REVIEW OF PART ONE
Back in the May 11, 2025 bulletin I shared the first part of a series of articles describing the shifts needed for the sake of mission (To form disciples who reach out to all) in our family of parishes. In the first article I discussed the fact that mission dictates structure—where we want to go dictates what we need to get there. This means changes are required in what we do and how we do them. Leadership structures and responsibilities also need to change.
I also shared the challenges of shepherding a family of parishes as the pastor and that the shift from “maintenance to mission” required additional support in my role. I introduced the formation of a Senior Leadership Team that shares in all aspects of my ministry. What a blessing they have been!!
REVIEW OF PART TWO
Part Two of this series was in the July 6, 2025 bulletin where I described the restructuring of the Pastoral Team in order to move our mission forward in the most effective and efficient way possible. In addition to the introduction of a Senior Leadership Team, I introduced four new portfolios created so that our IGNITE THE MISSION Pastoral Plan could continue to grow and flourish. Here are the current pastoral team members and roles:
(1) OUTREACH LEAD—COLLEEN KEANE
This portfolio includes supporting and coordinating all of our outreach ministries and programs in addition to Funeral ministry, bereavement support, homebound ministry, nursing homes and the Anointing of the Sick.
(2) FAMILY & SCHOOL LEAD—ALI CHINNICK
This portfolio includes all our family ministries/events and school outreach (Monsignor Uyen, St. Angela Merici, St. Teresa of Calcutta and UCC). This includes First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, organizing school events/visits/Masses and connections with school councils and staff.
(3) WEEKEND EXPERIENCE LEAD—MAUREEN MACDONALD
This portfolio includes everything that happens at all our churches at our weekend celebrations. This includes lectors, Eucharistic ministers, servers, choirs, Video Team, PowerPoint, decorators, Mass Hosts and includes making sure our buildings, signage and landscaping are welcoming to everyone.
(4) DISCIPLESHIP LEAD—RENÉE CULVERWELL
This portfolio is responsible for discipleship formation and development so that all of us can be faithful missionaries in our world. This includes coordinating parish missions, faith formation programs, small groups, Message Team, Faithcation retreat, Disciple’s Road, Baptisms and young adult ministry.
LAYERS OF LEADERSHIP
Each of our new LEADS will seek out volunteer ministry leaders for the needed ministries/programs in their portfolios so that we continue to develop and share leadership with more people who will deepen and expand our pastoral plan.
On Saturday October 4, 2025 from 9 AM to 12 NOON we will be hosting our first MINISTRY SUMMIT gathering all our volunteers in the family of parishes for a time of prayer, reflection and unity. This will be a chance to deepen our understanding of our pastoral plan and support one another in the journey ahead.
The more people we get involved and are invested in our mission to form disciples who reach out to all, the more impactful we can be in our world today. This will take time but I am extremely thankful to our four leads for their hard work, dedication and willingness to change for the sake of the Gospel.
A NEW APPROACH TO PASTORAL COUNCIL & FINANCE COMMITTEE
In order to prayerfully discern pastoral needs and the implementation of our IGNITE THE MISSION Pastoral Plan, both Pastoral Council and Finance Committee along with the Senior Leadership Team are meeting in joint sessions in September, November, January, March and May using the synodal method.
These sessions focus on various aspects of a single topic. They are longer and more intentional, allowing for prayer and a deeper sharing where all the voices, ideas and thoughts are incorporated into plans, decisions and further consultation with the faithful as we move forward. Our first synodal gathering in mid-September was an excellent experience that will bear much fruit in the months ahead.
The Finance Committee will meet separately in October, December, February, April and June fulfilling their responsibilities for our family of parishes.
