Our Pastoral Council is working to meet the spiritual needs of
parishioners. To do this, we are looking at seven basic elements of
parish life. The first step is to look at each element and understand
what it means. Next, we will hold several parish assemblies to collect
input from all parishioners on what we are doing now and how we can
better serve God through St. Wendelin Parish. Using the information
gathered through the assemblies, we will continually set and evaluate
goals to more fully share in the Mission God calls us to spread His
Kingdom here in Carbon Center and throughout the world.
Summary of how the Seven Elements of Pastoral Life can be seen in a
parish:
EVANGELIZATION
- Newcomers are welcomed
- Inactive Catholics are welcomed
- Small groups meet to share faith
- Parish Renewals and Retreat opportunities are provided
- We share our joy about the Good News of Jesus Christ!
WORSHIP
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Lectors
- Choir members
- Organists
- Simple Liturgical Art
- Regular celebration of sacraments
- Children's Liturgy of the Word
- Devotional Prayers such as Rosary and Stations of the Cross
WORD
- School staff prepared for Religious Instruction
- CCD Coordinator and teachers prepared for Religious Instruction
- Religious formation planned for adults, youth, and children
- Marriage strengthening and nurturing provided
- Sacramental preparation provided
- RCIA led by qualified people
COMMUNITY
- Acceptance of each other as God's family
- Open communication between parish leaders and parishioners
- Good spirit of working together
- Annual reviews of purpose, effectiveness, and need for parish organizations
- Working together with neighboring parishes
- Working together with the wider community
SERVICE
- Focus on needs of human community
- Special needs accommodations
- Food pantries, shelters for homeless, job assistance
- Ministries for sick, bereaved, homebound
- Participation in local, national, and international helping efforts
- Catholic Social Teaching included in school & CCD
- Practice of Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy
STEWARDSHIP
- Parish recognizes many gifts God has given to parishioners
- Teach Baptismal responsibility to share gifts
- Parishioners willingly support parish and diocesan needs
- Resources are enough to accomplish mission of parish
- Parishioners who serve are given training, encouragement, and supervision
- Parish debts are paid
- Parish facilities are maintained
- Finance Council is trained in budgeting, management, and fundraising
- Parish regularly shares a portion of income with poor
LEADERSHIP
- Pastor, staff, and council share responsibility for visioning, planning, empowering, and evaluating
- Concerns of parish are assessed, evaluated, and responded to
- Decisions made by consensus after discernment, study, and discussion
- Formation and training provided
- Leaders delegate responsibility
- Personnel are recruited and paid by professional standards Pastor regularly evaluates parish personnel