Theme Area

Goals

Introduction

Through this experience with Fr. George we have learned that much has changed at Sts. Peter and Paul and that change will always be with us. Now it is our turn to meet the challenges that change brings. It is the hope of this steering committee that what is presented here represents our efforts to deal with current issues and that what remains the same is the foundation of our faith - the words and teaching of Jesus Christ. And that by prayer, focus on Jesus, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit these goals will help the community of Sts. Peter and Paul carryout God's mission as He intended.  

By September 2011 we would be able to say about Sts. Peter and Paul parish community with regard to:

Faith & Spirit

That our image and reputation has improved and that a "Right of Passage" has occurred at Sts. P & P. This "Right of Passage" will start as soon as practical, but after Fr. David Howard arrives, with a community event to be held on the grounds at Sts. P & P; not only for the parishioners (current and former), but also for the Archdiocese, the surrounding churches, and communities. This will be accomplished by the Parish Pastoral Council selecting a group of volunteers to plan and promote the event.

Faith & Spirit

That the parishioners at Sts. Peter and Paul are striving to be a "Spiritual Oasis" to each demographic group that makes up our parish, such as: kids, teens, young adults, singles, married with kids, divorced, widowed, seniors, home bound, and those that left the Church. This will be accomplished by the Parish Pastoral Council setting short and long term priorities, examination of current ministries, matching needs where possible, and/or creating ministries that do not currently exist.

Parishioner Involvement

"New Parishioners Ministry" - We greet, partner newcomers with existing parish members to learn about them and familiarize them with ministries, etc to serve their needs and/or that they want to participate in, and recognize them on the bulletin board and/or bulletin for the purpose of seamless parish integration.

Parishioner Involvement

Have a "greeters ministry" dedicated to hospitality, to train staff, ushers, and others to recognize parishioners; and also to see that any parish activity such as hospitality Sunday, fish bake, etc have people present to invite, greet, seek out, and welcome people especially unfamiliar faces. 

Youth

Make contact with the staff at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart with the intent of integrating the youth of both parishes into a common youth group.  That way both parishes' resources could be used.

Youth

Make contact with the administrators at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school, the St Peter and Paul Academy, and the Reading schools to help in recruiting junior high members into the combined youth group as a foundation for the future. Build a schedule of meetings & desired activities based on the interests & requests of the youth members.

Youth

Make contact with the administrators at Mount Notre Dame, Moeller, St Xavier, Ursuline and the Reading high schools to help in recruiting high school members into the combined youth group.  There is no need to restrict the high school group to Reading residents.

Youth

Recruit volunteers, or even a paid staff member to lead and teach the combined group.  Split the salary of a potential paid staff member among the participating parishes.

Youth

Investigate area parishes in the deanery to see how their youth group is sustained if one exists.  If none exists, contact them with the intent of inviting their youth to join the combined group.

Youth

Promote feeling of "Parish Ownership" by inviting the youth to be involved in parish activities and keep the parish/community aware of their projects with a monthly newsletter. 

Youth

After Youth Group is revitalized, invite parents/families to be involved through "family meetings" to discuss concerns, post family pictures on bulletin board in Church and make trip meetings mandatory. 

These goals are meant to establish trust and to create a sense of belonging to the parishioners

Relationship to the Archdiocese

Build new communication skills to show how the Archdiocese resources are beneficial to our parish. 

Relationship to the Archdiocese

The pastor or liaison tap the Archdioces' experience & leadership to help guide us as the demographics continue to change for our 158 year parish.

Financial Stability

Open communication of the parish financial status with weekly bulletin reports, quarterly written reports: Dec., March, June, and the yearly report in Sept. on Stewardship Sunday.

Financial Stability

Keep reports of debt reduction weekly so The Back in The Black drive may continue.

Financial Stability

Parish Leadership continue to consult parishioners in decisions that affect the life of the parish through the Finance Committee and publish the minutes in the bulletin.

Financial Stability

Form a task force to explore all viable options for our buildings: renting or selling with approval of our parishioners.