Dear Parishioners and friends,
The following is the report that will be discussed this week with all the parishes in the 2nd block of the New Energies process in the Archdiocese of Newark.
You will see that just about everything that goes on in a Catholic parish is mentioned and rated as “going strong, Adequate, needs help (to) let’s begin.”
Our joint Pastoral and Finance Councils, and Maureen Dominguez and Colleen Inauan contributed to this document. It is only a working document that suggests areas that could benefit by collaboration with other parishes and/or that need a new look and development on our own.
If you have any comments, please e-mail, write or talk to me.
Thank you for your prayerful support.
Monsignor Joseph Slinger
+++++++++++++++
Worship
Liturgy
Principle 1:
Liturgy is a priority in parish life and responds to the richness of culture and heritage of the parish.
a. Preaching speaks to the life of the parishioners: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity:
For the most part the preaching does speak to the life of the parish, but this varies tremendously by preacher. All have the intention of making a connection between the gospel message and the life of the parishioners, but there are times that the distance between is wider than others and the connection is lost because of a lack of organization and planning or poor rhetorical skills. Some just retell the gospel; others ramble; few refer to epistle, and fewer, still, to Old Testament readings.
Notes for Planning:
This is completely celebrant-dependant and only the preachers can fix it, but it is critical to the Mass. Parishioners talk about sermons when they get together.
b. Eucharist is celebrated with prayerfulness and dignity: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
Our Eucharistic celebration is a very deep, prayerful experience, and everyone helps to make it so. Sacristans are thorough. All celebrants and ministers show a seriousness of purpose and are generally attentive to detail. Efforts are occasionally made to encourage the congregation to act with the same dignity (i.e., silence, turning off of cell phones, use of appropriate gestures, singing and responses).
Notes for Planning:
Layout of church makes group movement very difficult, especially at communion, but efforts at improvement are on-going.
c. Parish diversity is available to present good liturgy: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity:
There is age and gender diversity; there is also some ethnic diversity as in the annual Simbang Gabi celebration, but diversity was not mentioned as an expressed issue in parish surveys. Everyone is invited to participate and diverse opinions are welcome. There is wide diversity of parish groups in Mass celebrations. For example, we have a weekly celebration of Liturgy of the Word for Children as well as Masses attended by sports teams, scouts, school children, catechists, etc., and monthly Masses for the Rosary and Holy Name societies and the Catholic War Veterans.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities.
d. Various forms of devotional prayer are fostered. 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
In addition to at least two daily Masses and the Angelus, the parish sponsors a weekly rosary and novena, a family hour prayer, “daisy prayer” in support of priests, and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Monthly we offer First Friday nocturnal adoration, First Saturday Marian prayer and rosary, contemplative prayer study, and Lay Carmelite regional devotions. The Little Rock scripture study group encourages conversational prayer, and the Cornerstone group, centering prayer. All parish meetings begin with prayer. Seasonally, we offer a parish mission, Advent evening prayer, and Lenten stations of the cross. The Cornerstone retreats teach various kinds of prayer including lectio divina, guided meditation, and conversational and centering prayer.
Many decades-old local prayer traditions and celebrations are fostered, including: the living rosary and May crowning, living stations, Fourth of July Mass, Thanksgiving Mass, children’s Christmas Eve Mass, St. Francis Day animal blessing, Easter food blessing, First Communion dress-up Sunday, children’s Palm Sunday procession, Filipino Christmas celebration, wearing red on Pentecost, Baptism of the Lord Mass for the year’s baptized, All Souls and Memorial Day Masses for the bereaved, organization communion breakfasts, Catechetical Sunday, Catholic Schools Sunday, etc.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities. Develop others as parishioners request.
d. There is an outreach to learn the needs of the parish: 1 (strong)
Present Activity:
“Dream Sunday” survey was a well-publicized and well-accepted effort to determine needs of the parish including the spiritual needs which people ranked as a first priority. Also, the parish voted to determine priority order of physical plant repairs and enhancement.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance efforts to act on Dream Sunday recommendations. And, establish a repair fund to provide on-going maintenance and repair and replacement as needed in the physical plant.
Worship
Sacraments
Principle 2
Sacramental celebrations reflect the cultural heritage of the people assembled.
a. RCIA is the formation experience for those adults seeking the Sacraments of Initiation: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity:
The RCIA program has been present in the parish for many years and is supported by individuals who have gone through the program. The RCIA team works closely with the worship office and participates once a year in archdiocesan training and seminars. There was a variation of the program over the last two years that shifted away from the Archdiocesan guidelines, but that is now being revised to conform to the recommended format. RCIA candidates have a Lenten retreat. Sung scrutinies are offered during Lent when appropriate and Holy Saturday ceremonies are visible and very touching.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities.
b. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is encouraged with adequate times available: 1 (strong)
Present Activity:
Adequate weekly times are available and efforts were made to change the hours to facilitate attendance. Some homilists encourage frequent use of the sacrament.
We offer Lent and Advent penance services together with Annunciation parish,
and the school and CCD programs have penance services twice a year and individual celebration of the sacrament twice annually. The sacrament is celebrated and highlighted at Parish Mission and at Cornerstones. There are opportunities for confession after all Holy Week services, at wakes, before marriages, and when requested.
Notes for Planning:
Continue to encourage the sacrament and especially to encourage attendance at the penance services which have been very well-planned, but not well-enough attended to justify the extensive creative effort.
c. Marriage preparation is sufficient: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
We have twice-yearly Pre-Cana sessions facilitated by a well-prepared team. Priests meet with couples frequently before weddings to give compatibility tests and counseling.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities. Offer more specific on-going support for couples already married.
d. Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally and when requested: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
The sacrament is offered communally twice a year, once at all the Masses on Christ the King, and again at a “healing Mass” for the sick with soup and sandwiches following. The priests offer the sacrament when requested, but especially at the local hospitals, nursing home and veterans’ home. The fire and police departments call in emergencies, and the rectory answering machine has a special number to call if someone is dying.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities
e. Funerals are celebrated with compassion and understanding: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
We have two bereavement groups, one for liturgical planning and another for immediate and long-term support. At funerals we display a special banner with the name of the deceased. Also, adult altar servers are especially trained to serve at funerals and there is an organist and cantor at each funeral. The parish maintains good working relationships with area funeral homes. The names of the deceased are mentioned in the Prayer of the Faithful at Sunday Masses. There are clear guidelines for having Masses said for the deceased and there are monthly novena Masses to accommodate more intentions.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities
f. Archdiocesan policies on sacraments of initiation are followed: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
All guidelines are followed. First Penance is celebrated before First Communion. Confirmation is celebrated yearly in the spring. Baptisms are performed monthly and by special appointment when needed. We have three baptism ministries, all with mission statements, for garment makers, parent preparation teams, and sacrament rite servers. We also have a special ceremony on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January to bring together all the year’s baptized babies at a welcoming Mass.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities
Worship
Structures
Principle 3
Structures for preparing and caring for the liturgy are in place and operating.
People are asked to participate and are trained in a variety of liturgical ministries: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
Currently there are 79 Eucharistic ministers, 38 lectors, 30 choir members, 25 children’s choir members, 80 altar servers, 30 ushers, and 20 members of the liturgy of the word for children ministry. They are asked mostly by annual stewardship surveys, but also by bulletin, school/CCD announcements, and personal invitation. Initial training is offered as needed. There are bi-annual evenings of recollection for Eucharistic ministers and lectors. There is also a great response to the call to decorate the church for Easter and Christmas.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities.
b. There is a liturgy coordinator and/or parish liturgy committee: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
There are nine people on the committee: 1 moderator, 2 deacons, 2 music representatives, 2 decorators, and 2 general members, but the group is highly collaborative. Several have archdiocesan training. They help make decisions about seasonal practices, Sunday Masses, special liturgies, etc.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities. Group needs refreshing. We need a mission statement and discussion of how our roles have changed over the years.
c. All liturgical ministers communicate regularly: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
Lector, Eucharistic minister, and altar server assignments are made every two months by volunteers and any other notices are sent with those mailings. All members have updated membership lists, phone numbers, etc. The choirs communicate at weekly practices. Ushers communicate through Holy Name meetings and mailings.
Notes for Planning:
Continue, but increase use of e-mail for communication and put schedules on parish website.
Worship
Music
Principle 4
Music is recognized as essential in liturgy and there is financial support.
a. Parish music ministers enable the assembly in its sung prayer: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
Cantors and organists practice new music with the congregation. Cantors are very welcoming and easy to follow. Choirs are strong and well-prepared but don’t overpower congregation.
All music choices show connection to the readings.
Notes for Planning:
Recruitment has improved, but it is still difficult to find new and faithful choir members.
b. There are worthy instruments able to support assembly’s singing: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
The church organ and piano are fine and only about twelve years old. They are always maintained and properly serviced. We often have flute and guitar accompaniment as well. For Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christ the King, we have ensembles of harp, oboe, violin, trumpet, and drums.
Notes for Planning:
Continue and enhance current activities.
c. There is a competent director of liturgical music: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity:
Absolutely! The director is talented, well-trained, professional, and cooperative. Her presence at liturgy meetings is very important because she offers good suggestions and her input is appreciated.
Notes for Planning:
We are at a very good place right now in our music ministry. Continue and enhance current staffing and activities
d. Choice of music reflects diverse culture and spiritual traditions in the parish: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity:
Age diversity is respected; the choirs perform both traditional and current music in a variety of styles. More simple children’s melodies are sung at 9:30 Mass and at LWC.
Marian hymns are sung when appropriate, and lyrics show strong scriptural connections.
Notes for Planning:
There is little ethnic diversity, i.e., few foreign language hymns, even by soloists. Latin hymns are rarely sung. The senior citizens are still asking for hymns popular in the 40’s and 50’s. We should continue doing what we do well, and increase diversity at the same time.
Evangelization
Principle 5:
Evangelization is recognized as an essential aspect of the life and mission of the parish.
a. Parish leadership and membership is formed in a vision of evangelization. Score: 2(adequate)
Present Activity: Parish leadership is keenly aware of the evangelizing mission of the parish. All activities are recognized as part and parcel of evangelization. The parish has also undertaken special activities on behalf of evangelization like the Alpha program with only moderate success. Internal evangelization is easier. Attracting people to consider Catholic life is much more difficult.
Notes for Planning:
Establish an evangelization committee or sub-committee of the Pastoral Council to work with other parishes to mount a significant outreach to the non-churched people; and, to inactive Catholics.
b. The parish encourages racial and ethnic harmony. Score: 2(adequate)
Present Activity: The parish addresses these matters regularly in grammar school and religious education classes. These matters are sometimes referred to in homilies and regularly in the prayer of the faithful at Sunday Liturgy.
Notes for Planning:
There is no plan to be more aggressive in this regard.
c. Newcomers are welcomed: Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: The first instance of welcoming is when people register in the parish. Staff is very friendly and accommodating and there have been hand-outs regarding stewardship. Presently a new publication is in progress. There are monthly “welcoming” receptions after two masses on Sunday and there is considerable correspondence with the entire parish. Our weekly bulletin is also quite informative, never under 10 pages. There are two special “welcome meetings” planned on a yearly basis.
Notes for Planning:
Improve our Stewardship Office activities to include greater outreach, contact and communication with new members of the parish at liturgy and special events.
d. Efforts are made tom reach out to the alienated, inactive and the unchurched: Score:
Present Activity: Ref. “a” above.
Notes for Planning:
Stewardship
Principle 6:
Parishioners give of their time, talent and treasure to support the Church’s mission.
a. There is ongoing education occurring. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: Beginning in early June there is a preparation program for the Fall Stewardship Commitment Sunday. It includes a letter or two sent by the pastor to homes detailing stewardship and the particular emphasis of this year’s stewardship initiative; a weekly “From the Pastor” in the bulletin addressing stewardship until stewardship Sunday, a series of quotes and questions in a bulletin box with significant quotes from the American bishops, and various lay people; and, a general culture of stewardship with people regularly referring to their particular stewardship or plans for stewardship.
Notes for Planning:
Continue present activities with this year’s emphasis being on the stewardship of money.
b. Obstacles to promoting stewardship are faced and dealt with openly: Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: Ref. above noting that there is no shrinking from making clear that stewardship is not voluntarism but discipleship. Also, there is leadership by example.
Notes for Planning:
Baptismal Call
Principle 7:
Children, youth and adults are made aware of the various options for professional Church ministry.
a. Vocational education is an integral part of religious education and parochial school
curriculum. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: Each year there are vocation days when priests or sisters present vocational programs. The priests who teach also address vocations whenever the material under discussion allows or calls for it.
Notes for Planning:
b. Vocations Office is welcomed to share information. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: The vocation office has not been invited in recent years because of the presence of other invitees.
Notes for Planning:
The Archdiocesan Office for Vocations will be invited in the next school year.
c. Parishioners are celebrated in their vocational response in marriage, single life
and celibate life. Score: 3 (needs help)
Present Activity: There are times when married couples are blessed at Sunday masses.
Notes for Planning:
This area deserves planning including the development of special retreats and other programs for singles and couples.
Call To Holiness
Principle 8:
The parish supports and nurtures the spiritual life of the parish community
a. There are opportunities for individuals and families to join others for prayerful support. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: There are a host of prayer groups in the parish including self-organized groups that invite a priest’s participation, renew groups that continue to meet for prayer, organized meetings that share prayer, staff meetings with prayer, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with times for group prayer and personal prayer, etc.
Notes for Planning:
b. Programs for personal spiritual formation are provided on a parish and/or interparish
basis. Score: 1 (Going Strong)
Present Activity: The parish offers the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, the Little Rock Scripture Program, a 30 month spiritual development program, programs for spiritual development within the Cornerstone development process and also for school faculty, and at ad hoc events with a spiritual program, at Mardi Gras and other times.
Notes for Planning:
c. Diverse spiritual traditions present within a parish are appreciated and fostered. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: The Filipino Community in Bergen County gathers for an annual celebration with mass and dinner; it also celebrates its Advent tradition. And, now there is an annual dance sponsored by the Filipino Community of the parish that is well attended by the entire community.
Notes for Planning:
There may be a possibility to develop and formalize a FilAm community organization.
d. There is an outreach to learn the spiritual needs of the parish. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: The present plan is to repeat dream Sunday every 4 years.
Notes for Planning:
The pastoral council will discuss other ways of developing on-going communication of felt needs during the 3 year period before Dream Sundays.
Education And Formation
Principle 9:
The parish implements a comprehensive plan for the religious formation and education of the entire faith community.
a. A comprehensive well-integrated catechetical plan exists which provides opportunities or all parishioners to encounter the Gospel message. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: Although the parish enjoys the services of an excellent, talented and dedicated Pastoral Minister for Religious Formation, there is no person or group with overall oversight of the Catechetical offering of the parish. However, there is a full catechetical program including our elementary school Religious Formation Program, our Co-sponsored elementary school, an Alpha Program, a Cornerstone Program, a Little Rock Scripture Program, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, a multi year spiritual development program, Back to School Nights and special Sacrament Programs, staff meetings with Confirmation Candidates and parents, Rainbows for God’s Children, and various other activities intended to provide this opportunity.
Notes for Planning:
The pastor, school principal, Minister for Religious Formation and our Pastoral Council will review the present arrangement with an eye for “integration” of programs, and especially with an eye for lacunae.
b. Adequate funds, resources, staff and space are allocated to implement the catechetical plan. Score: 2 (Adequate)
Present Activity: All is provided.
Notes for Planning:
c. Catechetical programs are evaluated on a regular basis. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: Except for a meeting at the end of the teaching year and some discussions at staff meetings, there is no regularized in-depth review or catechetical planning.
Notes for Planning:
Parish staff will meet to discuss this matter at the next staff meeting.
d. Assistance is provided to parents in understanding their role as ministers to their children in the formation of Christian values. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: There is discussion of the role of parents at the annual “Back to School Night” and there are also sacramental adult formation programs during each year of sacramental preparation
Notes for Planning:
. The notion and relevance of the idea of “minister” will be explored at the next regular staff meeting.
Parochial School
Principle 10:
An essential ministry is to nurture the faith of families through parochial schools; either in a parish, co-sponsored or a neighboring school.
a. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the Catholic school. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: Parents have several meetings with the Principal, Home School Association and faculty annually and with full disclosure of all relevant information and welcomed input from all present, particularly parents. The principal also has regular meetings with groups of parents in the school and is available to individual parents in timely fashion. Parental involvement is actively promoted both for the sake of helping the school, being seen by the children in the school and for input about feelings, thoughts, hopes and dreams for the school.
Notes for Planning:
b. Pastors and pastoral staff of the parish are involved with the school. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: The local parish of the co-sponsored school, including priests and staff is present to the school, teaching, celebrating sacraments, including reconciliation twice yearly, celebrating masses weekly, teaching, and in a host of school programs. The pastors have also encouraged people in part time religious education programs to consider full-time Catholic education in our co-sponsored school. Moreover, each of the pastors has been publishing a monthly exhortation to consider Catholic school education based on the American bishops recent letter on Catholic education and its value, and truly needed presence.
Notes for Planning:
There would be benefits of greater involvement of other clergy involved with the school but this is burdensome, if not impossible. Nevertheless, we will explore inventive and less burdensome ways to help other clergy be appreciated and recognized as leaders who sustain and care for the school community.
c. Cooperative planning exists between school and parish staff for sacramental
preparation. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: The Pastoral Minister for Religious Formation and the Principal of the School and faculty, parish staff, and school-parents work diligently to sustain a fine program for the celebration of the sacraments. There is a free flow of information, weekly contact and complete cooperation between teachers and staff.
Notes for Planning:
None
d. If in a co-sponsored situation, the parish supports the school spiritually and in other
appropriate ways. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: The parishes all support the school to the best of their ability, financially, at regular meetings for discernment of the future, and by participating as they are able. The host parish also sponsors a carnival and a mega 50/50 to help support the school with major repairs or replacement of equipment, and parish staff, are fully engaged with the School as well as available as may be requested.
Notes for Planning:
The three parishes have recently established a finance council to help right-size the school and help guide the best possible budget practices for long term survival. The Principal and her staff will review their recommendations and comment upon their effect pedagogically so that the pastors may discern and implement plans that best promote the school future.
Educational Leaders
Principle 11:
All catechists have appropriate preparation as well as practical experience.
a. Parish directors of Religious Education have appropriate education, ability and
the experience needed to provide catechist formation and effective administration of religious education programs. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: The religious Education Director has an M. A. in pastoral ministry, a dozen years as a Pastoral Minister for Religious Formation and 20 years experience as a Religious Education Teacher. Beside managing the basic religious education program and a host of related programs and projects, she provides certification workshops for catechists, insures that catechists are practicing Catholics, and provides other formation workshops for catechists through the course of the school year.
Notes for Planning:
None
b. All catechists are skilled and knowledgeable. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: There are some more skilled and talented than others, but all are qualified.
Notes for Planning:
None
c. Catechists are intrinsic to the Gospel, active in parish life and faithful to the teaching of the Church. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: Do all that is possible to support Catholic catechists to sustain their faith life and encourage them to participate in parish programs that support growth.
Notes for Planning:
Explore ways and means to enhance our present activity.
d. Parish priests and permanent deacons are actively involved in ongoing formation. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: Occasional teaching in classrooms and available for special teaching such as celebrating a teaching mass, explaining the church building and various items in a church, and special sacramental assistance.
Notes for Planning:
None
Catechetical Programs
Principle 12:
The programs and materials used in religious education are consistent with Church teachings.
a. The essential elements of the Christian message are faithfully presented. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: Our catechetical curriculum employs only those pedagogical tools, programs and publications approved by the American bishops.
Notes for Planning:
None
b. Catechesis encourages service and works towards social justice. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: We have a service program for each grade level that was developed and managed in the past by catechists but is now guided by the parents of the children in the program.
Notes for Planning:
All the above is always being reviewed for needed change and possible improvement.
c. Catechesis fosters ecumenism. Score: 4 (let’s begin)
Present Activity: None to speak of
Notes for Planning:
To be discussed by staff and pastoral council in light of a lack of any serious ecumenical activity during the last three years.
d. Catechetical programs imply models and methodologies which are sensitive to the
abilities and the local cultural needs of participants. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: We have extremely few students who are first generation American, nonetheless, our staff is sensitive to the video game, internet access and e-mail world the students live in. Most try to incorporate what is useful and warn regarding what may be harmful. There is increasing use of media across the curriculum. Also, catechists are notified of “special needs” children and the Director gives them oral instruction.
Notes for Planning:
None
e. There are active sacramental preparation programs. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: Each of the sacramental programs for baptism, penance, communion and confirmation have distinct preparation programs. They also include distinct family programs and special liturgical programs.
Notes for Planning:
Always under review.
Social Teaching Education
Principle 13:
The parish provides for the education and formation of its people in the social teachings and tradition of the Church.
a. Religious education programs integrate social teaching at every level. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: Each grade level has a social teaching component. Catechists and teachers have all been given workshops and a reflection on sharing Catholic social teaching. The Pastoral Minister for Religious Formation and the Principal of the elementary school are social justice concerned, active and informed. Both provide significant and substantial opportunities for students to learn and digest the meaning of Catholic social justice teachings.
Notes for Planning:
Discussed regularly but should probably work with other parishes, and perhaps at the deanery level for the sake of social structural change. OLV has been working to develop a chapter of Centesimus Annus in the Archdiocese on behalf of the Archbishop. This Pontifical organization may be a major factor on behalf of structural change efforts.
b. Racial and ethnic harmony is addressed as a priority. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: The parish enjoys an atmosphere of welcome for all cultures and races both in the parish at large and in our school and religious education programs. This may is a conscious effort that flows from the spiritual life of the parish, but it has not been challenged by any major migration to the area of any particular group. The largest new ethnic community is from the Philippines and is revered. Other new groups include Koreans, Pakistani and Indians who are also very well received. The prayer of the faithful regularly includes a petition on behalf of those who may suffer due to racial, ethnic, gender and religious prejudice. This is not presently a challenge in the parish.
Notes for Planning:
Always monitored, especially in our school and religious education programs for signs of racial or ethnic issues.
c. An organized program of instruction in social teaching has been implemented discussing issues in light of Catholic Social Teaching. Score: 2 – 3 (adequate but needs
work)
Present Activity: We have begun a regular weekly column of social justice in the weekend bulletin. The articles are good but this is only useful for those interested enough to read them. CAPP will eventually help in this regard.
Notes for Planning:
This will be discussed more fully by the pastoral council.
Public Life
Principle 14:
The ministry of the parish reflects political and public dimensions of
our faith, encouraging the faithful to work for justice in their own
public lives.
a. The call to be responsible citizens is acknowledged and highlighted. Score: 2
(adequate)
Present Activity: Presently the main focus in the parish, following the lead of the Archdiocese has been on Right to Life issues and voting in light of a Catholic Social Justice citizen. The parish has participated in letter writing and petition signing consistent with Catholic teaching. The parish also cooperates with the offices of the archdiocese as requested in 1st class e-mail announcements.
Notes for Planning:
We will strive to build a Social Justice committee that focuses on social structural change in our own environment.
b. There is a social justice committee in place. Score: 4 (Let’s begin)
Present Activity: Right to Life issues only.
Notes for Planning:
Ref. above.
c. The social justice committee has an agenda of social change. Score: 4 (Let’s begin)
Present Activity: Ref. above
Notes for Planning: Ref. above
Responding To Human Needs
Principle 15:
The parish focuses on the human needs of its own members and the needs all the poor and marginalize.
a. Organizations are in place to provide service in response to human needs, e.g. food
pantries, soup kitchens, shelter, or in support of parishes or organizations which
have theses services. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: We assist and give food to the Helping Hands Ministry at Sacred Heart parish in Rochelle Park, collect food each month for SH from September to June and donate money as well. During July and August we collect food for Catholic Charities for the Newark area. We assist at Fellowship House during 2 weeks of the year in October and in May where people cook and stay overnight. We have a “giving tree” during Advent collecting thousands of dollars in gifts to be distributed go Good Council, Human Services in Paramus, and Bergen Regional Medical Center. On a continuing basis we donate clothing and other necessities to: Several Sources, Spring House, Harrison House, New Jersey Buddies, Children’s Aide and Family Services, Prison Ministry, Oasis, Battered Women, and to some neurologically impaired persons.
Notes for Planning:
Always under review to identify other groups and people in need.
b. There are programs which minister to the sick, bereaved and homebound. Score: 1
(going strong)
Present Activity: Our “We Care” program acknowledges the sick and homebound through cards, prayers and seasonal gifts. Priests and Deacons also visit the homebound. There is some telephone contacts on a regular basis with the homebound and they are advised regarding Catholic Charities’ phone services. We say mass in the Veterans Home twice a month and at and Del Ridge weekly. Parishioners also service the Veterans Home, playing bingo and in a host of other services. We also anoint regularly at the Homes. We also sustain a very active Bereavement Ministry. A lay member of the parish attends the way to offer condolences and to help families develop the funeral liturgy. We follow up with a letter to the family inviting them to our support group which meets on Wednesday evenings in the rectory. Our facilitators attend an eight week training course. The Bereaved meet year round, and people can attend any or all of the meetings. On November 2, we offer and All Souls’ Mass to memorialize all who have died in the past year. There is a candle light ceremony as all the names are called out. The names are then placed in a “Book of Life” which is placed on the Altar. A fellow hour follows. Hospitals and churches in the area refer many people to this program.
Notes for Planning:
There is planning going forward to have parishioners regularly visit the home bound.
c. Parishes reach out to the poor, the newcomer, the needy and the disabled. Score: 2
(adequate)
Present Activity: Lunches are organized at local restaurants for parishioners and especially for women who live alone. There is also fellowship after the 9:30 and 11am Sunday masses. We assist the poor who come to our doors and other as listed above.
Notes for Planning:
None
d. Parish is aware of and makes use of local, national and international helping effort. Score
2 (adequate)
Present Activity: Disabled Education: Bi Polar Educational Forum, Paramus Borough’s Services
Notes for Planning:
None
e. Parish responds to needs of families in crisis. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: This is handled by rectory staff and priests on a confidential basis.
Notes for Planning:
On-going
Respect For Life
Principle 16:
Concern and respect for life is integrated into parochial life.
a. Educational opportunities concerning respect for life issues, from conception to natural death, are offered to the parish. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: These issues are regularly treated in the parish bulletin, and addresses with vigor by our Right to Life Committee. We advertise and access Project Rachel and similar programs, we support pregnant women, we maintain a hot line for women with unwanted pregnancies, have a day of prayer in January to repeal Roe vs. Wade, and we have a holy hour each first Friday of the Month for Life. We participate in a “Right to Life March” in Washington or Trenton each year.
Notes for Planning:
On-going
b. A consistent ethic of life is promoted and expressed for those who are most vulnerable in particular the unborn. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: Weekly in the prayer of the faithful, regularly in the bulletin, from time to time in the pulpit and, of course, ref. above.
Notes for Planning:
On-going
c. Christian family life is fostered in all its dimensions (traditional, single parents),
widowed and never married). Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: The parish ethos bespeaks this ethic. Ref. all above.
Notes for Planning:
d. Non-violent behavior, language and life choice is fostered in the family. Score:
Ecumenical And Interfaith
Principle 17:
The parish engages in education for Christian unity and in ecumenical
activities.
a. Parish leadership is represented in local ecumenical associations. Score: 4 (Let’s
begin)
Present Activity: There is none for the past 3 years. We do have an Ecumenical Minister but no active program.
Notes for Planning:
b. The parish conducts and participates in ecumenical services. Score: 4 (Let’s begin)
Present Activity: None
Notes for Planning:
c. Parish leadership promotes understanding of other non-Christian religious groups, particularly those represented in the local community. Score: 4 (Let’s begin)
Present Activity: None
Notes for Planning:
d. The specific interfaith concerns of spouses and families are met. Score: 3 (needs
help)
Present Activity: Clergy are aware of these families and have spoken to them about ways and difficulties experienced by spouses and children.
Notes for Planning:
Youth Ministry
Principle 18:
There is a comprehensive pastoral ministry for youth.
a. The parish alone or with other parishes has a qualified Youth Minister. Score: 3
(needs help)
Present Activity: The parish just lost its priest youth minister. We have hired a 25 hour per week, part-time minister who has some promise. It is a temporary appointment through June with the possibility of a full time position.
Notes for Planning:
We are hoping to work with Annunciation Parish and St. Anne’s Parish with the minister above or with another depending upon the pastors involved.
b. The parish provides for training and formation opportunities and materials for all those involved in youth ministry. Score: 2 (adequate)
Present Activity: For the past 6 years the youth minister has been a parochial vicar who could avail himself of any opportunity for formation and who had access to whatever funds were requested.
Notes for Planning: Ref. above.
c. All adults who minister with youth are faithful Roman Catholics, witnesses of the Gospel and active in parish life. Score: 1 (going strong)
Present Activity: Parents have been an active force in our Youth Ministry Program. All are committed Catholics and parishioners and all have worked cooperatively and as a guiding for the previous youth ministers. They have also interviewed and accepted the present part-time youth minister.
Notes for Planning:
Ref. above
Young Adult Ministry
Principle 19:
The parish community fosters pastoral ministry with young adults.
:
a. An effort is maintained to engage young adults in all aspects of parish life. Score: 3
(needs help)
Present Activity: This is a weak area except for our maintaining a Theology on Tap program that has been moderately successful.
Notes for Planning:
This may be another area to work with parishes like St. Anne’s and Annunciation
b. Young adults are encouraged to engage in activities which enhance their faith life. Score: 2
(adequate)
Present Activity: They are encouraged in so far as they are present to the parish only.
Notes for Planning:
Ref. “a” above
c. There is a program for young adults who are beginning their faith journey. Score: 4
(let’s begin)
Present Activity:
Notes for Planning:
Women’s/Men’s Groups
Principle 20:
Effective ministry to the women and men of the parish is present.
a. Membership in parish organizations includes people of all representative ages
and neighborhoods within a parish. Score: 2 (adequate)