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Pastoral Plan
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St. Gregory Parish Mission Statement: St. Gregory Parish is a loving Catholic community that is centered in the Most Holy Eucharist and strengthened by the Holy Spirit in continuing the saving work of Jesus Christ by sharing our many gifts & talents in the service of others. We are a warm, vibrant and highly motivated parish committed to carrying on our tradition of active spiritual care for our people as well as building on our long history of providing quality Catholic education & formation.
Element 1: EUCHARIST
Goal 1. Enhance celebration of the Liturgy.
Objective 1. Review selection and training methods of liturgical ministers whose roles are most visible in the celebration of the Mass (cantors, choir, lectors, ushers, and extraordinary ministers) and develop high standards for these roles.
Objective 2. Formalize communication between leaders of the various ministries integral to the Mass to enhance continuity.
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Objective 3. Frequent and ongoing review and diversity of music selections for Mass.
Objective 4. Continue efforts to educate the congregation regarding appropriate participation, attire and understanding of the Mass through homilies or educational seminars.
Goal 2. Strengthen various prayer ministries in the church.
Objective 1. Increase participation in prayer groups through more visible promotion.
Objective 2. Review and increase opportunities at our church for Eucharistic Adoration
(e.g. 40 Hours).
Objective 3. Encourage parish-wide prayer for vocations toward ordained ministries and religious life.
Objective 4. Encourage parish-wide prayer in the c;:hurch for all issues relative to good Catholic stewardship (works and finances).
Element 2: EVANGELIZATION
Goal 1. Reach out to inactive members of St. Gregory Parish.
Objective 1. Encourage active parishioners to invite inactive parishioners to Mass and other parish functions.
Objective 2. Develop vehicles to communicate parish events and, where appropriate, to administer sacraments to those who do not attend Sunday Mass.
Goal 2. Encourage parishioners to share the faith in the community-at-large.
Objective 1. To provide opportunities to reach out to the alienated and the unchurched.
Objective 2. To provide adult, youth and children with opportunities for evangelization formation.
Goal 3. Defend or explain the faith wlJen called upon.
Objective 1. Equip parishioners with tools necessary to defend their faith if called upon to do so.
Element 3: CATECHESIS
Goal 1. Ensure strong faith formation in our church.
Objective 1. Research and utilize proven, authentic Catholic resources for use in Bible Studies, CCD and RCIA programs, Vacation Bible School, and sacramental preparation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage).
Objective 2. Periodic review and evaluation of resource materials and teachers.
Objective 3. Teach and examine our faith in light of current social and moral issues.Goal 2. Prioritize efforts to strengthen marriage and family life, recognizing the domestic church as an integral foundation of the Church as a whole.
Objective 1. Research and provide more frequent opportunities for marriage retreats.
Objective 2. Provide educational programs for parents to grow in their understanding of parenting issues and how to assist children in developing a healthy understanding of their Catholic faith.Goal 3. Strengthen parishioners in their ability and willingness to know, live.and share their faith.
Objective 1. Offer workshops and ongoing series for adult faith formation.
Objective 2. Provide in-depth and ongoing spiritual training and development that is specific to each parish ministry.
Objective 3. Offer spiritual input to parents of CCD and St. Gregory School students that will enable and encourage them to participate in their child's spiritual growth and understanding.
Element 4: FORMATION
Goal 1. Improve communications between various parish ministry groups.
Objective 1. Enhance visibility of ministry groups at our parish through bulletin advertisements or a "Ministry of the Week" campaign as a means of educating the parish on the presence of specific ministries and attracting more parishioner involvement.
Objective 2. Encourage parish ministries to support one another as they learn how best to partner with other parish ministries to meet specific needs.Goal 2. Build a culture of dignity and respect for the common good where every person is welcomed and respected within the proper bounds of Church teaching.
Objective 1. Teach all to recognize Christ in others, regardless of race, gender, culture or socio economic status.
Objective 2. Ensure continued focus on the needs of our singles, childless couples, single parents, separated and divorced couples, widows/widowers and minorities.
Objective 3. Avail ourselves of opportunities to join with neighboring local churches as a means of expanding our focus of Christian partnership.
Element 5: STEWARDSHIP
Goal 1. Encourage service and stewardship for the common good of our parish and the community at large.
Objective 1. Pastor to call forth talents of the parish through teaching, bulletin and other communication vehicles.
Objective 2. Communicate regularly about specific ministry needs in the parish and encourage involvement of parishioners to share the burden in meeting those needs.
Objective 3. Increase teaching to motivate parishioners to understand their gifts and their obligation to use them.
Objective 4. Gather and manage prudently the resources of the parish and school to meet identified needs.