St. Veronica Parish Overview Past, Present, and Future

Ponder this… “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” -Lao Tzu

Objectives Recall the past Plan for the future Live in the present An overview of the Challenges and Successes of St. Veronica Parish

Recall the Past Challenges: Parishioners hungered for stronger pastoral leadership Parishioners were seeking change for a deeper faith and stronger relationships on all levels

Recall the Past Successes: Dedicated and supportive Parishioners Fr. Del joined the St. Veronica Family He found ways to listen to and address Parishioners’ needs Creation of the Meet-N-Greets Shepherd Groups were formed based on generalized greatest needs by leadership Subsequently Commissions, Ministries, and Strategies were formed

Pastoral Priorities - Leadership Meeting 2010 1. Youth 2. Stewardship 3. Leadership of the Pastor 4. Spiritual renewal of the parishioners 5. Being a welcoming and compassionate parish 6. Liturgy and Music 7. Adult Faith Formation 8. School-Parish integration 9. Commitment to service and outreach 10. Integration between and among ministries

Pastoral Priorities  Shepherd Groups 1. Youth- Vital 2. Stewardship- Important 3. Leadership of the Pastor- Vital 4. Spiritual renewal of the parishioners- Vital 5. Being a welcoming and compassionate parish- Vital 6. Liturgy and Music- Important 7. Adult Faith Formation- Important 8. School-Parish integration- Important 9. Commitment to service and outreach- Important 10. Integration between and among ministries- Important

Shepherd Groups Outcomes 1. Youth- Koinonia- Small Group for teens 2. Stewardship- Stewardship Commission 3. Leadership of the Pastor- Fr Del continues developing role and hires Pastoral Associate 4. Spiritual Renewal- Becomes a directive for Faith Formation which will include Small Groups and Renewal Programs 5. Being a welcoming and compassionate parish- Becomes Hospitality Ministry

Shepherd Groups Outcomes 6. Liturgy and Music- Fr Del hires full time Music Director with Worship Commission taking on a key role 7. Adult Faith Formation- Become Faith Formation Commission 8. School-Parish integration- Did not form into a Shepherd Group, but continues to be a priority 9. Commitment to Service and Outreach- Did not form a Shepherd Group due to lack of facilitator* 10. Integration between and among ministries- PC places each ministry with one of the five commissions and assigns a liaison; Commissions meet regularly

Five Commissions Identified Faith Formation Commission Worship Commission Education Commission Stewardship Commission Finance Commission

Archdiocesan Initiative Archdiocese of Cincinnati shares the Christ at the Center initiative with all parishes Two objectives: Nurturing Family Faith Nurturing Eucharistic Communities Parishes are to make this the focus of EVERYTHING we do

Incorporating the Initiative Fr Del leads the Parish in this mission PC, Commissions, and Ministries evaluated how their mission statements could better incorporate the Christ at the Center initiative Parishioners individually and collaboratively accept and pursue this mission

Planning for the Future What does the future hold? We have a great deal of control in it based on our decisions, actions, and attitude.

Live in the Present Communication: How can we continue to improve? “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place”- George Bernard Shaw Commission Leaders meet with Fr. Del and the Parish Council President quarterly Groups meet regularly, often share meeting minutes, invite you to their meetings, etc. Phone calls, word of mouth, e-mails, website, bulletin articles, Narthex fliers and posters, Constant Contacts, Thursday Newsletter, FaceBook, etc.

Live in the Present There is so much for us to do… “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Planning for the Future Challenges: How do we nurture the Christ at the Center? Adjusting to change can be difficult, especially when dealing with a lot at once

Planning for the Future Successes: Small church group formation New faith formation groups and events Spiritual renewal Enhanced and evolving worship opportunities Parishioners are sharing ideas Current and new staff members making plans

Live in the Present Challenges: What can I do right now? Make a personal and collaborative effort to support the Christ at the Center initiative Determine our individual roles as disciples Communicate effectively

Live in the Present Successes: What are we doing right now? We are incorporating the Archdiocesan message to keep Christ at the Center by Living, Teaching, and Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ Parishioners working towards the unification of church and school, nurturing family faith and Eucharistic communities Encourage personal invitation to spiritual, social, and educational activities FC working diligently to get the Parish into the most stable financial position Have Faith in the dedicated, talented Staff Members

Live in the Present Be Good Disciples: Pray about how we can individually and collectively support and advance our initiatives Serve one another as disciples of Christ within our families, parish, local and global communities Share our talents, our time, our wisdom, and our gifts

Live in the Present One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the Present. How are you going to use it?