I've written about Archbishop Perez' call for parishes to discern three Parish Priorities for the next several years. Associated with those should be at least six goals. Soon I will begin outlining details about those priorities and goals for St. Raymond Parish.
Some might ask where these priorities and goals came from. Earlier this year I convened a Parish Discernment Group. This Group spearheaded the process to discern the three Parish Priorities. They also had to assign six-to-seven SMART Goals to those priorities. First, the Group sponsored two Parish Listening Sessions (February 19 and February 26). They collected the ideas suggested by parishioners. They noted which ones were ranked as having the highest priorities by the parishioners.
On February 20 the Discernment Group put together a plan to fine-tune the priorities and formulate the SMART Goals. They discussed and finalized the three top priorities on February 27. The Group met on March 4, 18, and 25 to propose the SMART goals for each priority. On Friday, March 31, the Discernment Group submitted the priorities and goals to the Archdiocese.
Let me provide information about the difference between priorities and goals.
A PRIORITY is a key focus area that St. Raymond will improve upon in the next 24-36 months. priority must meet three criteria. (1) It is complex. It cannot be delegated to one person or even one group. (2) It requires cross-functional support from several groups or teams. (3) Activities related to the priorities are on top of the Pastor’s weekly To-Do List.
Goals focus parish energy and activity to achieve success within the priority. A S.M.A.R.T. GOAL is a particular type of measurement tool. Each SMART Goals must have 5 components. (1) They are Specific. (2) They are Measurable. (3) They are Achievable given the time and resources available. (4) They are Related to the priority. (5) They have a specific Time when the goals must be completed.
In the end, the Discernment Group proposed the following three Parish Priorities:
Ministries, Mentoring, And Accompaniment
Outreach And Service
Worship, Liturgy, Music
We have set specific targets. Some targets are concrete numbers we want to achieve. Other targets are improved scores from the Disciple Maker Index questionnaire that the parish took in 2021. The Discernment Team, the Parish Staff and I are currently considering the best way to communicate the details about these Parish Priorities and SMART Goals to the parish at large. The parish bulletin and a bulletin insert are certainly helpful. We are discussing whether a parish gathering of some sort might also be beneficial. If so, what format would that take and when should we schedule it? I am indebted to the group of dedicated people who answered the call to complete this project. They included Deacon Bill Bradley, Jessie Marushak, Philip Schwarz, Araminta Brown, Samuel Pauling, Lisa Barrimond, Rob Barrimond, and Christine Friel. I know of parishes that had months to complete this process. This team did it, in great detail and with high quality, in less than a month and a half. It was a notable and noble accomplishment for which the parish can be proud and grateful. If St. Raymond is to grow and thrive, the parish must move forward with a clear purpose. We have prayed about this. We asked the Holy Spirit for guidance. We talked. We listened. We discussed the issues. We discerned what we felt the Holy Spirit was saying through the People of God. This corresponded to the information provided by the two Listening Sessions. It also included numerous comments and suggestions that I and others have heard over the past several months. As your pastor, my sense is that we got it right. The priorities and goals presented make sense. They are challenging but achievable. Now comes the hard part. That is the implementation of the tasks to which the Holy Spirit has called us. Each of us - no exceptions - is being called to start on some part of God's plan for us. I'm excited to see what the Lord finishes.
Fr. Charles
Church Helping Church
We Stand as One in Times of Need.
Our Mother of Consolation Parish School (OMC) was destroyed by fire on March 21st. St Raymond stands by to help in two ways:
1) A 2nd collection will occur at all Masses this weekend. 100% of those funds will be given to OMC. Please give from your heart.
2) Please consider donating to their Fire Recovery Effort today to help them rebuild and remain a strong Catholic witness to the Chestnut Hill community. Donors may log on to the school web page at omcschool.com. You may also donate via check or cash mailed to: 7 E. Chestnut Hill Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 to the attention of Shane Sprandio. Please include a note indicating that your gift is for the Fire Recovery Effort.
All donations will help them meet immediate goals of continuity in learning and socialization for their children, and long-term needs of securing space for OMC to thrive in the future.
We are looking for volunteers for
1) Decorate the Church at 10:00 AM Saturday, 4/8. Please contact the office if you are
interested.
Attention Eucharistic Minister's please return any Pyx’s that you have. We seem to be missing them.
Just a Reminder: Please return Rice Bowls. Place them in the basket in the rear of the church.
Special Collection Envelopes
3/12 = Rice Bowl
3/19 = Easter Flowers
4/7 = Holy Land
Holy Thursday, 4/6/23 Mass 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Good Friday, 4/7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
4/7 Pray- Stations of the cross 2:00 pm
Easter Vigil, 4/8/23 Mass 7:00 pm (No 5:00 pm service)
Easter Sunday, 4/9/23 Mass 8:00am & 10:00 am
Opportunities to Reflect, Renew & Restore
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Rd, Phila. Pa 19116
Gaelic for “sanctuary of trees,” Cranaleith offers serene and rejuvenating space to those who wish to reflect on what matters deeply in their lives, renew their spirit for life and work, or restore themselves from life’s traumas. Individuals and groups are invited to participate in retreats and other programs offered in a spirit-rekindling environment of well-being, respect, and harmony. Cranaleith is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy. For program, information log on to, www.cranaleith.org
CALLING ALL SINGERS!
As more people have returned to in-person mass, we’ve had lots of questions about joining the choir at St Raymond. If you’d like to become a part of this amazing ministry, please reach out to our Director of Music, Kenny Arrington, at Tua20523@temple.edu so that he can set up a time to meet and conduct a voice assessment to determine where your voice may fit. We’re looking for people who are moved to Praise God through song, are humble, patient, and able to commit to attending weekly practices and singing for our 10:00 mass.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Congress XIII (2023)
Announcing the Congress Theme
“Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive”
July 20-23, 2023
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
Bring your Family to Church on Easter Sunday!!! We will have candidates entering the Church! Easter Egg Hunt after the 10:00 am Mass.
Friends of Bishop McDevitt will again be offering a limited number of $1000 grants to grade school students who are related to a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School. These grants may be used at any Catholic high school, private or diocesan. #LancersForLife
St. Malachy’s Catholic Church
1429 N. 11th St Phila. Pa 19122
Presents “The Source” Holy Hour with Music
Come, Receive The Lord’s Mercy & Healing
Confessions are Available at 6:30 pm
On the following Dates:
April 15th & May 20th
Social to follow.
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