Mission and Goals

Current as of May 14, 2009

Our Mission:

We, the community of St. Catherine, are called to follow Jesus and imitate his way of life.  Our mission is to continue the work of Jesus Christ in the following ways:

  • To respond with gratitude and generosity for all the gifts God has given us. (stewardship)
  • To proclaim joyfully the good news of God’s saving love for all people (word)
  • To nurture and grow a community of believers through prayer and fellowship (community)
  • To give witness to our faith by serving the needs of others (service)

Goal #1:  Stewardship- Living as Christ’s disciples, St. Catherine Parish cares for the gifts God has given us.

Objectives:

  • Provide opportunities for discernment and recognition of one’s spiritual gifts and stewardship.
  • Continue to educate about stewardship.
  • Increase and strengthen efforts to be good stewards of our environment, i.e. recycling, conscientious consumerism.
  • Coordinate a “Facilities Use” policy for the new parish hall.
  • Consider responsible maintenance of the parish hall debt
  • Develop a transition plan for eventual change in leadership.

Goal #2:  Prayer and Faith Formation- We give thanks through prayer and spirituality. We support lifelong and parish-wide faith formation.

Objectives:

  • Provide support for volunteers serving in various parish/school ministries .
  • Invite and support new parish ministries.
  • Continue to develop Whole Community Gatherings.
  • Assess needs and develop new programs for children, youth and young adult for faith formation.
  • Promote church attendance for the whole family and provide other opportunities for prayer.

Goal #3:  Hospitality- St. Catherine Parish seeks to nurture a community that prays and plays together.  We wish to foster social interaction and growth.

Objectives:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for inviting and welcoming new parishioners and school families.
  • Periodically and through various means, assess and respond to changing parish and school needs.
  • Enhance community building through recreational, social and spiritual interactions.
  • Strengthen the bond between the school and the parish.

Goal #4:  Service and Social Justice- St. Catherine Parish seeks to collaborate in ministering to those in need and in working for social justice.

Objectives:

  • Identify, promote, and evaluate current social action ministries (St. Vincent de Paul, Baby Corner, Sparrow Club and other ministries).
  • Form a Social Justice Committee to promote social justice locally and/or globally.
  • Explore an international learning experience and the formation of a sister parish relationship.
  • Evaluate local community and family needs, support community outreach, and offer opportunities to serve for families and parishioners.
  • Consider options for feeding the hungry through direct parish involvement.

Goal #5: Promote and nurture an abuse-free environment through open communications and respect for personal privacy, support for appropriate conduct, and a focus on healing.

Objectives:

  • Continue to circulate information about current abuse prevention policies and encourage full participation in the ongoing training and education provided through the archdiocesan Safe Environment Program .
  • Work with the Archdiocese and appropriate authorities to ensure prevention of abuse, compliance with all necessary reporting requirements, and timely and just action.
  • Work with St Catherine School to review and provide education about anti-bullying and Internet use policies with a focus on uniquely harmful impacts of cyber-bullying and potential hazards of web-based and electronic communication.
  • Provide for and educate about a safe and confidential environment for all parishioners and students to report concerns over abuse, bullying, inappropriate actions or communications, Internet pornography or any abuse adversely impacting their lives and relationships.