THE TALENTS PLAN --WORK IN PROGRESS
Just a few weeks ago, the parish leadership engaged in a full day retreat to consider the findings from the Talents Plan listening sessions held in the homes of our parish community. The following are the results from this process and a summary of their findings, submitted for your review and comments.
As St. Columban parishioners, you are encouraged to review the information and return the attached questionnaire. We ask that you pay particular attention to the mission, vision and goals statements so we can more clearly identify the purpose and vision of St. Columban Parish.
Your responses may be returned to the parish office or dropped in the weekend collection basket.
Thank you,
The Steering Committee
ST. COLUMBAN PARISH
Edited Summary from the
Leadership Retreat June 3, 2006
MISSION STATEMENT:
Mission statements ask questions like: Why does St. Columban Parish exist? What is its identity and purpose? What makes the parish unique or distinctive? This statement is usually 30 words or less without jargon and is able to be recited from memory. Given the above, evaluate the following two proposed mission statements.
DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT – WORK IN PROGRESS
MISSION STATEMENT ONE – WORK IN PROGRESS
St. Columban Parish is a Roman Catholic community engaging God’s people in living our faith by cherishing the past, celebrating the present and creating the future.
MISSION STATEMENT TWO – WORK IN PROGRESS
St. Columban is a Catholic faith community that gathers around the table to give thanks to God and one another, to be fed and to feed others.
MISSION STATEMENT FEEDBACK
A. About Mission Statement One
1. Things I like:
2. Questions/concerns I have:
3. On a 1-10 scale with 10 being strong agreement, how strongly do I feel about the mission statement?
(Please Circle) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B. About Mission Statement Two:
1. Things I like:
2. Questions/concerns I have:
3. On a 1-10 scale with 10 being strong agreement, how strongly do I feel about the mission statement?
(Please Circle) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
***
VISION STATEMENTS
Vision statements are always written in the present tense; but describe what the parish will look like following its mission in the next five years. Given the above, evaluate the following two proposed statements.
DRAFT VISION STATEMENTS
VISION STATEMENT ONE – WORK IN PROGRESS
St. Columban is a welcoming, active community:
a place where people come together as the Body of Christ
empowering each other to discipleship;
answering our call to be faithful Catholics;
awaking a spiritual fulfillment
a place where all ages are engaged to be Jesus Christ in our world;
a place where youth ministry is held in high regard;
a place where outreach extends beyond our boundaries,
creating a universal family.
We envision a diverse community of believers who impact the future of St. Columban and the world.
VISION STATEMENT TWO – WORK IN PROGRESS
We at St. Columban are a community of vibrant ministries who embrace the opportunity to extend our faith within our parish and the greater community.
We collectively take responsibility for contributing to make our dreams and vision a reality.
Our vision is demonstrated through the dynamic ways in which we meet the needs of our members throughout their faith journey.
We are committed to providing a Catholic campus to maximize the fulfillment of our diverse communities.
As a Catholic community called to serve a broad range of needs, we strive to engage parishioners and communicate the good works and values to which we are committed.
We continually adapt our vision to the hopes and needs of our parish.
VISION STATEMENT FEEDBACK
- Circle what you like in each vision statement. If one is your favorite, please note that.
- Questions/concerns I have:
- Things I suggest:
- On a 1-10 scale with 10 being strong agreement, how strongly do I feel about vision statement ONE? (Please Circle) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- On a 1-10 scale with 10 being strong agreement, how strongly do I feel about vision statement TWO? (Please Circle) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
***
VALUE STATEMENTS
These statements reflect the core values or key beliefs of St. Columban Parish. They are often implicit within organizations, but are most helpful when made explicit. Values are important for a planning process because they are guiding principles of conduct. Will living out these values help the parish faith community live out its mission and live into its vision?
DRAFT VALUE STATEMENTS
St. Columban parish community values:
- Full active participation in liturgies
- Living the Gospel
- Reaching out to those in need
- Being inclusive to all
- Sharing our time, talent and treasure
- Respecting everyone’s personal, spiritual journey
- Life-long faith formation
- Providing exemplary Catholic education
- Clear and transparent communication
- Shared fiscal responsibility and integrity
VALUE STATEMENT FEEDBACK
A. Things I like:
B. Is there anything missing from this list?
C. Things I suggest:
D. On a 1-10 scale with 10 being strong agreement, how strongly do I feel about this value statement? (Please Circle) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
***
DRAFT GOALS
1. Increase opportunities for adult faith formation.
2. Promote full, active participation in the Church’s liturgical celebrations.
3. Attract the active participation in liturgy of youth and junior high through college age.
4. Develop and implement a dynamic approach to catechesis.
5. Enhance the excellence of St. Columban School.
6. Bring the good news of Jesus Christ to all parishioners and the community.
7. Increase welcoming efforts to insure that all feel included.
8. Encourage action on major social and economic issues.
9. Broaden and deepen the parish’s experience of fellowship ensuring that no parishioner is left behind.
10. Create a financial position that fuels the growth of the parish.
11. Provide a campus that meets the needs and vision of the parish and community.
12. Identify methods to extend the reach of effective communication to inform the parish community.
DRAFT GOAL STATEMENT FEEDBACK – WORK IN PROGRESS
A. What is missing from the goal statements?
B. Questions/concerns I have:
C. Things I suggest:
D. On a 1-10 scale with 10 being strong agreement, how strongly do I feel about this draft of goals? (Please Circle) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Please submit your responses to the parish office
to the attention of the Core Team by August 28th, 2006.
For your convenience, the parish office is open on the weekends.
Saturday from: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.