In today’s world, we are told to plan for our children’s college, to plan for our retirement, to plan for long term assisted living.  So, why are we not planning for our parish’s future? Consider these six areas of parish life when devising your parish plan. Spiritual - Liturgical - Ministerial - Social - Fiscal - Structural   Good planning today provides a brighter future for our parishes.

Where does your parish’s strategic stewardship plan begin? 

It begins with your parish mission statement. Your mission statement should be clear, accessible, communicated regularly with your parish and incorporated into every area of parish life. It should also be reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis.

How do you implement your parish’s strategic stewardship plan? 

Once your plan is in place, it will be necessary to evaluate your practical ability to support it.  Will you have the resources to staff your plan?  Will you require more space?  Is your present financial situation holding your parish back?  How do you define if you are “ready” to move forward?  If you believe your parish has fully developed the six areas of strategic stewardship, then implement your plan founded in the spirituality of Stewardship.  Inviting your parish to give of themselves and their resources will enhance your parish greatly!  If your present status reveals challenges, it is appropriate to review your situation objectively and prioritize a plan to define a brighter future.  Remember without a mission, there is no money….without money there can be no mission.  In most cases, relieving the immediate stress of capital and structural shortfalls will provide the freedom to plan more appropriately and grow a more vibrant and engaged parish community!