The PurPose of Parish Pastoral Councils
Collaboration The vibrancy of God’s life is manifest when: All the baptised collaborate together in the mission of Christ Parish Pastoral Councils provide the structure to enable priests and people to work together Building up dynamic Christian communities characterised by faith, service, worship and evangelisation The PPC enables discernment to take place about what is best for the parish
Task 1: Reflection & Planning Discerning the needs of the parish community Involving the whole parish in response to needs
Task 2: Animation Enabling the baptised to discover thier call as disciples By discerning the gifts of parishioners By developing the gifts through provision for on-going formation and training
Task 3: Action Providing structures that will marry the needs of the parish With the gifts and resources available
Task 4: Communication Ensuring effective dialogue takes place within The parish The diocese The wider community
Task 5: Evaluation Reviewing the life and activities of the parish So that parish have a sense of Proceeding towards Brining about the reign of God
Pastoral Planning Involves taking time out to reflect on the life and mission of the parish To formulate clear goals for the future Inspired by gospel values Rooted in the life experience of the parish Within the local diocese
Faith Conviction Pastoral Planning is a strategic process informed by the following principles: All the baptised share in the mission of Christ All baptised are gifted and have a right and duty to use these to build up the body of Christ The Holy spirit speaks through all the baptised Where two or three are gathered Christ is in the midst Prayer is the key to any form of renewal
Key Principles of Pastoral Planning 1.Communication: every step needs to be clearly explained to parishioners 2.Facilitation: Good facilitation is not an optional extra 3.Participation: involvement of parishioners leads to greater ownership 4.Look Out: Look at what is happening beyond the parish 5.Pacing: take one step at a time 6.Money: Awareness of Parish Finances focuses budgeting
Careful Coordination PPC organises a timeline for things to be done Sub-committees can be set up to do further practical work One PPC member should chair the sub- committee A PPC member should be nominated to liaise with outside facilitator/s.
Sub-committees for Pastoral Planning 1.Publicity 2.Hospitality 3.Prayer 4.Facilitation
The Publicity Group Encourages parishioners to take part in the venture They will explain to parishioners: What is happening and why When and where it will take place How it will be organised
The Hospitality Group Books venues Organises seating arrangements for large group work and small break out groups Welcomes people as they arrive Co-ordinates refreshments, etc
The Prayer Group Works with the overall co-ordinator interweaving prayer throughout the sessions/meetings Sets up a focal point for prayer space Provide prayer sheets/ leaflets when required
The Facilitation Group Takes responsibility for any small group work Organises training for facilitators Ensures necessary equipment is available: Markers Blue Tac Sheets of paper Questions for the Group, etc.
Six Step Planning Process 1.Calling the Parish 2.Mission Statement 3.Assessing Needs 4.Setting goals 5.Sharing Responsibility 6.Calendaring
1. Calling the Parish To Prayer Looking to God for inspiration, strength and vision
2. Mission Statement Holding a Parish Assembly In order to form a Mission Statement And discern what Christ is calling us to be
3. Assessing Needs By means of a Reflectionnaire Examining current realities Exploring future needs
4. Setting Goals & Objectives Prioritising what needs to be done Naming the steps Making goals SMART Specific Manageable Achievable Realistic Targeted
5. Sharing Responsibility Translating the Mission Statement into reality Setting up working groups Outlining plans of action
6. Calendaring Naming the priorities Charting the priorities for the Year ahead Entering them into public Parish Calendar