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Chapter 7 of the revised Parish Council Manual, Living the Spirit: Leading with Grace, Wisdom, Vision, provides ample citations from the Gospels showing how Jesus, in his time, proclaimed the Word, prayed and worshipped, served and healed those in need, and built community. After saving us through his suffering, death and resurrection, Jesus entrusted his mission to the apostles and disciples, "Go, make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you." (MT 28:19-20)
That same mission entrusted to the apostles is our mission, too. We, the Church, put the mission of Jesus into action each day when we
proclaim the Word, share stories of faith, study & teach, evangelize;
worship, especially by celebrating the Eucharist;
serve one another when we give of our time, talent and treasure;
build community.
Finally, we learn, the parish mission statement serves as "a brief, comprehensive description of the parish, its overall direction and unique role as ambassadors for Christ in a particular location."
So, what does the development and promulgation of a clear and concise mission statement have to do with long-range (strategic) planning? Everything.
The planning process begins with an understanding of the mission, the purpose for our existence, and provides a lens through which we can assess the needs and hopes of the faith community.
When we begin with a firm understanding of mission - how the parish and these parishioners attempt to put Jesus into everyday life - we have more motivation to plan well. If the mission statement articulates the values of the parish well, it touches the minds and hearts and imaginations of parishioners. St. Martin of Tours Parish calls this "fire in the belly," a zeal to proclaim Christ each day. There is energy and excitement about the vision, the goals, and the work it will take to achieve those goals.
At last, when the goals are finally named and the objectives spelled out for the next five years, healthy discussion will return to the mission of the parish. Leadership will evaluate the plan by asking questions like these:
Do these objectives truly reflect our mission?
If we accomplish these goals, will people have experienced Jesus?
Do these goals reflect the spirituality of our people? Our pastor? Our neighborhood?
Do they challenge us to treat one another better?
Goals and objectives that identify how the people of the parish intend to enact the mission of the parish lead to a vibrant, effective, Spirit filled community.
414-769-3352 or
800-769-9373 x352 or
e-mail planning@archmil.org
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