Living Stones

Why They Left by Ken Perry

America Magazine recently highlighted a study commissioned by Bishop David O'Connell asking Catholics why they stopped going to church (see the article here -Why They Left). 

The responses included not feeling welcomed, starved spiritually, to feeling undervalued by the church.  Others point to issues of doctrine and church practice.   All of the respondents remind us of the stark reality of declining church attendance, with fewer than 20% of registered Catholics attending Mass.  But there is hope and promise here, as their tone was generally positive. 

We have before our parish communities a great opportunity, if we are up to the challenge.  In light of these responses, Byron and Zech call for a "creative liturgical, pastoral, doctrinal and practical response".  Will we choose to remain in dialog with these Catholics in our parish boundaries even if the issue is a doctrinal one in order to remain in relationship?

So then, what will our response be?  In what ways is God calling us as Catholics, and Catholic communities, to reach out to those inactive Catholics in our own backyard?  What has been working so far and is a strength we can build on?  Where is their opportunity for growth to build up the kingdom of God in your community?

Parish Pastoral Councils Are Taking Hold by Terry Ginther

Did you know that according to a USCCB survey 65% of dioceses and eparchies have mandated the establishment of parish pastoral councils in their diocese or eparchy and another 32% have encouraged parishes to establish them?  It is reported that nationally an average of 85% of parishes had in fact established a parish pastoral council.

This statistic is cited in the 2010 book, Best Practices of Catholic Pastoral and Finance Councils by Charles E. Zech, Mary L. Gautier, Robert J. Miller, and Mary E. Bendyna, RSM, published by Our Sunday Visitor Press. 

Since the Fourth Synod of the Diocese of Trenton in 1992, pastors have been directed to establish a Parish Pastoral Council unless permission to delay doing so is sought and given by the Bishop.  More recently, the Diocesan Pastoral Plan "Led by the Spirit" aimed to have a Pastoral Council in place in every parish of the diocese by November 2010.   About 80% of our parishes have established a Parish Pastoral Council.  The number fluctuates all the time.

Each time a pastor changes, the Parish Pastoral Council that worked with that  pastor ceases.  A new pastor is expected to establish a new a Pastoral Council within a year of his arrival.  This means somewhere in the Diocese there is always a parish in the process of establishing a new council, and/or selecting new members to serve.  The diocesan Department of Pastoral Planning dedicates considerable time to assisting Pastors with this important work, and offering initial and ongoing formation for Council members.

Our neighbors in the Diocese of Metuchen have invited Charles E. Zech, co-author of book mentioned above and professor at Villanova University, to give a presentation entitled "Partners in Ministry: Best Practices Among Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils."  The event will be held on September 29, 2012 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in Piscataway from 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at a cost of $10 per person.  We thank Jeff Korgen, Executive Director for Planning in Metuchen Diocese, for the invitation for about 25 participants from the Diocese of Trenton to register.  More information to follow. 

 

Raising the Bar - Part I: Mission by Ken Perry

I came across this gem of a mission statement in well done annual report brought to us by our Evangelical brethren at Granger Community Church.  The report comes under the direction of Kem Meyer, wife, mother, author, conference speaker and communications director. 

There are a lot of good things, best practices in fact, to unpack and apply to our work in parish pastoral planning and communications that I'll be back on this one to revisit some other aspects of the report (check here for the full report).

The first thing one notices is its visual design, its accessible and easy to read layout.  Goals are laid out in concrete terms underneath each category.  These Initiatives are spelled out in clear and concise terms.  Be placing it with the annual report, it places into context financial reporting, giving, worship, outreach, etc.  

The next thing I appreciated about the mission statement is that it sets expectations for its members and visitors.  There is a vision and plan in place.  People have a clear and concrete understanding of where the church is heading and where its priorities lay.  In turn, people can better understand what is expected of them (in general terms) as disciples of Christ at Granger -- which is a key factor in creating an engaged and committed church community.

Both the content and visual design work together to create a real sense of excitement and purpose to the community.  They are challenging themselves and their membership to put off the status quo and begin in a new way to live radically for Jesus Christ - to BE the church.  The emphasis is not only on personal renewal, but to equip the church to become people who equip others to live as disciples as well.

How does this challenge translate to our Catholic Parishes?  Where is God challenging us as pastors and parish staff/ministers?  In what ways are we called to challenge others?  How can we better articulate and promote our missions to engage parishioners more fully to spread the Gospel of Christ!  God deserves nothing less than out best.  Let's go out and raise the bar!