11 Harvesting Gifts for the Church of Camden Focusing on the Pastoral Priorities Diocese of Camden September 18, 2010

– Pope John Paul II at Jubilee calls for dioceses to develop pastoral plans to create vibrant parishes – Speak Up process leads to Pastoral Priorities; Bishop stresses a renewed understanding of Church and the role of the People of God 2006 – Vision of the Diocese promulgated 2007 – Parish Planning Process begins Reconfiguration of parishes announced; Lay Ministry Formation Program begins in the Fall 2009 – Endowment Fund launched 2010 – Process for implementation of Pastoral Priorities in all parishes launched

3 Committing to a collaborative and cyclical process has greater potential to help us in ministry. What does this specifically mean? 3 PLAN DO CHECK

4 Plan – Do - Check Plan - Parish planning process determines objectives –A methodical approach can provide focus for the staff, pastoral and finance councils Start by taking this to Pastoral Council for action –The Plan should be simple! Use Vision, Pastoral Priorities, and mission for guidance Set a manageable number of objectives Identify timeline, person responsible, resource requirements, an evidence of success You may want to add context about the parish situation, your planning process, your mission and values 4

5 Plan – Do - Check Do - Diocesan offices and the parish work together as the parish plans and carries-out their ministry objectives –The parish leadership commits to making this a part of parish life Preparing it, following it, communicating it –Diocesan offices respond to parish calls for assistance by using their “toolkit” to do on-site training, start-up, and consultation 5

6 Plan – Do - Check Check - We are all open to collaborative assessment of our efforts for the purpose of improving and learning -The plan itself should be a major tool of the staff, pastoral and finance councils -Act to adjust, find solutions, celebrate, encourage, learn -Set the plan, conduct reviews 1-2 times per year, then refresh the plan annually -Diocesan offices will add, remove and change toolkits based on effectiveness –Parishes participate in a periodic review of their pastoral plans in their deanery and with the bishop and/or his delegates 6

7 Who should be involved? Led by the pastor, there is a role for the clergy, laity using their various gifts Pastoral Council, Finance Council, and Staff members should all take part in this process Expand the “circle” by inviting parishioners with specific expertise, i.e. in communications, planning, customer service, education, fund raising Ask more people to take on smaller, specific tasks (ad hoc committees) 7

88 Factors that are key to any successful implementation Pastoral Priorities The Church of South Jersey Understanding Organization Roles and Responsibilities Ministry Processes Design Performance Assessment Leadership Accountability Behaviors Communication Formation Resources/Support/Tools Information Technology Training Knowledge Transfer Administrative Coaching Copyright 2009, Lawrence Farmer. All rights reserved.

99 Key Factor: The Church of South Jersey Understanding, Organization, Roles and Responsibilities: a)Conduct further catechesis on the Church of South Jersey b)Led by Bishop, assisted by his delegates c)Objectives a)As always, to enliven our mission to lead people to Jesus Christ b)Make the case for the relevancy and importance of the Church in the modern world c)Find the best way for the Church of South Jersey to minister in light of our Vision d)Set expectations for all in ministry

10 Key Factor: Providing and Sharing Resources and Knowledge Will Help Everyone Resources/Support/Tools/Know How: a) Encourage sharing of what worked & what didn’t work b) Look for opportunities to solve resource constraints by sharing personnel or using information technology c) Provide training specific to the task or challenge d) Encourage people to find innovative ways to do ministry

11 Key Factor: Expected Model for Ministry 1.The foundation of ministry is character 2.The nature of ministry is service 3.The motivation for ministry is love 4.The measure of ministry is sacrifice 5.The authority of ministry is submission 6.The purpose of ministry is the glory of God 7.The tools of ministry are the Sacraments, the Word of God and Prayer 8.The privilege of ministry is growth 9.The power of ministry is the Holy Spirit 10.The model for ministry is Jesus Christ

12 Key Factor: Leadership – Accountability, Behavior, Communication, Formation Leadership skills development and team building must become part of the plan Formation depends upon periodic personal assessment as well as peer, superior, subordinate input Developmental programs should be a mix of: 1) a few common offerings, 2) task specific and 3) personal needs oriented Mentors can also help in shaping our leaders

13 Next Steps 1.Work on the Harvesting Gifts website will continue 2.New Parish Toolkits will be added and others will be changed as we proceed 3.Deanery structures will be reviewed and updated13 4.We will be planning visits to deaneries to begin after the start of Discuss this at staff meetings, pastoral council and finance council. Assess your situation and take action accordingly 6.Use the Parish Toolkits and those on the Contact list as needed