The Diocese of Scranton

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

IN THE DIOCESE OF SCRANTON
RESOURCE MANUAL

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July 25, 2006

PART II

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Parish Mission Statement and Parish Pastoral Plan

A. Introduction

B. Developing a Parish Mission Statement

I. PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

A. INTRODUCTION

Reflection of Christian Joy

In the Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete in Domino, Pope Paul VI wrote of the importance of Christian Joy. When working for the renewal of a parish and pastoral planning, some of his words help form an attitude and an outlook that will not only assist in drafting a parish mission statement but also those continuing efforts for a parish to deepen the awareness of the parish mission:

Beloved brethren and sons and daughters, is it not normal that joy should dwell in us, when our hearts contemplate or rediscover, in faith, the fundamental and simple reasons for joy? God has so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; through His Spirit, God's presence does not cease to enfold us with His tenderness and to fill us with His life; and we are journeying towards the blessed transfiguration of our life in the path of the resurrection of Jesus. Yes, it would be very strange if this Good News, which evokes the alleluia of the Church, did not give us the look of those who are saved. The joy of being Christian, of being united with the Church, of being ‘in Christ,’ and in the state of grace with God, is truly able to fill the human heart. …

Joy always springs from a certain outlook on man and on God. ‘When your eye is sound, your whole body too is filled with light.’(78) We are touching here on the original and inalienable dimension of the human person: his vocation to happiness always passes through the channels of knowledge and love, of contemplation and action. May you attain this good quality which is in your brother's soul, and this divine presence so close to the human heart!

Let the agitated members of various groups therefore reject the excesses of systematic and destructive criticism! Without departing from a realistic viewpoint, let Christian communities become centers of optimism where all the members resolutely endeavor to perceive the positive aspect of people and events. ‘Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love's forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.’(79)

The attainment of such an outlook is not just a matter of psychology. It is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit, who dwells fully in the person of Jesus, made Him during His earthly life so alert to the joys of daily life, so tactful and persuasive for putting sinners back on the road to a new youthfulness of heart and mind! It is this same Spirit who animated the Blessed Virgin and each of the saints. It is this same Spirit who still today gives to so many Christians the joy of living day by day their particular vocation, in the peace and hope which surpass setbacks and sufferings. It is the Spirit of Pentecost who today leads very many followers of Christ along the paths of prayer, in the cheerfulness of filial praise, towards the humble and joyous service of the disinherited and of those on the margins of society. For joy cannot be dissociated from sharing. In God Himself, all is joy because all is giving.

This positive outlook on people and things, the fruit of an enlightened human spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit, finds in Christians a privileged place of replenishment: the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus. In His passion, death and resurrection, Christ summarizes the history of each man and of all men, with their weight of sufferings and sins, with their capacities for progress and holiness. This is why our last word in this exhortation is a pressing appeal to all the leaders and animators of the Christian communities: let them not be afraid to insist time and time again on the need for baptized Christians to be faithful to the Sunday celebration, in joy, of the Eucharist.” (Gaudete in Domino Conclusion)

This exhortation to joy calls forth an attitude and perspective that is important in the conduct of parish pastoral councils, in the life of the parish and in the life of each of the parishioners.

Reflection of the Spirituality of Communion

Pope John Paul II noted in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte,the importance of developing a spirituality of communion before acting and also issued a caution: “Let us have no illusions: unless we follow this spiritual path, external structures of communion will serve very little purpose. They would become mechanisms without a soul, 'masks’ of communion rather than its means of expression and growth.”

But what does this mean in practice? Here too, our thoughts could run immediately to the action to be undertaken, but that would not be the right impulse to follow. Before making practical plans, we need to promote a spirituality of communion, making it the guiding principle of education wherever individuals and Christians are formed, wherever ministers of the altar, consecrated persons, and pastoral workers are trained, wherever families and communities are being built up.”

Our Holy Father also makes the following point deserving of our reflection:

· A spirituality of communion indicates above all the heart's contemplation of the mystery of the Trinity dwelling in us, and whose light we must also be able to see shining on the face of the brothers and sisters around us.

· A spirituality of communion also means an ability to think of our brothers and sisters in faith within the profound unity of the Mystical Body, and therefore as ‘those who are a part of me’. This makes us able to share their joys and sufferings, to sense their desires an

· A spirituality of communion implies also the ability to see what is positive in others, to welcome it and prize it as a gift from God: not only as a gift for the brother or sister who has received it directly, but also as a ‘gift for me’.

· A spirituality of communion means, finally, to know how to ‘make room’ for our brothers and sisters, bearing ‘each other's burdens’ (Gal 6:2) and resisting the selfish temptations which constantly beset us and provoke competition, careerism, distrust and jealousy. [Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte (At the Close of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000), #43]

B. DEVELOPING A PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

One of the first tasks a Parish Pastoral Council is asked to do is to develop a Mission Statement. A Parish Mission Statement is a concise expression of a parish’s purpose for existence. It helps the parish identify itself as a community of faith and set broad goals. It responds to the questions: Who are we as a parish? What do we do? What is God calling us to as a parish community? How are we adapting the Diocesan Mission Statement to our parish? What are our spiritual, human, financial resources, etc.?

Our diocesan mission statement can help parishes develop a parish mission statement that includes promoting vocations to the diocesan priesthood, developing a vocation culture and encouraging pastoral planning and pastoral self-study for the new evangelization of persons and culture.

In sections 19 to 29 of Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict reflects on the same passage of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:42-47) that inspired our diocesan mission statement. It will be most helpful to read this section of the encyclical as preparation for work on a parish mission statement. The pope identifies two salient facts: the threefold responsibility of the church in proclaiming the Word of God; celebrating the sacraments and exercising the ministry of charity. He notes that the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that we are called to universal love for everyone we meet, without neglecting members of the Church.

As an initial element of pastoral planning, the Mission Statement is to be inspirational, motivational and give overall direction for parish life activities. It explains the reasons why a parish exists with words that are simple, clear, and meaningful to the people of the parish. It is meant to be understood and used by the parish community as it strives to be faithful to the mission entrusted by Christ: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all of creation” (Mark 16:15).

Developing a Parish Mission Statement and periodically reviewing and revising it is a function of a Parish Pastoral Council. Since this is the parish Mission Statement and because all parishioners are called to participate in the mission of the church, the parish should be involved in the development of the Mission Statement.

This section of the Resource Manual suggests possible ways for developing and/or revising a Parish Mission Statement, as well as some suggestions for involving parish committees/organizations and parishioners in the process.

When the Parish Mission Statement is finished, the Council continues the pastoral planning process by assessing the parish’s strengths and needs through Parish self study and by setting broad goals and priorities which are rooted in the Mission Statement, by developing a Parish Evangelization plan.

The Parish Pastoral Council’s Coordinating Committee is responsible for deciding how the Mission Statement will be developed. Steps in the process include:

Prayerful reflection/education/discussion on:

· Mission of Jesus and of the Church

(see MEETING 1, p.7)

· Diocesan Mission Statement

(see MEETING 2, p.9)

· Purpose of a parish

(see MEETING 3, p.11)

· Who are we and what do we seek to become as a parish?

(see MEETING 4, p.13)

(See FULL DAY MEETING for an alternative to these 4 meetings, p. 20.)

· Review Draft Mission Statement

(see MEETING 5, p.16)

· Existing Mission Statements

(See Suggested Process for Parishes with Existing Mission Statements p.23)

· Consultation with Parish

(see SUGGESTIONS FOR PARISH INVOLVEMENT, p. 25)

· Complete Mission Statement

(see MEETING 6, p. 18)

· Promulgate and celebrate Mission Statement

(see SUGGESTIONS FOR PARISH INVOLVEMENT, p.25)

MEETING 1

Purpose of Meeting

To reflect on and discuss the mission of Jesus and the Church

Preparation for Meeting

a. Reflect on Luke 4:14-21

b. Read: Catholic Catechism: Article Nine “I believe in the Holy

Catholic Church.”

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer (20 minutes).

Reflection/sharing on Luke 4:14-21

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit.

All: Fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle within them the fire of your love.

Leader: Send forth your spirit and they shall be created.

All: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Leader: Let us pray

All: O God, you have instructed the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit. Grant that through the same Holy Spirit we may always be truly wise and rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

2. Education/Formation of Council (20 minutes)

Read: Church as Communion (Resource Manual Part IIl, pp. 23-25).

3. Break (15 minutes)

4. Discussion

· In small groups (20 minutes): Discuss what we understand the Mission of Jesus and the Church to be.

· In the large group (30 minutes): Discuss what as a group we have come to understand about the mission of the Church.

5. Announcements (10 minutes).

6. Evaluation (5 minutes).

7. Closing Prayer.

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

All: God Our Father in your care and wisdom you extend the Kingdom of Christ to embrace the world to give all men redemption.

May the Catholic Church be a sign of our salvation, may it reveal for us the mystery of your love, and may that love become effective in our lives.

Grant this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

MEETING 2

Purpose of Meeting

To reflect on and discuss the Diocesan Mission Statement

Preparation for Meeting

a. Reflect on Matthew 5:14-16

b. Read Mission Statement of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton (Resource Manual, Part I pp.2 - 3)

c. Read Articles from Catholic Light on Mission Statement

d. Read section on Church as Mission (Resource Manual, Part III. pp. 4-7)

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer (20 minutes)

Reflection/sharing on Matthew 5:14-16

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit.

All: Fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle within them the fire of your love.

Leader: Send forth your spirit and they shall be created.

All: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Leader: Let us pray

2. Education/Formation of Council (20 Minutes)

Discuss what the Diocesan Mission Statement says to us about:

· Who are we as a Church? ( Communion)

· What is our mission as Church? ( Mission)

· How do we grow in unity, holiness, catholicity and apostolicity as a parish?

1. Break (15 minutes)

2. Discussion (50 minutes)

What does our discussion on the Diocesan Mission Statement tell us about the mission of our parish community?

3. Announcements (10 minutes)

4. Evaluation (5 minutes)

7. Closing Prayer.

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

All: God our Father, in all the churches scattered throughout the world, You show forth the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. Through the gospel and Eucharist bring your people together in The Holy Spirit and guide us in your love. Make us a sign of love for all people, and help us to show forth the living presence of Christ in the world, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one god, for ever and ever. Amen.

MEETING 3

Purpose of Meeting

To reflect on and discuss the purpose of a parish

Preparation for Meeting

a. Reflect on Romans 12:3-8

b. Read: “Meeting 3 - Selected readings in preparation for meeting” (Resource Manual, Part III pp. 8-11)

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer (20 minutes)

Reflection/sharing on Romans 12:3-8

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit.

All: Fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle within them the fire of your love.

Leader: Send forth your spirit and they shall be created.

All: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Leader: Let us pray

2. Education/formation of members (20 minutes)

a. From the readings, what are some of the characteristics or activities of a parish?

b. How would you describe a parish to a person who asks you?

c. How does the mission of the parish consider the local culture and the mission of the diocese and universal church?

d. How does the parish deepen the awareness of its unity with the diocese? What activities?

e. How do the cooperation of a parish with neighboring parishes and the mission of the diocese express Catholicity? Communion?

f. Why are attitudes and practices of congregationalism destructive of Catholicity? Communion?

3. Break (15 minutes)

4. Discussion

· In small groups (20 minutes): List significant aspects of a parish.

· In the large group (30 minutes): Identify the essential elements of a parish.

5. Announcements (10 minutes)

6. Evaluation (5 minutes)

5. Closing Prayer

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

All: God our Father, you send the power of the gospel into the world as life-giving leaven. Fill with the spirit of Christ those whom you call to live in the midst of the world and its concerns; help them by their work on earth to build up your eternal kingdom. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

MEETING 4

Purpose of Meeting

To reflect on and discuss who we are and what we seek to become as a parish community with the mission of evangelization of persons and cultures, both internal and external.

Preparation for Meeting

a. Reflect on Acts 2:42-47

b. Reflect on the Three goals identified in Go Make Disciples

· Goal 1- To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.

· Goal 2- To invite all people in the United States, whatever their social or cultural background, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith.

· Goal 3- To foster gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.

c. Read Meeting 4, Vocations (Resource Manual, Part III, pp. 12 – 16)

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer (20 minutes)

Reflection/sharing on Acts 2:42-47

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit.

All: Fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle within them the fire of your love.

Leader: Send forth your spirit and they shall be created.

All: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Leader: Let us pray

2. Education/Formation of Council (30 minutes)

Presentation on the parish including significant highlights of its history and heritage in general and in the light of the three goals identified by Go Make Disciples. (Source: parish history, oral history of members; Presenter: pastor, parish leaders or elders.)

3. Break (15 minutes)

4. Discussion

· In small groups (20 minutes): Respond to some of the following questions:

How are we as a parish called to evangelize persons and culture? What are the challenges of our local community?

How have we been understanding and accomplishing our mission? What has been effective? What needs to be developed?

How through Word, Worship, Community, Witness and Service are we as a community of the Christian faithful, growing in unity, holiness, catholicity and apostolicity?

How aware are our people of the various aspects of parish life? How aware are our societies, of the nature and mission of the parish? How do they support in the mission of the parish?

How does our parish culture and history promote evangelization? What are the obstacles to evangelization internally and externally? (E.g. How is the phone answered by the parish staff? How does the parish relate to the community?)

From discussion on the parish are there any blind spots or areas not mentioned in the discussion, but characteristics or aspects of parish life that are identified by Church documents?

What are some characteristics or qualities that describe our local community culture? How does it provide a challenge for us?

· In the large group (30 minutes):

Identify and discuss common points and delegate a small group to prepare a draft mission statement in light of all the discussion in preparation for the fifth meeting.

1. Announcements (5 minutes)

2. Evaluation (5 minutes)

3. Closing Prayer

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit.

All: Father, look with love on your people

And pour out upon them the gifts of your Spirit.

May they constantly grow in the love of truth.

May they study and work together for perfect unity among Christians. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

MEETING 5

Purpose of Meeting

To review draft of Mission Statement

Preparation for Meeting

Reflect on I Corinthians 12:1-11

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer (20 minutes)

Reflection/sharing on I Corinthians 12:1-11

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit.

All: Fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle within them the fire of your love.

Leader: Send forth your spirit and they shall be created.

All: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Leader: Let us pray

2. Education/Formation of members (30 minutes)

Read Meeting 5 Church as Communion (Resource Manual, Part III, pp. 17 – 25)

3. Break (15 minutes)

4. Discussion

· In small groups (20 minutes):

Discuss if this draft expresses our reflections and discussions on the mission of Jesus, the Universal Church, the Diocesan Mission Statement and the parish.

How does the draft focus attention on the evangelizing mission of the parish both internally and externally?

How does the draft promote a culture for vocations?

· In the large group (30 minutes):

Get feedback from small groups; agree to any changes, modifications; plan how parish will be consulted.

5. Announcements (5 minutes)

6. Evaluation (5 minutes)

7. Closing Prayer

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit.

All: God our Father, in your care and wisdom you extend the kingdom of Christ to embrace the world to give all men redemption. May the Catholic Church be the sign of our salvation. May it reveal for us the mystery of your love. And may that love become effective in our lives. Grant this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

MEETING 6

Purpose of Meeting

To come to consensus on Mission Statement

Preparation for Meeting

a. Reflect on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

b. Review revised draft Mission Statement

c. Read the sections on CONSENSUS (Resource Manual, p. 9)

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer (20 minutes)

Reflection/sharing on I Corinthians 12:12-31

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit.

All: Fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle within them the fire of your love.

Leader: Send forth your spirit and they shall be created.

All: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Leader: Let us pray

2. Education/Formation of members (15 minutes)

Review what is meant by Consensus.

3. Discussion

In small groups (30 minutes)

Discuss if the present statement expresses who we are and who we seek to become as a parish in words that are simple clear and meaningful to the people of the parish. Will the statement inspire, motivate and direct the life and activities of the parish?

4. Break (15 minutes)

5. Discussion

In the large group (45 minutes)

Come to consensus on the Parish Mission Statement.

6. Announcements (5 minutes)

7. Evaluation (5 minutes)

8. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)