1. The PurPose of Parish Pastoral Councils

2. 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

3. Task 1: Reflection & Planning  Discerning the needs of the parish community  Involving the whole parish in response to needs

4. 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

5. Task 3: Action  Providing structures  that will marry the needs of the parish  With the gifts and resources available

6. Task 4: Communication  Ensuring effective dialogue takes place within  The parish  The diocese  The wider community

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Sub-committees for Pastoral Planning 1.Publicity 2.Hospitality 3.Prayer 4.Facilitation

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. Six Step Planning Process 1.Calling the Parish 2.Mission Statement 3.Assessing Needs 4.Setting goals 5.Sharing Responsibility 6.Calendaring

18. 1. Calling the Parish  To Prayer  Looking to God for inspiration, strength and vision

19. 2. Mission Statement  Holding a Parish Assembly  In order to form a Mission Statement  And discern what Christ is calling us to be

20. 3. Assessing Needs  By means of a Reflectionnaire  Examining current realities  Exploring future needs

21. 4. Setting Goals & Objectives  Prioritising what needs to be done  Naming the steps  Making goals SMART  Specific  Manageable  Achievable  Realistic  Targeted

22. 5. Sharing Responsibility  Translating the Mission Statement into reality  Setting up working groups  Outlining plans of action

23. 6. Calendaring  Naming the priorities  Charting the priorities for the Year ahead  Entering them into public Parish Calendar