Five Year Plan: January 2001 to December 2005

Presented to and Prepared by: The People of St. Raymond Raymond Parish in collaboration with the Pastoral Council and Staff led by our Pastor Reverend Patrick Goodwin.

ST. RAYMOND PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

St. Raymond's embraces what it is to be a Catholic community. Our rich faith heritage guides us as a welcoming community of disciples living the gospel message of Jesus Christ, who is the source of all we are and do. Nourished by liturgy and personal prayer, as lived in service to God's people, we are open to all, making it a place of worship for many faces but one family.

We do this by:

providing for the spiritual and physical needs of our members as they are made known to us;

providing quality religious education for all ages through a comprehensive catechetical program that is sensitive to and nurtures the individual's faith journey within our community;

welcoming all people with loving openness and hospitality; and

responding to the diversity of our members by providing avenues of expression specific to their needs.

The SIGN and SOURCE of our unity is the celebration of the Eucharist and all the sacraments as well as the vitality of our liturgical life. Continuing to enliven our faith through the Holy Spirit is central to our mission of giving ever-clearer witness to the kingdom of God.

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ST. RAYMOND PARISH COMMUNITY GOALS

WE, THE COMMUNITY OF ST. RAYMOND PARISH, ARE COMMITTED TO:

deepening our spiritual life through ongoing education, enhanced liturgical celebrations, and an expanded sense of community;

inviting to fuller participation in our community those marginalized people whose needs we have not traditionally met;

providing avenues of outreach into our local community by developing awareness of others' needs as well as an awareness of our call to apply Gospel values in meeting those needs;

continuing to accommodate our parish growth by assessing and implementing facility upgrades to all areas of our parish plant to meet requirements of programs, both existing and planned.

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INTRODUCTION

The People of St. Raymond have collaborated through participation in parish ministries, committees and organizations with members of the Pastoral Council and Pastoral Staff to prepare this 5-Year Plan. In 1992, the Pastoral Council decided to implement a planning process for the entire parish, which would allow continual updating of the Plan. This means that Staff members collaborate with the parishioners who are active in our ministries to conduct annual status audits. Our purpose is to evaluate how we are carrying forward the vision of the 5-Year Plan. All of this is undertaken through much prayer and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our goal is to make the good news of the Gospel, our Mission Statement, and our ministries an integrated reality. [Note: In August 1996, this document was placed on the Internet at St. Raymond's site: http://www.st-raymond-dublin.org]

The Pastoral Council is responsible for planning and maintaining the long-range vision of God's ministry at St. Raymond Parish. The Mission Statement was developed after much prayer and many meetings. It is the guiding vision for all of the planning and all of the activities in our parish. Collaboration among Staff members, parishioners, committees, ministries, organizations, and the Pastoral Council is essential for the vision to be accomplished. We encourage all parishioners to become involved in carrying out our mission as God's people. We invite each parishioner to pray for God's guidance and to seek a place in the exciting reality of God's work among us and through us to our community and world.

Organization of this plan

Key Service areas. This 5-Year Plan is organized into seven (7) Key Service Areas (KSA's). The Pastoral Council collaborated with parishioners and Staff members to agree on these KSA's. Each KSA is numbered to indicate the current priority of time and budgeting that is allocated to that area of ministry. Each of the seven (7) areas is considered to be an essential area of ministry and is labeled "KSA" to indicate it is a Key Service Area.

The Pastoral Council revisions of KSA's (June, 2000) reflect the need to have our many outreach ministries collaborate in their efforts. The original KSA's, #10 and #11 (Spirituality, Involvement, Participation) are hopefully reflected in all KSA's. Our purpose was not to eliminate, but to create a more defined sense of purpose for the staff that is responsible for all status audit reports.

Vision Statements. Each KSA begins with a Vision Statement that articulates the place of that KSA in fulfilling our Mission Statement. These statements were written through a collaborative effort by the People of St. Raymond who were willing to participate, Staff members, and the Pastoral Council.

Objectives. The Vision Statement for each KSA is followed by a series of objectives designed to carry the Vision Statement into reality in our parish. The objectives were written by the Pastoral Council, and reviewed with the Staff. The 5-Year Plan originally identified projects for each objective, but in 1999, they were removed in favor of allowing the Staff to use its own creativity in setting policy. Staff members are responsible with parishioners for carrying out the administration of our policies. [Note: The primary staff responsibility follows each objective, contained in parenthesis.]

The Parish Plant Committee is composed of parishioners, Staff members, and representatives of user groups. This committee reviews the status of our parish's buildings and grounds every year and presents a report to the Pastor. Each year the need for capital expenditures and additional budgeting for projects is reviewed by the Pastor and the Finance Committee. They submit recommendations to the Pastoral Council for approval and inclusion in the following year's budget as well as for inclusion in the 5-Year Plan.

Monitoring Key Service Areas (KSAs)

A Pastoral Council member is responsible for monitoring each KSA with Staff members. The intent is to promote early collaboration in areas of difficulty where we are challenged to carry forward our vision. The 5-Year Plan does not specify each of the many activities undertaken by the Staff members; the purpose of the 5-Year Plan is to highlight accomplishment of our vision.

The annual cycle of updating the 5-Year Plan has become one of the central focuses of ministry of the Pastoral Council. Staff members do an annual evaluation of their various programs. This evaluation, a status audit, is reported to the Pastoral Council by the Staff member at a meeting of the Pastoral Council and discussed. Recommendations for consideration by the Pastoral Council and any issues that surface will be addressed at this meeting. Any changes to the 5-Year Plan will be added in January. This process is repeated every year for all the ministries.

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KSA #1 WORSHIP AND LITURGY

Vision Statement

The central core of Christianity is not a belief: it is the person, Jesus Christ, God-in-the-flesh. In and through Jesus all human life has a spiritual dimension. In light of this, liturgy and worship at St. Raymond, centered on praise of God, will encourage discipleship, build community and inspire service to all people. We will have well planned liturgies and para-liturgical celebrations, not only on special occasions but also on a regular basis. These will include full participation of our people that take into consideration our diverse cultures and ages and will crate spiritual vitality and desire to share our faith with others. Of fundamental importance to this dream is a music program with a unified vision of purpose that encourages motivation and participation.

Objectives

Have the Liturgy Committees assist and aid the Liturgy Director in the planning and implementation of all liturgies. (Liturgy Director)

Reflect appreciation of our cultural diversity in our liturgical life. (Liturgy Director)

Provide para-liturgical celebrations on a regular basis, which will expose parishioners to various expressions of worship. (Liturgy Director)

Develop a music program, which presents a unified vision of purpose. All music will motivate parishioners to participate and will inspire worship of God. (Music Director)

Develop meaningful ways to involve youth in our parish liturgical life. (Liturgy Director)

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KSA #2 OUTREACH

Vision Statement

As Christians, our faith is grounded in Jesus Christ, the Word of God. Outreach is the mission of the Church. It involves sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with active, marginalized, unchurched people. It is a difficult task in which we must rely on the Holy Spirit, and support one another in order to remain enthusiastic. Therefore, Outreach will become a regular part of our parish life, and will include one-on-one sharing of our faith with others.

We will develop a deep, active and personal concern for the needs of all our brothers and sisters, especially for those who are poor. The parish will facilitate for our people the opportunity to serve the poor, to discern needs, and to work for Gospel Justice in social and economic systems.

The parish will actively seek to recognize the wealth of gifts, cultures and traditions available in our parish and in the greater community.

Objectives

Foster a climate of openness among the members of our parish, that they will be able to accept one another with love regardless of ethnic background or age. (Parochial Vicar, Staff)

Encourage programs that are sensitive to the cultural backgrounds of all parishioners. (Parochial Vicar)

Encourage parishioners who plan social activities for the parish community to involve members of our diverse cultural groups. (Parochial Vicar)

Encourage the parishioners to accept their Gospel responsibility to share our faith and Christian values with others. Cultivate an active core of baptized to serve as ministers of parishes, diocese, neighborhoods, workplaces and homes. (Staff)

Reach out with the Gospel message to the marginalized people in our community and to foster a renewed understanding of the faith among Catholics. (Staff)

Reach out with the Gospel message to our neighbors in the community by publicizing our parish activities. Involve the Catholic Church on every level in the media. (Staff)

Develop the Social Action Committee to encourage responsibility for the formation of the entire parish in issues of Gospel Action. (Parochial Vicar)

Bring Gospel Action issues to the parish so parishioners will be better educated and more actively involved in working for social justice. (Parochial Vicar)

Social Action will be an educational group that informs the parish community on social issues. (Parochial Vicar)

Provide opportunities for each parishioner to become involved with charitable organizations. (Parochial Vicar)

Provide support for family life issues and problems. (Parochial Vicar)

Publicize the various support groups of St. Raymond Parish as resources to others in the community. Work with other parishes for special support groups. (Stewardship Committee, Pastor)

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KSA #3 FORMATION AND EDUCATION

Vision Statement

Formation is the development and application of a strong faith in, and personal relationship with Jesus Christ as a living God who loves and cares for each person. All religious education programs in our parish shall support and strengthen formation by building on the traditions of our Catholic faith and an ever-deepening understanding of Scripture. We will nurture and foster a sense of spiritual vitality in the parish at all age levels. Our focus will be on the teachings of Christ, which will permeate all facets of life.

Objectives

Provide education/formation for Parish Staff and parishioners, preschool through adult. To foster a renewed understanding of the faith among Catholics: New methods of adult education, utilizing various modern media and relating to Catholics' involvement in parish worship and service; formulation of catechetical material in clear, easy-to-grasp language; development of home and family-based catechetical techniques; involvement of directors of religious education in the evangelization planning of the parish and of evangelization teams in catechetical planning. (Director of Religious Education)

Continue to create a climate of openness and support to Catholic education. (Principal)

Increase the centrality of family in our religious education programs. To foster a sense of the domestic church with households in which families, individuals and groups reside: Cultivation of daily prayer and times of prayer in the home; establishment of times of family sharing; home-based rituals shaped by the liturgical year; formation of groups of parents, families and households to develop spirituality in the home; adaptation of new and meaningful faith practices within the family in view of the decline of family prayer. To use special times in parish and family life to invite people of faith: Inviting young families to share about forming their young children in faith; special ministry to young adults in parishes and college campuses; emphasizing the evangelizing dimensions of youth ministry for middle school and high school students; and involving youth and families in ministries of faith ad service to others. (Director of Religious Education)

Strengthen the centrality of our Sunday Liturgy in the everyday lie of our parishioners, by using Scripture, The Sunday lectionary and Catholic Catechism as the foundation for our religious education programs. To develop within families and households the capacity to share the Gospel: Programs to support parents as the primary sharers of faith with their children; training programs so that families, individually or in support groups, can learn more effective methods of sharing the Gospel; fostering regular family prayer and share time. (Director of Religious Education)

Continue to nurture the spiritual development and faith formation of our catechists. (Director of Religious Education)

Increase the enrollment of families in our Religious Education Program. (Director of Religious Education)

Provide catechesis on the RCIA, RCIT, and RCIC for the parish in order to increase our parishioners' ownership of responsibility for people inquiring about our faith. (Director RCIA, Director RCIT, Director RCIC)

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KSA #4 STEWARDSHIP OF PARISH PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Vision Statement

With the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit, to accomplish our parish mission, we will expand, restructure and maintain our facilities. These facilities will support the environment envisioned in the other Key Service Areas, and help to generate a sense of inspiration and ownership for parishioners. We will also provide for the ongoing financial stability for the parish.

Objectives

Pastor will form a committee to assess the process for renovation / redecoration of the church and the continued remodeling of the rectory. (Pastor)

Evaluate the status of the parish plan and facilities on an annual basis. (Stewardship Committee, Pastor)

Develop a reserve fund to cover unforeseen expenses of the parish plant. (Finance Committee, Pastor)

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KSA #5 SMALL FAITH COMMUNITIES

Vision Statement

Small Christian communities, established to nurture faith in Jesus Christ and to enable Christians to continue His ministry, are found in the Scriptures. Our small faith communities will: 1) be inclusive of all age groups, 2) be a loving, trusting and respectful environment, and 3) be Scripture based and foster discipleship of the Lord.

Objectives

Keep alive the concept of small faith communities as a normative and continuing way of living church. (Pastor)

Encourage participation in small faith communities. (Pastor)

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KSA #6 SENSE OF BELONGING / HOSPITALITY

Vision Statement

Christ's love is reflected in our hospitality. Our hospitality provides an opportunity for each person to develop a sense of belonging in our church. Christian hospitality will be evident at our liturgies and in all phases of parish life.

Objectives

Instill in parishioners the responsibility of sharing Jesus' hospitality with all members and visitors of our parish. (Staff)

Ensure that parish organizations and departments realize the importance of sensitivity to the needs of new members. (Staff)

Provide opportunities for the ill and elderly to receive the Eucharist through the Homebound ministry. (Staff)

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KSA #7 LEADERSHIP / INVOLVEMENT

Vision Statement

The Holy Spirit is present in each member of the Church. His presence is evidenced by a multitude of gifts, which we must avail ourselves. As a parish, we will provide a nurturing, enabling atmosphere in which each parishioner will be encouraged to recognize and volunteer his/her gifts to enhance the life of the parish and the community. We will do this by creating a strong sense of collaboration between the staff and parishioners, by providing continuing training for all ministries and by accepting, with gratitude, the service of our leaders and staff.

St. Raymond Parish is an expression of the faith of the people of the parish. By virtue of Baptism, every parishioner has the right to participate in the decision making process through staff representatives and duly constituted bodies within parish. Having participated, he/she shares in the responsibility for the actions emanating from those decisions. We will foster a climate that will empower every parishioner to be an integral part of decision-making, thus deepening hie/her sense of belonging to God and to one another.

Objectives

Provide formation in and practice of collaboration among advisory and leadership groups of the parish. (Staff)

Recognize the ministries of Staff members and parishioners through liturgical and secular celebrations. (Pastoral Council, Staff)

Encourage faith development among our parishioners through personal storytelling and sharing. (Staff)

Educate and encourage the parishioners in ways to become more involved with decision-making. (Staff)

Communicate parish decisions to parishioners. (Pastoral Council, Staff)