Communications
Parish Council Meeting Minutes - 9/10/2003 - Newspaper Recordings

From the September 10th, 2003 Parish Council Meeting
Read the Meeting Minutes

NEGATIVES Of Parish Assessment & Renewal

• Cost $21,000 ($7,000 per year for three years).
• The Parish Assessment and Renewal plan may be too detailed.
• Canon law holds pastor responsible.
• Is Parish Assessment and Renewal in conflict with archdiocese planning?
• How can an outsider's advice be worth $21,000?
• The time periods are not realistic.
• We can do this on our own.
• Too early.
• Two sample parishes had bad experiences with administrators.
• Staff may fear the change.
• An "outsider" may hurt the feelings of staff and parishioners.
• Question whether it will work - is it worth the investment?
• Time schedule forced to fit theirs - on top of building fund II.
• Lots of energy/effort but will the plan be left on the shelf?
• This is redundant!
• Foolish use of money.
• We can do this without outside help.
• This seems to back track.
• Will our community be heard?
• Community not changing - with this pace.

POSITIVES Of Parish Assessment & Renewal

• Methodology - tried and true.
• Thorough info collection.
• Better than nothing.
• Potential to generate more revenue.
• "Outsiders" can see through the blind spot.
• Hard decisions can be "blamed" on "outsiders".
• Contacts to find answers.
• Lay ministry needs freedom to grow without being stifled by staff/structure.
• Critical time period before departure of Father Art to establish new structure.
• This may renew "strategic plan momentum".
• New insights.
• Push us to be all we can be.
• Time limits may encourage action.
• Track record.
• Opportunity/affirmation for growth.
• Encourages lay leadership.
• Outside voices challenge group cohesion.
• Consultants of integrity.
• Can be very enabling force for change.
• The plan could strive higher than we can imagine.
• Maybe consultants can bet parishioners to be active members.
• Best utilization of personnel resources.

Parish Assessment & Renewal Discernment Results

III

IIIII IIIII III

The above process lasted about three hours. It was a very thorough and positive process. After a short discussion consensus was achieved, not to pursue this at this time. It will be reevaluated after Discipleship day in November, where Father Tom Sweetser and Sister Peg Bishop will be leading us in workshop.