Writing a Parish Mission Statement
The mission statement of the parish is developed the Parish Pastoral Council and the pastor in conversation with the entire parish community.
The pastoral planning process recommends that questions be asked of parishioners in the context of a parish assembly or another parish consultation. These questions include:
- If Jesus were here today, what words would he give us to direct our future?
- Why do you think the universal Catholic Church exists?
- What makes our parish unique and special?
When the PPC convenes to draft a mission statement these three questions become the basis for their discernment.
After the parish assembly, the cards that were filled out during the assembly are transcribed by members of the PPC onto summary sheets. These summary sheets are distributed to each PPC member before the brainstorming session where the mission statement is drafted.
If separate assemblies have been conducted in different languages the cards are also translated into the common language used at Council meetings.
Drafting the Mission Statement
Mission statements are composed of four major areas. As the PPC begins to draft their mission statement, these areas can provide a helpful framework:
Identity - This part of the mission statement indicates the identifying elements of the parish – name, location, unique character, and history.
(Ex. We, the faith community of…)Purpose - Focuses on the core values, beliefs, and the reason for the parish’s existence.
(Ex. Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we value…)Function - Identifies the commitments of the parish. What the parish does in the broadest sense and to whom it is directed.
(Ex. We are committed to…)Future - Addresses areas of challenge and elements that need strengthening.
(Ex. We seek to become …)
As the PPC considers each of these areas they are encouraged to reflect on the input of parishioners and create statements which refer to each of the four areas of mission. When all statements are put together they form the mission of the parish.
The mission statement in its draft form should be distributed to the parish for their consideration. The mission statement can also be distributed along with the parish goals. Opportunities should be given for people to comment on the mission statement.
The mission statement is the first part of the parish pastoral plan.
Parishes with Existing Mission Statements
Many parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn already have an existing mission statement. If this is the case, the PPC may wish to use the existing mission statement in their planning.
When evaluating a mission statement consider the following:
- How old is the mission statement?
- How was the community involved in the shaping of the mission statement?
- Does it reflect the four areas of Identity, Purpose, Function and Future?
- Are our strengths and needs reflected in the statement?
- Would our parish profit by revisiting the mission statement and allowing the PPC to revise it to reflect the current reality of the parish?
If the PPC decides that the existing mission statement is suitable for pastoral planning, then find ways to incorporate the mission statement into all planning efforts.
In this case, the parish assembly will only be comprised of the last three questions which are used in the development of goals and objectives.