Parish Pastoral Plan

All parishioners will be equipped and empowered to boldly share the gospel and its effects in their lives with the churched and unchurched alike.

Rationale: In the disciple maker index (DMI) parishioner respondents expressed a desire for more training in how to share their faith and their personal witness story, as well as how to share more about the story of Jesus (the gospel or “kerygma”). The envisioning team discerned this as one of the top opportunities in our parish right now: “We can help people understand the need for a relationship with Jesus and the call to evangelization.” This priority addresses a need of our parish as well the need for evangelization which is facing the Church on a national scale.

Goals:

• Starting in 2021, We will have 50 people each year (for a total of 150 by 2023) to have their "Saul to Paul" moment (conversion or reversion to discipleship) and for ten of those people to be non-Catholics/nonbelievers/unchurched. (Measured by end-of-program surveys and personal glory stories by individuals.
• Starting in 2021, We will have 50 participants (for a total of 150 by 2023) in a weekly evangelization program (Metanoia, Alpha) each year. Each year ten of those people will be nonbelievers/unchurched.
• Before the Spring of 2023, we will train 50 disciples to know and tell the story of Jesus and tell their own story of encountering Him.
• For the next three years, we will increase our participation in RCIA by 25% each year. (Seekers/people who begin the program, not neophytes or "graduates")

Our parishioners will be nurtured and guided by the parish to continually deepen their relationship with Jesus so that they can truly follow Him in every aspect of their lives.

Rationale: In the DMI, parishioners showed a great desire for more programs in the parish to “grow spiritually by forming them as a disciple of Jesus Christ.” They expressed a yearning for programs like “retreats, workshops, and the resources” and for “connecting with small, faith-sharing groups.” These are excellent opportunities to meet parishioners where they are on their discipleship journey and to minister to them in ways that will bear fruit both in their lives and the life of the parish.

Goals:

• By Spring of 2023, we will have a 5% increase in the number of parishioners who use Confession, engage in individual prayer, or attend a workshop/class on a monthly or more often basis.
• By Spring of 2023, in response to the question “where are you on your Catholic journey,” 45% of our parishioners will say they have a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” (The current response rate is 36%)

We will establish and develop meaningful connections within our parish family and local community, growing in awareness of the sacredness of each person and walking with them as we journey together toward heaven.

Rationale: This priority comes from Pope Francis’ encouragement for the Church to embrace the ministry of genuine “accompaniment,” and is based in the Biblical principle that we are all the many parts that make up the Body of Christ. It is supported by a desire which was also expressed by parishioners in the DMI and the discernment of the envisioning team (small groups, more effectively getting parishioners integrated and involved, ministry transparency and connection, more intentional welcome and integration of young families). Ultimately this priority means we want to work at sharing life together.

Goals:

• To create a strategy for consistent outreach to parishioners, especially those who may be less connected to the parish.
• By 2023, match every new parishioner (family) with a parish companion (family) within three months of their registration.
• By Jan. 15, 2022, we will have at least 75 different parish families participating in the small group/household program.

• Parishioners are enthusiastic about St. Therese and 91% of DMI respondents would recommend the church (and its pastor) to a friend.
• 87% of DMI respondents feel “welcomed and accepted” at St. Therese.
• 95 to 100% of DMI respondents accept and affirm core Catholic teachings in the Resurrection, Eucharist, and Scripture as the Word of God.
• 87% of DMI respondents agree that the parish provides them with opportunities to serve those in need.

• Parishioners feel St. Therese could do a better job teaching them about the Bible, how to share a personal faith story, and how to have greater confidence talking about their Catholic faith with others.
• More retreats, workshops, and small group discussions would be welcomed by parishioners.
• The parish could be better at following up with people who offer to get involved, as well as involving people in decision-making and finances.

The Disciple Maker Index (DMI) is a survey tool, created by Catholic Leadership Institute to allow parishioners to reflect upon their spiritual growth and discipleship and Identify the ways in which the parish can effectively support that growth.

St. Thérèse, Little Flower parishioners took the DMI survey in November of 2019 and will take it again at the conclusion of the plan in 2023. In addition to information to be collected as part of the above goals, the DMI tracks agreement with statements like “The parish helps me grow spiritually by offering vibrant and engaging Sunday Masses” and “The parish helps me connect with a local Catholic community by making me feel welcomed and accepted.” This can help us assess our progress in achieving our parish vision.