Minutes of the Meeting of the St. Therese Pastoral Council
December 1, 2004
The Pastoral Council met December 1, 2004 in the St. Therese Parish and Education Center. Brad Grill, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Dennis Meier, Steve Hilliard, Linda Winter, Tom Skorupa, Joe Doetzl, Pris Pawlikowski, Linda Albani, Mike Birkel and Fr. Mike Roach were present. Brad Grill left early. Fr. Mike and Linda Albani arrived late.
Facilitators: Damian Gerstner and Dennis Meier
Prayer: Linda Winter
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
We tentatively scheduled the following future meetings:
1/5/2005 6:30 p.m. (Facilitator: Dennis; Prayer: Wayne; Scribe: Joe)
1/19/2005 6:30 p.m.
2/2/2005 6:30 p.m.
2/16/2005 6:30 p.m.
Linda Winter led an Advent prayer reflection and reading adapted from the Creighton University Collaborative Ministry Office http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html
Damian led a discussion of his continued work to incorporate everyone’s comments into the essential elements document. Steve and Damian had met earlier in the week and were able to incorporate the bulk of Steve’s comments.
Damian clarified the purpose of the observations: Observations should be factual statements of how things exist today from the perspective of the author.
There was a discussion of separating the observations from the document. Damian will attempt to restructure the document into a multicolumn format that will facilitate recording of observations.
Out next meeting is scheduled for 12/1 at 6:30 p.m. Linda will prepare the prayer. Dennis will facilitate youth ministry discussion. Damian will facilitate the discussion of the essential elements document. Joe will scribe.
Brad left and Linda Albani arrived at about this point in the meeting.
There was a discussion of the relationship of Pastoral Care and Social Ministry both in the document and at St. Therese Parish. While these two ministries are under one heading in the document, there is not much overlap in the two at St. Therese. Damian will make some edits to place additional emphasis on the pastoral care aspects of social ministry in the essential elements document.
We agreed that parish ministries need not be categorized under a specific essential element. Rather, parish ministries should have a positive impact on many elements.
Dennis had prepared a draft memo to the parish staff and ministry leaders. We discussed the memo and suggested some changes that Dennis will make. Contact information for pastoral council members will be included. Our goal is to mail the memo before Christmas.
Ministry leaders and the parish staff will be asked to comment on the essential elements document and to provide observations regarding the ministries with which they are most familiar.
Fr. Mike arrived at about this point in the meeting.
There was a discussion of the short and long term issues currently facing youth ministry at St. Therese.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
November 17, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of the St. Therese Pastoral Council
November 17, 2004
The Pastoral Council met November 17, 2004 in the St. Therese Parish and Education Center. Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Steve Hilliard, Linda Winter, Fr. Mike Roach, Joe Doetzl, Dennis Meier, Pris Pawlikowski, and Tom Skorupa were present.
Facilitator: Damian Gerstner
Prayer: Pris Pawlikowski
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
Pris led and opening sone, prayer and Gospel reading from Luke 23:35-43.
Fr. Mike asked for the Council’s guidance regarding youth ministry at St. Therese.
Damian led a discussion of suggested changes to the essential elements documents. There was a discussion on the intended use of the document:
• A cover letter is needed to explain the work to date of the Pastoral Council
• The letter will be addresed to leaders of Parish Ministries
• Our goal is to get the letter out in January
• We will ask for feedback on the document and for “observations” of how the parish is meeting the essential elements.
• The letter should include contact information for the members of the Pastoral Council.
Action items:
Damian will attempt to incorporate everyone’s comments into the essential elements document.
Everyone will pray for Damian as he edits the document.
Dennis will draft the cover letter.
Everyone should research youth ministry.
Out next meeting is scheduled for 12/1 at 6:30 p.m. Linda will prepare the prayer. Dennis will facilitate youth ministry discussion. Damian will facilitate the discussion of the essential elements document. Joe will scribe.
November 17, 2004
The Pastoral Council met November 17, 2004 in the St. Therese Parish and Education Center. Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Steve Hilliard, Linda Winter, Fr. Mike Roach, Joe Doetzl, Dennis Meier, Pris Pawlikowski, and Tom Skorupa were present.
Facilitator: Damian Gerstner
Prayer: Pris Pawlikowski
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
Pris led and opening sone, prayer and Gospel reading from Luke 23:35-43.
Fr. Mike asked for the Council’s guidance regarding youth ministry at St. Therese.
Damian led a discussion of suggested changes to the essential elements documents. There was a discussion on the intended use of the document:
• A cover letter is needed to explain the work to date of the Pastoral Council
• The letter will be addresed to leaders of Parish Ministries
• Our goal is to get the letter out in January
• We will ask for feedback on the document and for “observations” of how the parish is meeting the essential elements.
• The letter should include contact information for the members of the Pastoral Council.
Action items:
Damian will attempt to incorporate everyone’s comments into the essential elements document.
Everyone will pray for Damian as he edits the document.
Dennis will draft the cover letter.
Everyone should research youth ministry.
Out next meeting is scheduled for 12/1 at 6:30 p.m. Linda will prepare the prayer. Dennis will facilitate youth ministry discussion. Damian will facilitate the discussion of the essential elements document. Joe will scribe.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
October 20, 2004
Minutes of the Meeting of the St. Therese Pastoral Council
October 20, 2004
The Pastoral Council met October 4th, 2004 in the Wooldridge Center. Dennis Meier, Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Linda Albani, Pris Pawlikowski, Brad Grill and Fr. Mike Roach were present.
Facilitator: Damian Gerstner
Prayer: Tom Skorupa
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
Tom led a Gospel reflection.
Damian led a discussion of the latest draft of the essential elements and their descriptors. Damian produced this draft based on the comments made at a sub-committee meeting on 10/13. Linda Winter, Nancy, Damian and Joe attended the sub-committee meeting.
Tom suggested strengthening the threads, especially evangelization.
Steve suggested a glossary of terms.
A suggestion was made to add an introductory paragraph.
The need to give the Parish time to reflect on the essential elements and the role of the pastoral council was discussed.
A sub-committee consisting of Fr. Mike, Pris, Dennis, Steve and Tom was formed. They will meet to discuss presenting the work of the council to the Parish.
Dennis, Tom and Nancy gave a brief report of their experience at a recent Diocesan Pastoral Council Day.
Everyone is to forward their comments on the current draft of the essential elements to Damian. Please cc everyone on any comments.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m 11/17. Joe will scribe. Pris will prepare the Prayer.
October 20, 2004
The Pastoral Council met October 4th, 2004 in the Wooldridge Center. Dennis Meier, Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Linda Albani, Pris Pawlikowski, Brad Grill and Fr. Mike Roach were present.
Facilitator: Damian Gerstner
Prayer: Tom Skorupa
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
Tom led a Gospel reflection.
Damian led a discussion of the latest draft of the essential elements and their descriptors. Damian produced this draft based on the comments made at a sub-committee meeting on 10/13. Linda Winter, Nancy, Damian and Joe attended the sub-committee meeting.
Tom suggested strengthening the threads, especially evangelization.
Steve suggested a glossary of terms.
A suggestion was made to add an introductory paragraph.
The need to give the Parish time to reflect on the essential elements and the role of the pastoral council was discussed.
A sub-committee consisting of Fr. Mike, Pris, Dennis, Steve and Tom was formed. They will meet to discuss presenting the work of the council to the Parish.
Dennis, Tom and Nancy gave a brief report of their experience at a recent Diocesan Pastoral Council Day.
Everyone is to forward their comments on the current draft of the essential elements to Damian. Please cc everyone on any comments.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m 11/17. Joe will scribe. Pris will prepare the Prayer.
Monday, October 04, 2004
October 4, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of the St. Therese Pastoral Council
October 4, 2004
The Pastoral Council met October 4th, 2004 in the Wooldridge Center. Dennis Meier, Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Linda Albani, Brad Grill and Fr. Mike Roach were present.
Facilitators: ?
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
Nancy, Linda and Damian led a discussion of the seven essential elements of parish life developed by their sub committee. The Seven elements that they presented were:
1. Community
2. Liturgy
3. Faith Formation
4. Stweardship
5. Leadership
6. Social Ministry
7. Spirituality
Each of these elements is Eucharist Centered. Additionally there are “Threads” – concepts that should be addressed throughout the seven elements. The Threads are:
• Evangelization
• Word/Gospel
• Diversity
• Hospitality
• Loving
• Prayer
• Youth
• Education
• Relationships
Dennis then led a discussion of the current urgent issues facing the parish.
• What is the goal for youth ministry?
• How does the Parish staff and the Pastoral Council interact?
• A full time associate pastor is at least 2 years out. There was then a discussion of the further role of the laity in the parish.
October 4, 2004
The Pastoral Council met October 4th, 2004 in the Wooldridge Center. Dennis Meier, Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Linda Albani, Brad Grill and Fr. Mike Roach were present.
Facilitators: ?
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
Nancy, Linda and Damian led a discussion of the seven essential elements of parish life developed by their sub committee. The Seven elements that they presented were:
1. Community
2. Liturgy
3. Faith Formation
4. Stweardship
5. Leadership
6. Social Ministry
7. Spirituality
Each of these elements is Eucharist Centered. Additionally there are “Threads” – concepts that should be addressed throughout the seven elements. The Threads are:
• Evangelization
• Word/Gospel
• Diversity
• Hospitality
• Loving
• Prayer
• Youth
• Education
• Relationships
Dennis then led a discussion of the current urgent issues facing the parish.
• What is the goal for youth ministry?
• How does the Parish staff and the Pastoral Council interact?
• A full time associate pastor is at least 2 years out. There was then a discussion of the further role of the laity in the parish.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
June 3, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of the St. Therese Pastoral Council
June 3, 2004
The Pastoral Council met June 3rd, 2004 in the Wooldridge Center. Dennis Meier, Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Pris Pawlikowski, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Linda Albani and Fr. Mike Roach were present.
Facilitators: Steve Hilliard & Nancy Fahey
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
We opened the meeting with a reflection on a reading from Romans 5:1-5.
Nancy presented a brief background on Vision and Mission Statements.
A Vision Statement is:
· what your organization wants to become
· a dream
· more vague and less precise than a mission statement
· simple
A Mission Statement is:
· precise description of what an organization does
· the reason you are in business
· the reason why you are
Steve Hilliard then provided a background on value statements and charism.
A Value Statement:
· consists of traits or qualities considered worthwhile
· defines how people want to behave together
· represents values held be most involved
Charism:
· is a gift from God to the Church for the world
· is the way a group is called to follow Christ
· is the way we emphasize given elements
· give a group unique feel
After a discussion of the meaning and relationship of these statements to one another the group decided to use a nominal group technique (facilitated by Nancy and Steve) to attempt to form a “Charismatic vison statement for St. Therese Parish”.
Each member present recorded five elements that they felt should be included in the vision statement. These were elements were then categorized into groups. Upon reaching a stopping point the group had the following charts of elements organized into broad categories:
June 3, 2004
The Pastoral Council met June 3rd, 2004 in the Wooldridge Center. Dennis Meier, Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Pris Pawlikowski, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Linda Albani and Fr. Mike Roach were present.
Facilitators: Steve Hilliard & Nancy Fahey
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
We opened the meeting with a reflection on a reading from Romans 5:1-5.
Nancy presented a brief background on Vision and Mission Statements.
A Vision Statement is:
· what your organization wants to become
· a dream
· more vague and less precise than a mission statement
· simple
A Mission Statement is:
· precise description of what an organization does
· the reason you are in business
· the reason why you are
Steve Hilliard then provided a background on value statements and charism.
A Value Statement:
· consists of traits or qualities considered worthwhile
· defines how people want to behave together
· represents values held be most involved
Charism:
· is a gift from God to the Church for the world
· is the way a group is called to follow Christ
· is the way we emphasize given elements
· give a group unique feel
After a discussion of the meaning and relationship of these statements to one another the group decided to use a nominal group technique (facilitated by Nancy and Steve) to attempt to form a “Charismatic vison statement for St. Therese Parish”.
Each member present recorded five elements that they felt should be included in the vision statement. These were elements were then categorized into groups. Upon reaching a stopping point the group had the following charts of elements organized into broad categories:
Thursday, May 13, 2004
May 13, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of the St. Therese Pastoral Council
May 13, 2004
The Pastoral Council met May 13th, 2004 in the reflection area of the Parish and Education Center. Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Pris Pawlikowski, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Brad Grill, Linda Albani and Fr. Mike Roach were present. Fr. Mike Roach departed early
Facilitator: Damian Gerstner
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
We opened the meeting with a Gospel reflection.
Damian then led a reflection exercise on the essential elements of St. Therese Parish life.
Everyone was asked to record on an index card what they regarded as the three essential elements of St. Therese Parish Life. Dennis Meier forwarded his responses via email. Unique responses included :
< Eucharist
< Legacy
< Relationships
< Community
< Service
< Learning
< Faith
< Spirit
< Fellowship
< Worship
< Love
< Justice
< Care
< Faith Formation
< Prayerful excellence in Liturgy
< Hospitality
< Ministry (authentic, open, inclusive, and responsive)
Damian continued the reflection exercise and provided items considered essential from the finance council, the visioning committee and Revisioning the Parish Pastoral Council. After this exercise everyone was again asked to record on an index card what they regarded as the essential elements of St. Therese Parish life. Unique responses included:
< Eucharist
< Prayer
< Spirituality
< Worship
< Word
< Love
< Care
< Community Service
< Outreach
< Stewardship
< Learning
< Faith Formation
< Hospitality
< Discerning Leadership
< Community/Unity
< Service
< Faith
< Diversity
< Justice
< Relationships
< Integrity
< Shared responsibility
At the next meeting on June 3, 2004 the group decided to use nominal group technique to attempt to form a parish mission statement. Steve Hilliard and Nancy Fahey will facilitate.
May 13, 2004
The Pastoral Council met May 13th, 2004 in the reflection area of the Parish and Education Center. Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Pris Pawlikowski, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Brad Grill, Linda Albani and Fr. Mike Roach were present. Fr. Mike Roach departed early
Facilitator: Damian Gerstner
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
We opened the meeting with a Gospel reflection.
Damian then led a reflection exercise on the essential elements of St. Therese Parish life.
Everyone was asked to record on an index card what they regarded as the three essential elements of St. Therese Parish Life. Dennis Meier forwarded his responses via email. Unique responses included :
< Eucharist
< Legacy
< Relationships
< Community
< Service
< Learning
< Faith
< Spirit
< Fellowship
< Worship
< Love
< Justice
< Care
< Faith Formation
< Prayerful excellence in Liturgy
< Hospitality
< Ministry (authentic, open, inclusive, and responsive)
Damian continued the reflection exercise and provided items considered essential from the finance council, the visioning committee and Revisioning the Parish Pastoral Council. After this exercise everyone was again asked to record on an index card what they regarded as the essential elements of St. Therese Parish life. Unique responses included:
< Eucharist
< Prayer
< Spirituality
< Worship
< Word
< Love
< Care
< Community Service
< Outreach
< Stewardship
< Learning
< Faith Formation
< Hospitality
< Discerning Leadership
< Community/Unity
< Service
< Faith
< Diversity
< Justice
< Relationships
< Integrity
< Shared responsibility
At the next meeting on June 3, 2004 the group decided to use nominal group technique to attempt to form a parish mission statement. Steve Hilliard and Nancy Fahey will facilitate.
Thursday, April 29, 2004
April 29, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of the St. Therese Pastoral Council
April 29, 2004
The Pastoral Council met April 29th, 2004 in the conference room of the Wooldridge Center. Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Pris Pawlikowski, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damien Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Dennis Meier, Brad Grill, Linda Albani and Fr. Mike Roach were present.
Facilitator: Wayne Snyder
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
Tom led a reflection of the Gospel (John 10:27-30). The leadership role of the Pastoral Council was compared to the “Good Shepherd”.
Wayne led a brief review of the process of discernment, and then facilitated a discernment exercise regarding the mission statement of the parish and how it relates to the charism of St. Therese.
The first discussion question of the exercise was “What are your personal expectations for authentic faith life at St. Therese?” Responses were recorded on a whiteboard, a digital photograph of the whiteboard was distributed to all present. Responses included:
Ø Sacraments
Ø Eucharist
Ø Model for Prayer
Ø Faith Growth
Ø Opportunity for individual reflection on prayer life
Ø Further community involvement with a spiritual building block
Ø Frequent prayer/retreat opportunities and adult education
Ø Community
Ø Prayer inspired
Ø Scripture driven
Ø Greater realization of the gift of faith
Ø Communal sharing
Ø Family nurturing
Ø Open mindedness to different approaches and levels of faith
Ø Platform for justice
Ø Connection to wider church
Ø Fellowship
Ø Reconciliation
Ø Relationship with Christ and beyond
Ø Authentic Liturgy
Ø Welcomed/Known
Ø Supported and encouraged to live out our faith
Ø Challenged to be life-giving
Ø Grounded in prayer, the gospel message and the essential truths of our faith
Ø Caring
Ø How does faith integrate into our other roles? (Father, Mother, Wife, etc.)
The second question of the exercise was “What do you think are expectations of others in the St. Therese Community for authentic faith life at St. Therese?” Only those responses not included in the response to question #1 are listed below:
Ø Invitation to activity
Ø Comfort
Ø Meaning
Ø Consistency
Ø Prayerful and Ethical Leadership
Ø Clear moral guidance
Ø Ministries
Ø Means of supporting people in their vocation
The third question of the exercise was “How does St. Therese’s Charism and ‘Little Way’ change your reflection on expectations of authentic faith life at St. Therese?” Responses included:
Ø Appreciation and recognition of Truth
Ø Spirituality
Ø Choosing All
Ø Suffering
Ø Love
Ø Do small things with great love
Ø St. Therese was patient and non-judgmental
Ø St. Therese was able to find Christ in all people
Ø St. Therese had a devotion to Mary
The group discussed how these themes related to both the Charism of St. Therese and the “Authentic Faith Life of St. Therese Parish”. The next meeting will focus on how to apply what we’ve learned about the charism of St. Therese, discernment and evangelization to the process outlined in Revisioning the Parish Pastoral Council.
Future meeting dates of May 13, 2004 and June 3, 2004 were chosen. At the next meeting on May 13, Brad Grill will lead the prayer, Damien Gerstner will facilitate, Joe Doetzl will scribe.
April 29, 2004
The Pastoral Council met April 29th, 2004 in the conference room of the Wooldridge Center. Nancy Fahey, Tom Skorupa, Pris Pawlikowski, Steve Hilliard, Joe Doetzl, Damien Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Linda Winter, Dennis Meier, Brad Grill, Linda Albani and Fr. Mike Roach were present.
Facilitator: Wayne Snyder
Scribe: Joe Doetzl
Tom led a reflection of the Gospel (John 10:27-30). The leadership role of the Pastoral Council was compared to the “Good Shepherd”.
Wayne led a brief review of the process of discernment, and then facilitated a discernment exercise regarding the mission statement of the parish and how it relates to the charism of St. Therese.
The first discussion question of the exercise was “What are your personal expectations for authentic faith life at St. Therese?” Responses were recorded on a whiteboard, a digital photograph of the whiteboard was distributed to all present. Responses included:
Ø Sacraments
Ø Eucharist
Ø Model for Prayer
Ø Faith Growth
Ø Opportunity for individual reflection on prayer life
Ø Further community involvement with a spiritual building block
Ø Frequent prayer/retreat opportunities and adult education
Ø Community
Ø Prayer inspired
Ø Scripture driven
Ø Greater realization of the gift of faith
Ø Communal sharing
Ø Family nurturing
Ø Open mindedness to different approaches and levels of faith
Ø Platform for justice
Ø Connection to wider church
Ø Fellowship
Ø Reconciliation
Ø Relationship with Christ and beyond
Ø Authentic Liturgy
Ø Welcomed/Known
Ø Supported and encouraged to live out our faith
Ø Challenged to be life-giving
Ø Grounded in prayer, the gospel message and the essential truths of our faith
Ø Caring
Ø How does faith integrate into our other roles? (Father, Mother, Wife, etc.)
The second question of the exercise was “What do you think are expectations of others in the St. Therese Community for authentic faith life at St. Therese?” Only those responses not included in the response to question #1 are listed below:
Ø Invitation to activity
Ø Comfort
Ø Meaning
Ø Consistency
Ø Prayerful and Ethical Leadership
Ø Clear moral guidance
Ø Ministries
Ø Means of supporting people in their vocation
The third question of the exercise was “How does St. Therese’s Charism and ‘Little Way’ change your reflection on expectations of authentic faith life at St. Therese?” Responses included:
Ø Appreciation and recognition of Truth
Ø Spirituality
Ø Choosing All
Ø Suffering
Ø Love
Ø Do small things with great love
Ø St. Therese was patient and non-judgmental
Ø St. Therese was able to find Christ in all people
Ø St. Therese had a devotion to Mary
The group discussed how these themes related to both the Charism of St. Therese and the “Authentic Faith Life of St. Therese Parish”. The next meeting will focus on how to apply what we’ve learned about the charism of St. Therese, discernment and evangelization to the process outlined in Revisioning the Parish Pastoral Council.
Future meeting dates of May 13, 2004 and June 3, 2004 were chosen. At the next meeting on May 13, Brad Grill will lead the prayer, Damien Gerstner will facilitate, Joe Doetzl will scribe.
Saturday, March 27, 2004
March 27, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
Meeting Date: 3/27/04
All members present except Wayne Snyder
Meeting Topic: Discernment
Meeting started with opening prayer and reflection
Linda Winter lead discussion on the basis of a book entitled, Wheat Among the Weeds, by Thomas Green. The book addressed some of the steps that lead from personal discernment to communal discernment. Green highlighted a few key steps:
1. Do whatever moves you to love
2. Gather discerning members to carry out communal discernment
3. Build a climate for discernment (pay attention to charism of the community)
4. Work to reach a communal commitment to carrying out the decisions reached (the commitment to do God’s will… commit to doing God’s will not by sight (strategic planning, thinking…) but by faith… radical openness to the Holy Spirit)
5. Spiritual freedom = God’s will (one can get too caught up in “getting rid of the weeds” and loosing focus on God’s will.)
6. Potential obstacles: Devil, Self, Spiritual Director
Other reports from other books:
o Temptation and Discernment
o Paying Attention to God in Communal Discernment
o Discerning God’s Will
o Listening to the Spirit
o Selecting Church Leaders
Summary of some of common themes: Discernment and Building Consensus
Ø Prayer
Ø Formulate questions
Ø Gather data
Ø Sift and condense questions and data
Ø Make time for personal and communal prayer; ask for guidance and insight
Ø Discuss Act
Linda Albani reported on a website that talked about separating the issue from the process of discernment. The issues may be formulated, researched, studied, etc. in a logical and/or analytic manner. The process of calling on the Holy Spirit to lead is not a process of analysis and research. Rather, it is a process of faith that God will, through the Holy Spirit, will bring a sense of clarity, peace, and insight to our attempts to analyze and study. Personal and communal prayer engages us in the process of discernment as we approach any issue.
Damian talked about a book entitled Selecting Church Leaders. This book addressed the notion that discernment is directed by charism. This began a conversation about charism, as a concept, and how St. Therese of Lisieux, our patron saint, might be a guide for us as we explore that concept of charism.
Questions asked: Are we, as a parish, carrying on the charism of St. Therese? Would one recognize that the spirituality of St. Therese is alive and well in the spiritual practices of the members of St. Therese parish? In her simple ways, St. Therese spoke quite eloquently about the benefits of humility, charity, and courage. How do we follow that path?
Dennis agreed to facilitate the next meeting focusing on charism and St. Therese. It was suggested that we invite Tim McEvoy to the next meeting, as he is quite familiar with St. Therese and her writings and teachings.
Next meeting April 15, 7:00 pm @ the Woolridge Center
Meeting Date: 3/27/04
All members present except Wayne Snyder
Meeting Topic: Discernment
Meeting started with opening prayer and reflection
Linda Winter lead discussion on the basis of a book entitled, Wheat Among the Weeds, by Thomas Green. The book addressed some of the steps that lead from personal discernment to communal discernment. Green highlighted a few key steps:
1. Do whatever moves you to love
2. Gather discerning members to carry out communal discernment
3. Build a climate for discernment (pay attention to charism of the community)
4. Work to reach a communal commitment to carrying out the decisions reached (the commitment to do God’s will… commit to doing God’s will not by sight (strategic planning, thinking…) but by faith… radical openness to the Holy Spirit)
5. Spiritual freedom = God’s will (one can get too caught up in “getting rid of the weeds” and loosing focus on God’s will.)
6. Potential obstacles: Devil, Self, Spiritual Director
Other reports from other books:
o Temptation and Discernment
o Paying Attention to God in Communal Discernment
o Discerning God’s Will
o Listening to the Spirit
o Selecting Church Leaders
Summary of some of common themes: Discernment and Building Consensus
Ø Prayer
Ø Formulate questions
Ø Gather data
Ø Sift and condense questions and data
Ø Make time for personal and communal prayer; ask for guidance and insight
Ø Discuss Act
Linda Albani reported on a website that talked about separating the issue from the process of discernment. The issues may be formulated, researched, studied, etc. in a logical and/or analytic manner. The process of calling on the Holy Spirit to lead is not a process of analysis and research. Rather, it is a process of faith that God will, through the Holy Spirit, will bring a sense of clarity, peace, and insight to our attempts to analyze and study. Personal and communal prayer engages us in the process of discernment as we approach any issue.
Damian talked about a book entitled Selecting Church Leaders. This book addressed the notion that discernment is directed by charism. This began a conversation about charism, as a concept, and how St. Therese of Lisieux, our patron saint, might be a guide for us as we explore that concept of charism.
Questions asked: Are we, as a parish, carrying on the charism of St. Therese? Would one recognize that the spirituality of St. Therese is alive and well in the spiritual practices of the members of St. Therese parish? In her simple ways, St. Therese spoke quite eloquently about the benefits of humility, charity, and courage. How do we follow that path?
Dennis agreed to facilitate the next meeting focusing on charism and St. Therese. It was suggested that we invite Tim McEvoy to the next meeting, as he is quite familiar with St. Therese and her writings and teachings.
Next meeting April 15, 7:00 pm @ the Woolridge Center
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
March 10, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes: 3/10/04
All members present except Fr. Mike.
Topics to be discussed: Evangelization and Discernment
Prayer lead by Linda Winter… Gospel of John: Woman at the Well.
REFLECTION
Discussion about the kinds of questions we would ask if we were at the well with Jesus.
· Those who are thirsty are often the closest to Living Water
· Do we “get it?” like the apostles seemed to be slow to “get it.”
· How are like the Samaritan woman?
· How are we like the disciples?
Worship in truth and spirit!!!
Presentation: Discernment by Steve Hilliard
Some definitions: “to see that which is beyond the obvious”
Making right choices .. not just good choices. How does one know that one is making right and good choices? We see in hind sight by the fruits of our work. In discerning, we will be tempted to choose things that lead us off the path that is marked as “God’s will for us.” So, how do we avoid following our own agenda (the agenda of the ego or our “selfish Self”) and perhaps thinking that we are doing the Will of God. That is the challenge.
Perhaps to meet this challenge we must practice the art of discernment on a regular basis. How does one practice the Art of Discernment?:
Ø taking time to listen to the Holy Spirit,
Ø creating sacred space and time to allow for us to see and hear and touch as Christ might see, hear, and touch
Ø learning to identify a sense of truth, congruence, and peace within ourselves and others
Ø developing a willingness to be prophetic in the face of injustice or prejudice,
Ø developing the “largeness of heart” to be able to reconcile and invite reconciliation where ever and when ever possible
These are all good suggestions and questions. But discernment leads to action. Several members stated that they were looking forward to getting on with tangible projects, implementing a plan or objective. Still, discernment might be the best foundation to any implementation or action.
So, how do we, the Pastoral Council, develop the art and skill to lead, advise, and support in a discerning manner? This will take more time, more discussion, more formation. We committed ourselves to studying this topic and focus on it again next meeting. Several books were available for reading.
Presentation: Evangelization by Nancy Fahey
Nancy had a great handout entitled, What Is Evangelization?
Some members shared personal stories of their conversion and how is conversion linked to evangelization.
The section of the handout, Presentation of the Goals, listed numerous goals that might lead us in our efforts to become an evangelizing parish.
Closing Prayer: Linda Winter
Reminder: Next meeting is 3/27/04 at the Woolridge Center from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
All members present except Fr. Mike.
Topics to be discussed: Evangelization and Discernment
Prayer lead by Linda Winter… Gospel of John: Woman at the Well.
REFLECTION
Discussion about the kinds of questions we would ask if we were at the well with Jesus.
· Those who are thirsty are often the closest to Living Water
· Do we “get it?” like the apostles seemed to be slow to “get it.”
· How are like the Samaritan woman?
· How are we like the disciples?
Worship in truth and spirit!!!
Presentation: Discernment by Steve Hilliard
Some definitions: “to see that which is beyond the obvious”
Making right choices .. not just good choices. How does one know that one is making right and good choices? We see in hind sight by the fruits of our work. In discerning, we will be tempted to choose things that lead us off the path that is marked as “God’s will for us.” So, how do we avoid following our own agenda (the agenda of the ego or our “selfish Self”) and perhaps thinking that we are doing the Will of God. That is the challenge.
Perhaps to meet this challenge we must practice the art of discernment on a regular basis. How does one practice the Art of Discernment?:
Ø taking time to listen to the Holy Spirit,
Ø creating sacred space and time to allow for us to see and hear and touch as Christ might see, hear, and touch
Ø learning to identify a sense of truth, congruence, and peace within ourselves and others
Ø developing a willingness to be prophetic in the face of injustice or prejudice,
Ø developing the “largeness of heart” to be able to reconcile and invite reconciliation where ever and when ever possible
These are all good suggestions and questions. But discernment leads to action. Several members stated that they were looking forward to getting on with tangible projects, implementing a plan or objective. Still, discernment might be the best foundation to any implementation or action.
So, how do we, the Pastoral Council, develop the art and skill to lead, advise, and support in a discerning manner? This will take more time, more discussion, more formation. We committed ourselves to studying this topic and focus on it again next meeting. Several books were available for reading.
Presentation: Evangelization by Nancy Fahey
Nancy had a great handout entitled, What Is Evangelization?
Some members shared personal stories of their conversion and how is conversion linked to evangelization.
The section of the handout, Presentation of the Goals, listed numerous goals that might lead us in our efforts to become an evangelizing parish.
Closing Prayer: Linda Winter
Reminder: Next meeting is 3/27/04 at the Woolridge Center from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 19, 2004
February 19, 2004 Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PASTORAL COUNCIL OF ST. THERESE PARISH
February 19, 2004
The Pastoral Council of St. Therese Parish met on February 19, 2004, in the conference room near the Principal’s Office at the Parish and Education Center. All members were present.
We began the evening at 7:00 p.m. with prayer, singing, We are Called, based on Micah 6 and reading the Gospel for next Sunday (Luke 6:27-38). "For the measure with which you measure, will in return, be measured out to you."
At 7:30 p.m., we continued with the agenda, a copy of which was e-mailed prior to the meeting. We discussed the remainder of The Book, focusing on pages 93-132 and the elements of a pastoral plan. Council members commented on concerns regarding the size and diversity of our Parish, and the different levels of commitment of members of the Parish and how those issues will present challenges in forming a pastoral plan. The Council also identified the need for consistent and direct communication with the Parish as a focal point as we move through the pastoral planning process. There was consensus that The Book suggests a good process, from development of the mission statement to statement of goals. We recognized that given the configurations of our own Parish, we will have to create a model that works for us. The Council also agreed that prayer and discernment by the Council as a group was also important, with the focus on spiritual planning for our faith journey.
Next, we discussed roles and leadership skills within the Council. The Council identified the following as skills to be developed: teambuilding, reaching consensus, determining roles within the group and methodology of discerning needs for the Parish, such as assemblies, surveys, e-mail, direct conversation.
Father Mike questioned how we should introduce the concept of the Council and its purpose to the Parish community and whether a commissioning process should be planned. After discussion, it was the consensus that the focus should be on introduction of the concept of the pastoral planning process not highlighting the individual people on the Council. We agreed to connect this communication to the history of the Parish, using the building theme already identified as part of our mission, but focusing on how our house which is built, should become a home, both sacramentally and spiritually for all members of the Parish. We need to develop succinct talking points, by consensus, focusing on "pastoral" and "life" to explore the meaning and purpose of the pastoral council. We agreed that anytime during the Easter season would be a good time to introduce these ideas and plant the seeds for the basic concepts to be communicated. We also need to invite the Parish to pray for and with us during this process.
Next, we discussed our individual responses to the statement, "I think the purpose of our St. Therese Parish Council is…". The following ideas were put forth:
§ A discernment process to establish mission and to develop a plan.
§ As stated on page 208 of The Book: The essential mission of every parish and every person baptized in the name of Jesus Christ is proclaiming the Word offering Eucharistic Worship, forming a Community of faith, placing ourselves at the Service of others, exercising Stewardship over all God’s gift and creating a Shared Leadership modeled on that of Christ himself, so we fulfill the mission of Evangelization.
§ To welcome, nurture, and support the gifts and talents of all members of the Parish with Eucharist at the core and to build a sacramental and spiritual home for all members of the Parish.
§ To create universality and unity, to identify what unites us and to see the truth.
§ To discern all the needs of the people, to listen reflectively, and to understand those needs.
§ Facilitating within the whole Parish, an encounter with the risen Christ.
§ To discern and judge, to encourage spiritual growth of the community as a whole, to develop a vision for the mission of the Parish.
§ To act as a liaison for all the facets of the Parish and to build the spirituality of all its members.
§ To create a framework for a new perspective; a spiritual plan to utilize the gifts and address the needs; to develop a prayer life in the community for discernment, consensus and wisdom; to declare a year of focus on this new perspective; then to act on it and evaluate the progress.
§ To address the spiritual yearning in the Parish, to learn about our faith, to develop a process to encourage a mature spirituality of all our community members.
§ To guide the processes that will discern the Spirit among us, to address the hunger for leadership in the community, to provide effective leadership for spiritual growth, to guide and direct the priorities of the St. Therese community by consensus building rather than by direction only of the Pastor and the staff.
We agreed that we would return to this process of identifying the purpose of the Council in several weeks after we have had a chance to develop our own spiritual growth. We therefore, discussed our plans for our own Council development. We agreed that we should review and analyze the seven elements of pastoral planning in The Book, create opportunities to develop our abilities for reflective listening, to enhance our group leadership skills (perhaps the color exercises), to develop consensus building skills, and to develop our own prayer life, both individually and as a Council.
We discussed diocesan pastoral life committee and steering committees resources available to us to offer insights in council development. We discussed the difference between "authority" and "power" and to recognize that the model of leadership that we develop needs to be reflective of the needs of our Parish and the call to service that the Pastoral Council is premised on. This may look more like a shepherd or servant leader rather than a general or corporate figure.
For our next meeting, we agreed that we would like to start building understanding of the seven essential elements, the process of discernment, and spiritual growth.
Our next meeting was set for March 10, 2004, again to begin with prayer at 7:00 p.m. Nancy, Linda Winter, Steve and Tom will develop the agenda, including the focus on contemplative prayer, the process of discernment, and evangelization as the first of the seven elements for reflection. Linda Albani agreed to assist the preparation of the environment. Dennis Meyer agreed to be the scribe for the March 10th meeting. The meeting following the March 10th meeting is scheduled for March 27th from 9-11 a.m. Saturday morning. The agenda preparation and process has not yet been identified for the March 27th meeting. We concluded with the final verse of We are Called, based on Micah 6, and adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
February 19, 2004
The Pastoral Council of St. Therese Parish met on February 19, 2004, in the conference room near the Principal’s Office at the Parish and Education Center. All members were present.
We began the evening at 7:00 p.m. with prayer, singing, We are Called, based on Micah 6 and reading the Gospel for next Sunday (Luke 6:27-38). "For the measure with which you measure, will in return, be measured out to you."
At 7:30 p.m., we continued with the agenda, a copy of which was e-mailed prior to the meeting. We discussed the remainder of The Book, focusing on pages 93-132 and the elements of a pastoral plan. Council members commented on concerns regarding the size and diversity of our Parish, and the different levels of commitment of members of the Parish and how those issues will present challenges in forming a pastoral plan. The Council also identified the need for consistent and direct communication with the Parish as a focal point as we move through the pastoral planning process. There was consensus that The Book suggests a good process, from development of the mission statement to statement of goals. We recognized that given the configurations of our own Parish, we will have to create a model that works for us. The Council also agreed that prayer and discernment by the Council as a group was also important, with the focus on spiritual planning for our faith journey.
Next, we discussed roles and leadership skills within the Council. The Council identified the following as skills to be developed: teambuilding, reaching consensus, determining roles within the group and methodology of discerning needs for the Parish, such as assemblies, surveys, e-mail, direct conversation.
Father Mike questioned how we should introduce the concept of the Council and its purpose to the Parish community and whether a commissioning process should be planned. After discussion, it was the consensus that the focus should be on introduction of the concept of the pastoral planning process not highlighting the individual people on the Council. We agreed to connect this communication to the history of the Parish, using the building theme already identified as part of our mission, but focusing on how our house which is built, should become a home, both sacramentally and spiritually for all members of the Parish. We need to develop succinct talking points, by consensus, focusing on "pastoral" and "life" to explore the meaning and purpose of the pastoral council. We agreed that anytime during the Easter season would be a good time to introduce these ideas and plant the seeds for the basic concepts to be communicated. We also need to invite the Parish to pray for and with us during this process.
Next, we discussed our individual responses to the statement, "I think the purpose of our St. Therese Parish Council is…". The following ideas were put forth:
§ A discernment process to establish mission and to develop a plan.
§ As stated on page 208 of The Book: The essential mission of every parish and every person baptized in the name of Jesus Christ is proclaiming the Word offering Eucharistic Worship, forming a Community of faith, placing ourselves at the Service of others, exercising Stewardship over all God’s gift and creating a Shared Leadership modeled on that of Christ himself, so we fulfill the mission of Evangelization.
§ To welcome, nurture, and support the gifts and talents of all members of the Parish with Eucharist at the core and to build a sacramental and spiritual home for all members of the Parish.
§ To create universality and unity, to identify what unites us and to see the truth.
§ To discern all the needs of the people, to listen reflectively, and to understand those needs.
§ Facilitating within the whole Parish, an encounter with the risen Christ.
§ To discern and judge, to encourage spiritual growth of the community as a whole, to develop a vision for the mission of the Parish.
§ To act as a liaison for all the facets of the Parish and to build the spirituality of all its members.
§ To create a framework for a new perspective; a spiritual plan to utilize the gifts and address the needs; to develop a prayer life in the community for discernment, consensus and wisdom; to declare a year of focus on this new perspective; then to act on it and evaluate the progress.
§ To address the spiritual yearning in the Parish, to learn about our faith, to develop a process to encourage a mature spirituality of all our community members.
§ To guide the processes that will discern the Spirit among us, to address the hunger for leadership in the community, to provide effective leadership for spiritual growth, to guide and direct the priorities of the St. Therese community by consensus building rather than by direction only of the Pastor and the staff.
We agreed that we would return to this process of identifying the purpose of the Council in several weeks after we have had a chance to develop our own spiritual growth. We therefore, discussed our plans for our own Council development. We agreed that we should review and analyze the seven elements of pastoral planning in The Book, create opportunities to develop our abilities for reflective listening, to enhance our group leadership skills (perhaps the color exercises), to develop consensus building skills, and to develop our own prayer life, both individually and as a Council.
We discussed diocesan pastoral life committee and steering committees resources available to us to offer insights in council development. We discussed the difference between "authority" and "power" and to recognize that the model of leadership that we develop needs to be reflective of the needs of our Parish and the call to service that the Pastoral Council is premised on. This may look more like a shepherd or servant leader rather than a general or corporate figure.
For our next meeting, we agreed that we would like to start building understanding of the seven essential elements, the process of discernment, and spiritual growth.
Our next meeting was set for March 10, 2004, again to begin with prayer at 7:00 p.m. Nancy, Linda Winter, Steve and Tom will develop the agenda, including the focus on contemplative prayer, the process of discernment, and evangelization as the first of the seven elements for reflection. Linda Albani agreed to assist the preparation of the environment. Dennis Meyer agreed to be the scribe for the March 10th meeting. The meeting following the March 10th meeting is scheduled for March 27th from 9-11 a.m. Saturday morning. The agenda preparation and process has not yet been identified for the March 27th meeting. We concluded with the final verse of We are Called, based on Micah 6, and adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
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