an objective be sure to ask:
- Is it action oriented?
- Is it specific?
- Does it state a target group?
- Does it have a completion date?
- Does it identify leaders, costs, and those affected?