A Visit Follow-Up – II

Today I’m going to continue to tell you about what we learned about our parish through preparing for Msgr. McNamara’s visit three weeks ago.  Here’s the list of “major recent accomplishments” prepared for him by the Parish Council (I’ve shortened it considerably so it would fit here, and omitted a lot of detail, but you can get the picture, I hope):

1. Parish reorganization – from a “dark place” into new enthusiasm: balanced budget, movement of entire parish out of negativity into a more energetic community of hope.
2. The periodic talks/updates to the parish at every Sunday Mass following the reorganization were very well received by parishioners – noted as a turning point and landmark for increase in parishioners support and energy.
3. Staff energy and engagement – working well as a team.
4. Parish worked well together and was supportive of plans for dealing with the summer 2015 Priest Shortage.
5. Day Care success (launch and profitability – 68% of capacity now, and paying its way).
6. Growth in parishioner engagement – parish energy.
7. Staff and volunteers/volunteer ministers working well together sharing gifts and talents. Silos separating ministries disappearing – teamwork and energy across ministries growing, ideas and planned initiatives in process.
8. Growth in volunteering: liturgical ministers, catechists, environment, etc.
   1. Six new EMHCs in 2015; (4-5) new EMHCs in line for spring 2016 to date.
   2. Volunteering up – self-initiated interest.
9. Introduction of Book The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic to Parish.
10. Weekly Bible Study – Conducted by Fr. Gius and well attended.
11. EMHC and Lector Retreat – Evening of Prayer, Spiritual Music, Recollection, Faith Sharing and Fellowship met with great success and interest.
12. Homebound EMHC Ministry – changes and improvements.
13. Altar Servers: Installation more formal and ritualized – met with great appreciation.
14. Sunday Masses dedicated to different groups: scouts, recently-baptized, etc. as a means of engagement, interest and fellowship.
15. Growth of Youth Ministry (from 4-5 attending up to now about 50).
16. New Family Life Ministry – Started Fall 2014 and has met with great interest and success.
17. Pre-Cana Ministry and Family Life Ministry working together to plan an event for married parishioners – Guest speaker, spirituality of marriage and life in the church, etc.
18. Liturgical Ministry and Faith Formation working together to provide a special retreat and renewal for Catechists.
19. Parish Social Ministry – Outreach to parishioners and businesses met with spectacular results. The pantry has been overflowing with donations and distributions.
20. Consolation Ministry – Bereavement masses followed by fellowship are held 4x/year. The Masses are very well attended and seem to be a source of comfort and consolation, as we remember and celebrate the lives of the recently deceased. It is a time of sharing, highlighting the strong relationship between Our Lady of Grace and the families.

And don’t forget to strengthen your own faith and our parish even more by taking part in the parish Lenten Mission this week!  Look for details further on in today’s Bulletin.  Until next week, peace.