Why should we plan?
Planning allows for priorities to be identified and provides a path for needs to be met. Group discernment in the planning process allows for different perspectives and experiences to contribute to a rounded picture of what might be needed and what can be achieved.
The planning process allows for direction, shared enthusiasm, targeting of resources in terms of people, time and money; it also provides opportunities for coordination with other parishes, the deanery and even across the diocese. This, in conjunction with the volunteer missionary network enables collaboration, encouragement and, God willing, growth.
Who benefits from planning?
The Parish
The parish is the principal beneficiary of the parish planning process.
Setting time aside to consider prayerfully a vision for the community, reflecting on the current reality and discerning some practical, realistic steps provides hope and purpose. Having a Parish Plan in place also allows for continuity of mission should parishioners or clergy depart to live and serve elsewhere.
Parish Priests
Engagement with Some Definite Service and the parish planning process directly benefits parish priests.
There is a remarkable number of demands placed on clergy today. It is hard to give consistent attention to every need. Parish Plans provide for a longer-term sense of unity, direction and action.
Parishioners
A shared vision and sense of direction and action benefits everyone in the parish. An inspirational and aspirational vision encourages increased involvement of people who might be reticent to contribute time to a task or ministry.
The Diocese
The Parish Plan process also benefits the diocese as a whole. The process allows for good ideas and challenges to be shared across the diocese with ease, for initiatives to be celebrated and trends to be identified, and appropriate support to be delivered.
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