St. Wenceslaus Embraces Its Future
SAINT WENCESLAUS CHURCH
PARISH PLANNING GOALS, 2010 – 2013
Listening to the voice of God as it comes through the events of our lives and the experiences of one another enables us to set our sights on what needs to be done and move together toward our common goals. The current planning process at St. Wenceslaus Church began with the pastoral visit of Bishop Denis Madden and his report to us in late 2008. In early 2009 the Pastoral Council adopted a planning process and enlisted Sister Rosalie Murphy, SND to facilitate the process and lead the Council in a planning retreat. This was followed by a parish-wide meeting in November and two Sunday consultations with the entire parish community. Out of this process have come four priority goals, numerous action steps and a corps of volunteers willing to support these steps. The action steps are listed in the order dictated by the availability of volunteers. We continue to invite the entire church family to assist in carrying out these goals. Planning is an ongoing process, so we will adapt our plans to changing circumstances as we move forward. The Pastoral Council will have overall responsibility for the realization of our goals and will report to the parish on our progress each January. May the Lord who has been guiding our church family through good times and hard times for the past 138 years continue to give us his blessing. –Fr. Peter
GOAL #1
Our parish chooses as its first priority our ministry to pre-school and school aged children and high school youth, that they may grow into knowledgeable and faithful adults, safe from the dangers of the streets and ready to pass on the faith to the next generation.
ACTION STEPS
(All action steps are listed in priority order as chosen by parishioners who volunteered for these projects.)
Group 1 (higher priority)
Field trips for children and youth
Saturday and Sunday youth activities, movie nights, sports, games
Networking with neighborhood youth and other churches
Group 2 (secondary priority)
Formation of a youth choir and dance ministry
More frequent youth Masses
Programs for parents at the same time as children’s activities
After-school programming, tutoring and mentoring for children
GOAL #2
We wish to begin a ministry to young adults (post high school to age 35), to serve the needs of this population and help them stay connected to the church.
ACTION STEPS
Group 1
A monthly social gathering or trip
Regular contact with church members away at college
A young adult retreat
Group 2
Set up a phone tree, e-mail and text network
Leadership training for young adults
Church services geared to young adults
Young adult Bible study
GOAL #3
We wish to evangelize our neighborhood and reach out to our inactive members
ACTION STEPS
Group 1
Hold an annual Women’s Day and a Men’s Day
Regular pot luck dinners and games
Follow up contact with missing parishioners
Welcome letters and phone calls to first time visitors
Group 2
Quarterly door-to-door neighborhood visits
Outdoor Masses and prayer services
Contact new neighbors and Johns Hopkins students
Represent the parish at neighborhood meetings
GOAL #4
We wish to provide our members with a variety of options for adult faith development.
ACTION STEPS
Adopt a nursing home for regular visits
Offer additional Bible studies at different times
Start a women’s group and a retreat for women
Offer a new adult formation program as a
follow-up to Why Catholic?
