From Mission to Service Catholic Social Services of Montana Diocese of Great Falls-Billings And Diocese of Helena

Agency Overview Montana – population approx. 960,000 Square Miles – 146,080 Two Dioceses – Helena and Great Falls Billings Parishes 108 Missions Main Office – Helena, 3 Satellite Offices and 2 Home Based Offices Incorporated since 1953

Services Adoption – Infant, International Home Studies, Older Children, and Interstate Emergency Financial Assistance Confidential Intermediary Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard Infant Adoption Awareness Training

Action Learning Plan Description – Develop and articulate a Mission Statement and measure current programs against the mission Outcomes – A Mission Statement to provide the foundation for work on a strategic plan Work Plan, Roles, and Timeline: 1) Meet with the Bishops

Action Learning Plan 2) Introduce work of mission to the Board of Directors and Staff 3) Set date for Board Retreat for Summer 4) Request assistance of facilitator to work with the Board 5) Articulate mission and begin work on a strategic plan with coordination between both Dioceses’ Pastoral Plans

Results Met with Board of Directors and Bishops together on April 28, 2006 Charged with developing a Mission Committee Board Retreat deferred until appointment of a new Bishop Bishop of Great Falls-Billings retires due to illness in July 2006

Results Met with Coordinators of the Diocesan Pastoral Plans Mission Committee met 1) Reviewed who we are and what we do 2) Reviewed mission statements from local organizations and from neighbor agencies in the Northwest 3) Met and crafted 3 mission statements:

Results I. On behalf of the vulnerable and those in need, Catholic Social Services of Montana provides works of charity, education, service, and justice as servants of God’s children II. Based on (our concern for) the sanctity of life and desiring to follow the Gospecl teachings, Catholic Social Services of Montana provides and advocates for works of charity, service and social justice

Results III. Catholic Social Services of Montana provides works of charity, service, and education through quality programs and advocacy for social justice 4) Had conference call with entire staff to review mission statements and staff chose Mission statement II 5) Reviewed with Board of Directors who chose II with revisions

Mission Statement Based on our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic Social Services of Montana provides for works of advocacy, compassion, pastoral outreach, education, and social justice.