 Priorities
for the Future – VI
These past weeks I’ve written about what we’ve been doing on the Pastoral
Council and on the ministry staff with what you told us helps you to grow
closer to Christ. Through the Gallup ME25 survey and the listening sessions
that followed, we heard from you what deepens your spiritual life. From
that the staff and Council drew six themes, and then we drafted statements
about those themes that will help in planning for the future. Here’s the
sixth and final draft theme text:
A priority of OLOG is to prepare its young people for lifetime
discipleship as engaged Catholics.
By means of involving them in parish activities that:
-
meet their spiritual needs,
-
have them learn and use their
gifts and experience belonging to a community of similarly-committed
people of all ages, and -
-
affirm their gifts and contributions toward their families,
the community, and the world.
In order to prepare and
inspire them to grow toward Christian maturity.
Again, we hope to hear your suggestions to improve this draft. You can
(preferably) e-mail your suggested revisions to priorities@ourladyofgrace.net;
or you can use the form at the bottom of the next page (for this theme or
for past drafts). If we haven’t said things clearly in these six themes,
offer your insights. Thanks to those who have offered comments so far!
[Here are all the other draft
themes; comments also welcome on these.]
March 30: A priority of Our
Lady of Grace is to help parishioners understand and integrate what we do
at the Eucharist.
By means of fostering full,
conscious, and active participation of all parishioners in the Sunday
Eucharist and in other sacraments. By investing in good music, liturgical
environment, ministerial formation, and preaching; and by educating
parishioners in how to pray liturgically.
In order that parishioners may better understand and embody the full
meaning/message of the Eucharist and so become more like Christ in our daily
lives.
April 6: A priority of OLOG is to serve God and others.
By means of knowing and using our
gifts; and by determining those areas of need in our community where those
gifts are best utilized.
In order that parishioners may
grow in knowledge and love of God through the exercise of their gifts; and
that we may give witness to the Gospel by reducing the suffering of others.
April 13: A priority of OLOG is to help parishioners to deepen their
understanding of the Catholic faith, tradition, and practices needed for
effective discipleship today.
By means of good preaching that enlightens and challenges; adult education
that addresses contemporary issues; and creating an expectation that adult
Catholics have an obligation to inform themselves and to hand on faith in
Jesus Christ.
In order that parishioners may be more effective disciples in family,
church, and society.
April 20: A priority of OLOG is
to encourage our parishioners to be welcoming and inclusive of all.
By means of creating an
atmosphere of fair, clear expectations; preaching and teaching regularly on
the importance of inclusion and respect for differences; respecting the
gifts and ideas of all parishioners; and encouraging full participation in
the community.
In order that all persons who
approach us may feel and be welcomed graciously.
April 27: A priority of OLOG is to expose parishioners to different forms
of prayer and provide diverse opportunities for prayer.
By means of providing
opportunities and resources to learn about and to form groups for prayer and
/ or faith sharing.
In order that OLOG might be a
place where people become prayerful, engaged in the life of the larger
parish community, hearing and living the Word of God.
# Here is my suggestion on how to improve the parish
statement of priorities: [Please offer your actual suggested wording, if
possible:]
You may return this in the collection
or to the Parish Office. Or e-mail your suggestion to priorities@ourladyofgrace.net.
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