SUGGESTED PROCESS FOR PARISHES TO PERIODICALLY REVIEW AND REVISE THE
PARISH MISSION STATEMENTS
Periodically reviewing and revising the Parish Mission Statement is a function of a Parish Pastoral Council. The following is one possible way to do this:
1. Review the Parish Mission Statement in light of the description
given in the introduction to this section of the Resource Manual:
A Parish Mission Statement
is a concise expression of a parish's purpose for existence. It helps
the parish identify itself as a community of faith and set broad goals.
It responds to the questions: Who are we as a parish? What do we value?
What do we seek to become as a parish community? The Parish Mission
Statement is rooted in the mission of the universal church and
the Archdiocesan Mission Statement.
As an initial element of
pastoral planning, the Mission Statement is to be inspirational,
motivational and give overall direction for parish activities. It
explains the reasons why a parish exists with words that are simple,
clear, and meaningful to the people of the parish. It is meant to be
understood and used by the parish community as it strives to be
faithful to the mission entrusted by Christ: "Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Good News to all of creation". (Mark 16:15)
2. Compare your existing Parish Mission Statement to the
Archdiocesan Mission Statement, noting similarities
and differences. For example:
How does your existing
Mission Statement express that through Baptism and
Confirmation all members of the parish are called to exercise both
their right and responsibility to participate in the life and mission
of the Church?
How does your existing
Mission Statement express your parish's commitment to worship, creating
and nurturing Christian community, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus
Christ, teaching the saving message of Christ, and serving our sisters
and brothers, particularly the poor and needy?
Does it specifically
mention the name of Jesus?
3. Consider what the options are for your existing Parish Mission
Statement. For example:
a.
Continue to use the existing Mission Statement.
b.
Revise the existing Parish Mission Statement.
c.
Develop a process to prepare a new Parish Mission
Statement.
4. Decide what you will do through a consensus process and
prayerful reflection.
5. Share what you have decided about the Parish Mission
Statement with the various
committees/organizations and parishioners.