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Forming a Mission Statement can be a worthwhile exercise for the Pastoral Council as a way of summarizing the unique purpose of a parish. It can also have little impact beyond those involved in its formulation. An alternative is to enlist the help of the staff, leaders and entire parish in identifying a few key words that name the essential character and core values of the parish. These are words that can be easily remembered and might serve as the foundation and focus for all the key decisions and future planning of the parish.Getting Started : The first step in the process is to invite the commissions or key leadership groups to come together to identify defining aspects of the parish. The process begins with each individual writing down on an index cards three words that the person considers to be essential elements of the parish. These are core values that define what the parish is all about. The participants are also asked to write down why each word is important to them. A few examples might be inclusive, welcoming, apostolic, prophetic, Eucharistic, open. Everyone then joins a small group numbering from five to seven people. One person begins by mentioning just one word and why it is important. If anyone else has the same or similar word, then that person can add other reasons why it was important. Then the next person mentions another word and why it is important. The process continues until all have had a chance to share their words and explanations. Each small group then chooses the three words that all agree best describes the essential purpose of the parish, along with the reasons why these were chosen. These words and explanations are written on a large piece of newsprint and brought to the large group. Each newsprint is shared with all the participants and then given to the Pastoral Council for the next step. It is up to the council to refine and focus the Defining Words, narrowing the field down to eight or nine, along with the reasons why each is important. These are then presented to the parishioners for their reflection and response. Getting Reactions: A Response Sheet is prepared that includes the eight or nine Defining Words and a short explanation of each one. This is distributed at all the liturgies on a given weekend following a homily on the subject and a description of the process by a member of the Pastoral Council. Each person is asked to choose the three words that best describe the unique character and purpose of the parish, those that can stir people’s hearts and Light the Fire of the parish. Over the next week, an ad hoc committee tallies the results and presents to the Pastoral Council those Defining Words that received the highest tally from the parishioners. The Council, with the pastor as part of the process, makes the final selection of Words and presents these to a gathering of the staff and lay leaders for final approval. The result is then given to a special Communications Committee that gets the Defining Words out to the parishioners by any means possible. These words make explicit what the parish stands for and what gives it energy. Everyone is encouraged to commit the Words to memory, using it for personal prayer. Each parish meetings might also begin with these Words.. Both leaders and people are invited to keep looking for new explanations and expansions of what these words mean for the present operation and future direction of the parish. From that moment on, everyone knows the role and purpose of the parish and what is expected of them as members of this church.
Tom Sweetser, SJ & Peg Bishop, OSF |
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