Before the Merger/Closure
The priority during this period is the careful and sensitive pastoral preparation of the parishioners for the impending merger/closure. During this time, a number of other preparations can begin as well. These considerations are outlined here.Parishioners should be informed that they will need to re
Liturgical Guidelines for Ritualizing the Closing of a Worship Site
When a parish merger includes the closing of the merging parish’s church, these guidelines are to be kept in mind. The celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy is source and summit of the Christian life (Lumen gentium 11). Thus, it is most appropriate when a sacred building has been dedicated for this
Pastoral Preparation for Merger and/or Closures
The merger of a parish and/or closure of a church affects not only the parishioners past and present, and the fate of buildings, but touches deeply the heart and soul of its Pastor and pastoral staff. Some recommendations are:The people of a merging parish should be listened to and shown empathy and
Family Finance Council
PURPOSE:The Family Finance Council serves as a consultative body responsible for providing counsel to the Pastor on the finances of the Catholic Family of Parishes. Comprised of expert representatives selected from each parish within the Family, the Finance Council ensures prudent and disciplined ma
Family Pastoral Council
Key ConsiderationsAs stated in the Renewal Playbook, the Family Pastoral Council serves as the consultative governing body to guide the work of the Catholic Family of Parishes. Comprised of representatives from each parish within the Family, perhaps Pillar Heads or members of Parish Councils, the Co
Family Leadership Team
Key ConsiderationsPURPOSE:The Family Leadership Team embodies the collaborative model spirit within the Catholic Family of Parishes, working alongside the Pastor to advance the overarching mission, operation, and growth of the Family of Parishes (FoPs). Comprised of the trustees of each parish in th
Youth Rally 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Villa Maria College Grades 8 through 12, Catholic High Schools, Elementary Schools are invited!Keynote speaker for the event is ValLimar Jansen. She is a college/university professor, a leader of worship and prayer, and a workshop presenter at confe
City Ministry Conference
Doing More with Less: The Reality of Urban MinistryJanuary 23, 2024 from 10:00 am – 03:00 pmOur keynote speaker is Monsignor Ray East. His position with the National Association of Minority Contractors brought him to Washington, DC where he later experienced a call to the priesthood and was ordained
Benefits of Rotating Clergy
Ultimately, the Family of Parishes collaborative model with rotating priests can enrich the spiritual life of each parish while fostering a sense of unity and support within the broader spiritual community. Benefits of having priests rotate from parish to parish within a Family of Parishes collabora
Pillar Information Sheet
Pillar Information Sheet Formation of Pillar Groups: 6 Church Pillars Liturgy Description: The Liturgy is the primary way in which we worship God. The focus on the liturgy pillar is […] Pillar Information SheetFormation of Pillar Groups:Each pillar group should contain between 7 – 10 members. Repres
Dealing with Insecure People (Priest/Leadership Resource)
After spending over 35 years working in organizational development and studying workplace psychology, I’ve assisted thousands of individuals to better understand how to navigate tough organizational relationships, especially during times of extraordinary change. Change can bring out both the best i
More on Leadership (Priest/Leadership Resource)
Leaders, regardless of title or application, have always been – and always will be – expected to produce results. In today’s very different world, however, leaders need to produce results in a fundamentally different way!Gone are the days of the heroic individual leading from the top. Nowadays, dec
Criteria for naming of a Family of Parishes
It embraces all parishes within the Family.It is something all parishes can relate to in some way.It can be a name that reflects historical significance, geographical features, or acronyms that represent the parishes. (example: Beloved Disciples of Christ the Lord… for the family of parishes that re
Alpha and LITE
Informational flyers about the Alpha program and the Life of the Eucharist:Alpha Information FlyerLife in the Eucharist Information Flyer
Salt and Light Parish Assessment
We believe the Church’s social mission is an essential measure of every parish community . . . . We need to build local communities of faith where our social teaching is central, not fringe; where social ministry is integral, not optional; where it is the work of every believer, not just the mission
Forming Disciples Pillar Resources
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Atrium : (3-6 yr olds) Sacrament Preparation Family Faith Formation (K-6th Gr) Junior High school (7-8th Gr ) Adheres to the Forming Disciples Standards […] Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Atrium : (3-6 yr olds) Determine if your FOP has a CGS level
Glossary of Terms
Accountability: A person who accepts the ownership of the successful completion of a task(s) or the achievement of expected positive outcome(s). This person may delegate certain responsibilities to other parties, but still holds the accountability for the overall success of the project. Accountabil
PDS Church Office and Ledger Transition
In preparation for the PDS Church Office and Ledger transition from separate Parishes to Families of Parishes, the Diocesan Computer Services Department needs some information regarding the current state of the Parishes. This will help us ensure that we are replicating the current P
Parish/School Bookkeeping Basics
All bookkeeping must be completed on a Modified Cash Basis:Receipts are recorded when the deposit is made to the bank, All deposits are recorded to Receipt Accts (3000). Deposits are not recorded to expense accounts (4000).Expenses are recorded when the disbursement is made or the invoice is paid, A