Our Lady of the Assumption Parish

Claremont, California

 

Mission Statement Review Process

Preliminary Reflections

 

What are the parish’s beliefs and values today?

 

·        We are a liturgically based and centered community.

·        We have a strong sense of service, shared decision making and an ecumenical focus.

·        We value collaboration among different groups.

·        We seek inclusiveness.

·        The dignity of the human being is respected.

·        Many ministries exist and there is a calling to serve.

·        We seek ongoing implementation of the outcomes of Vatican II.

·        We seek participation in the Gospel message and in Gospel values.

 

Whom does the parish currently serve?

 

·        A multi-cultural community.

·        Spiritual refugees.

·        Catholic and non-Catholic.

·        The entire community.

·        A very diverse community.

·        No one is turned away.

·        OLA is a welcoming community.

·        We serve a multi-economical spectrum of the population.

·        We reach beyond our “boundaries.”

·        We also serve a multi-generational population.

 

1. Our parish spends most of its time, energy and money on...

 

·        Running itself including salaries, benefits and insurance.

·        Time and energy on meeting the Sacramental needs of parishioners.

·        Serving its people through liturgy, education and worship.

·        We really don’t know how we spend our dollars.

·        To protect, repair and insure the physical facility.

·        The school.

·        Various ministries.

 

2. Our parish spends the least of its time, energy and money on...

 

·        Lay leadership formation and the development of religious vocations.

·        Evangelization.

·        Utilization of plant.

·        Family education and attention to youth.

·        Improvement of the plant.

·        Ministry and personnel training.

·        Integration of our many facets.

 

3. The next important future decision we make as a parish will be about...

 

·        Shared leadership.

·        Developing a plan for renovation and rebuilding.

·        Development and implementation of the strategic plan.

·        Education of family and support of youth.

·        Youth ministry.

·        Future lay and religious leadership.

 

4. Ten years from now, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish will be.

 

·        A parish “clustering” with extensive lay involvement.

·        Increasing family education, church family education and a parish with a family education center.

·        Community involvement.

·        Where ordained and lay members share equal responsibility, authority and power in all aspects of parish life in a physical environment that facilitates this.

·        Have a new pastor and the OLA community, having completed this planning process and developed the capital campaign to implement it, will be one of the most dynamic parishes in the area.

·        A legacy that the next generation will want to inherit.

 

Key Elements of a Mission Statement:

 

1. Reason the parish exists..

 

The parish exists as a gathering place of disciples of Jesus Christ who support one another in faith, hope and charity; and to be servants in the kingdom of God, making the good news of Jesus Christ present and alive in word and deed.

 

2. Reference to parish roots...

 

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church was established in Claremont in 1947 in union both with the local church of Los Angeles and the Universal Church.

 

3. Identification of distinctive features of the parish.

 

 

4. Description of important qualities and/or values of the parish.

 

Attentiveness to God’s word and to the Holy Spirit’s presence and action in the world – calling us to responsiveness to the needs of others.

 

5. A focus on the future direction the parish will take.

 

We will fulfill this mission collaboratively, both lay and ordained through ministries of evangelization, education, justice, healing, hospitality and service. We will fulfill this mission individually through faithful and active witness to the Gospel of Jesus.

 

6. Specific people/groups the parish will serve.

 

 

7. Key words that have a particular wealth of meaning for the parish community.

 

 

Our Mission as a Parish

(Proposed Draft—1999)

 

We are the Catholic People of God
who gather for worship
around the Table of the Word and Sacrament
at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Claremont,
and who live as one with Christ and one another
as members of Christ’s body.

We are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ,
who follow Him as Lord, Teacher, and Savior.
We live our discipleship
in union with the local Church of Los Angeles
and the universal Church.
As members of the one Body of Christ,
we commit ourselves
to live and support one another
in faith, hope, and charity.

We are sent forth as apostles
to be servants of the Kingdom of God in our world,
making the Good News of Jesus Christ present and alive
in word and deed.
We fulfill this mission collaboratively,
coming together in discernment, prayer and worship,
through ministries
of evangelization, education, healing, hospitality, and service.
We fulfill this mission individually
through faithful and active witness to the Gospel of Jesus
in every aspect of our lives.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit,
under the patronage of Our Lady of the Assumption,
we pray to be faithful to this mission.

 

MISSION STATEMENT CONSULTATION

(Comments of Planning Team Members)

 

1. Is the statement clear? If not, why not?

 

Ok — maybe not specific or concrete enough.

The mission statement is not clear. It’s way too long, wordy and does not “touch the heart.”  It is very general and not inspirational or motivating. It gives no clear sense of who we are as a Catholic community.  Words like “table of the word and sacrament” and “Catholic people of God,” these concepts are lost on the average parishioner and don’t effectively communicate the concepts.

Yes it is clear, however, we should add: that we intend to implement, or try to implement our mission — encourage and/or train lay leaders, encourage aid for the poor, etc.

Yes it is clear.

The statement appears to be more theoretical than a working statement or guide to action.  No doubt these are heartfelt statements but does not convey a plan to follow.

I do not know if the average parish member can separate the differences between apostle leading or disciples following.

Clear, but much too long.

Yes this statement gives a clear message to me about our church.

The length of the statement makes it somewhat obscure. The statements are all good – some are even profound — but there is just too much in it.  Instead of words to live by, it is paragraphs to live by!

It is much too long and not focused. Need to retain such items as “we are a Catholic people of God.”

Somewhat — its very good in capturing the identity and features and values and beliefs, the people served — but it “fogs up” with repetition and wordiness, so it is not clear enough.

Clear yes. Too wordy. Needs more inclusiveness.

I think it is, but somehow it is too wordy and long. I think the ultimate statement itself should be concise and fairly brief, where some things are reasonably given or understood instead of enumerating “who” we serve — we can say “all.”

In view of the call for mission statements to be inspiring and challenging, the current wording should be synthesized in consideration of our diversity (and levels of literacy.)

Yes.

The statement clearly states the proper mission statement of the parish. However, the parish needs to focus more on this mission statement so that everyone j~ included within the congregation.

Yes, the statement is clear and quite concise.

Yes, however, it could use further abbreviation.

Yes. It is very clear to understand and follow.

Dignity? No mention of love. . . . support one another with love ... happiness and joy?

The statement is clear, however it is written in the present tense and should have the future tense in areas discussed.

Yes. I also find it to be poetically expressed.

Yes, but too long.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes, it is beautifully written.

Yes. I hope the statement is much shorter than the one written by Father Tom.

The statement is clear in general, but some things could be added, one of them, which is very important, is will. We already are working as the mission is stated, but we should talk about what we will continue to do.

No. Keep it short. It is redundant, lacks emphasis and clarity, too many concepts.

Yes. Add the group note on Claremont.

 

2. Does the statement express what you believe to be the mission of the parish? Why?  Why not?

 

Yes, it is Christ centered.

It expresses ideas of support for each other and being sent out to others, which I agree with. Concept of justice and peace need to be at the heart of who we are.

The 1999 statement is spiritual and ideal for almost any Catholic parish.

Yes.

The plan conveys worthy ideals that need to be expanded on and/or clarified so as to be understood and able to be practiced day to day. The exact mission of the parish, in my opinion, is too soon to clarify and I am not yet sufficiently informed or enlightened to know what it should be.

Generally. Does not mention social aspects of parish life.

It does so in terms that most of us understand. But, again, needs to be condensed.

Yes and no. I think we need improvement on hospitality and on a better understanding of suffering and how it relates to healing.

In essence, yes. It identifies who we are, what we are called to be, and to whom we are sent.

Yes and no. The overall statement covers much of who and what we are. The group mentioned specific elements that are needed.

Yes, but not succinct enough and too loose in places. (Disjointed by too many interjected thoughts.)

Yes, wholly but needs some more ideas and groups included.

Yes, it does cover the key elements of why/what a parish should be. But somehow I think it should be reworded — at this point I don’t know how.  I think more time or a gem on its final statement.

Generally yes, if emphasis is given to the collaborative component (i.e. what can we only do as a parish community that cannot be done as individuals, make sure collaborative is understood to challenge us to greater lay leadership.)

It does.

Yes. The statement expresses the ideals of the OLA Parish and truly portrays my beliefs in what this mission statement needs to be.

The statement does express what I believe and what we should do.

Yes, but I would emphasize key tenets such as: known for existence; parish values; who are served.

Yes. Because I believe all these statements from the filling of the people, who was experienced with parish.

Actively reaching out. We need a greater focus on role of youth and children as vital for the future of the Church.

Yes, the statement expresses fully the mission of our parish, OLA, to gather as Catholics, calls upon us as Jesus’ disciples, to go as Jesus’ apostles all through the guiding of the Holy Spirit. With the additions made in response to question #5 it does express by belief of what the Church should be about.

Yes, it is all inclusive, but rather lengthy.

Yes, but I’d like to see it half as long. That’s going to be hard to do with all the things we talked about today.

Yes. I would like to see more dedicated emphasis on youth programs, youth outreach and having a full time lay youth minister position.

Yes it’s inclusive. Describes OLA essence well.

Yes, in a very general, philosophical manner. However, I feel it is not specific enough. We need clearly stated areas where we feel we are called to serve. It is more a theological statement than a call to action.

Yes. Every aspect of our parish has been stated, maybe more can be added to energize it more such as answers for #6 and #7.

Keep it short, it repeats itself.

Yes, but needs elaboration such as the addition of group consensus.

 

3. What ideas would you add to the statement? Why?

 

Need to add some sort of ecumenical dimension.

Shared responsibility, shared authority for well being of all aspects of parish, especially in decision making process.

Multi-cultural Catholic community that celebrates diversity.

Concepts of justice and peace as core values.

A community that is committed to building bridges between diverse groups to form a community where members are supported, challenged and sent forth.

We want to have OLA be a parish that all our children will be eager to attend and participate (if they live as adults in the geographical area.)

I would bring in a more aggressive educational program on family life, re-emphasizing that the building block of our faith community is the individual family “church” units.

Religious vocations; planning; change; emphasis on church teaching/law.

Specific areas of lay participation.

Terminology that expresses more of what it should be in the future. We need to know where we are going.

I would like to add that our lives should be examples of this statement.

Concepts of shared leadership between the ordained and the lay members of the parish.  This change of leadership focus within the Church is a key element of the mission of the Church at this point in time.

Focus on youth, elderly, evangelization, training leaders, etc.

Attentive, engaging, challenging — because these are distinctive features or our parish.

Religious vocations, help all in need.

More emphasis on social justice as distinct from service — distinguish things we initiate or push out (evangelization & education) from our call to serve or respond (healing, hospitality.)

I agree with some more ideas that all four groups have already brought up or altered.

More action must be involved in the statement, giving full emphasis on how we, together, will strive, commit and serve as we ought to for the other within the parish.

I like the key words (#7). I hope there is some way they can be incorporated into the statement.

Write the statement with economy of words.

All these ideas are very good and helpful.

“including but not limited to” instead of e.g.

Ideas that should be included are: parish roots; who we serve; remembering to include but never limit too. A more forthright future parts, assertiveness.

I feel that special emphasis on the social Gospel (justice) is very important in expressing the mission of the Church generally and of OLA in particular. Sharing of authority and responsibility is a necessity given the shortage of clerics.

None.

Express in a more active fashion.

In addition #6 — who we serve: Ecumenical community, collaborating and sharing worship services (e.g. Thanksgiving services) work and service with the Council of Churches.

Add “California” after Claremont.

OLA exists at the center of spiritual life — center in the sense of bringing together.  Using the wheel analogy, OLA is the hub.

Nothing that wasn’t mentioned.

None. Keep it short and understandable.

Add group though in future — add the word will and justice where indicated.

Add at end of second paragraph, with emphasis on building up, educating and supporting the “building block of Church” — the individual family “Church.”

Add to opening statement, “We are the Christian, Catholic People of God.

In second paragraph add... to live and encourage each other to support one another…

In third paragraph add... of evangelization, education, healing, hospitality and ser other and as brothers and sisters.

 

4. What ideas would you delete? Why?

 

It think it is too long.

Catholic community rather than people of God. Community is a living, breathing concept.  I would not delete charity but add justice and peace. Delete Kingdom of God, and Word — use more human language to communicate these concepts.

I would try to shorten the 1999 statement — (difficult because it is so good.)

Cut the mission statement in half, with the addition of “direction” to the statement focusing on education and support of the basic family unit.

Broad based flowing statements that do not instantly convey the thought or intention. Should be more concise.

None.

Would delete only the last phrase of the third paragraph. In every aspect of our Ii little redundant if we are active witnesses.

References to universal and local church — this is a given and only serves to make the statement overwhelming and unwieldy — i.e. compress the first two sections.

None. Boil the verbiage down to a few sentences. Include some of the specifics listed.

“Called to be disciples” (redundant); “sent forth as apostles” (unnecessary); “As members of one body” (redundant); “We fulfill this mission individually through faithful and active witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives” (unnecessary wordiness).

None.

The “marginalized” — I still prefer the word “all” which encompasses everyone, including them.

Not so much delete as eliminate redundancies (such as “in every aspect of our lives”) and nice, but unnecessary qualifiers.

None.

I believe that everything in the 1999 mission statement is crucial for the true understanding of our parish and the parish’s goals. I do not see any need for deletions, except for the last phrase on the second-to-last paragraph stating “in every aspect of our lives.” Aside from that the mission is fine.

Do not like #5. the word “collaboratively” could be replaced with “cooperation.” Also I have problems with #6 — use of the term “marginalized” — should be a better word.

I would avoid a listing of marginalized and/or diverse groups. A general statement should suffice.

Nothing. I don’t want to delete any of these.

“Marginalized” is unnecessary and not a broad enough statement, it limits the message of the statement.

The whole second paragraph – too flowery – direct and concise sentence would be appropriate.

I do not feel any deletion is indicated. All of the ideas given expression are important and should be included.

None.

Instead of “shared” leadership — “supportive” leadership. Shared leadership can ii leadership which is on same level as priest/ordained.

None.

I suggest the following: We of Our Lady of Assumption Church in Claremont, California, commit as Catholics to evangelization, education, healing, hospitality and service.

“In every aspect of our lives” seems redundant.

 

Additional Comments (proposal of text):

 

We are Catholics in Claremont, in union with the universal Church drawn together around a life-giving sacramental relationship through the Trinity. As disciples of Jesus Christ, Christians called to evangelize and minister to others’ needs, we are committed to be engaging,

challenging and always welcoming. We are a prayerful people who are attentive to God’s word and the Holy Spirit’s presence, and action in the world, calling us to responsiveness to others’ needs and building up family life and education.

 

Final Text of Mission Statement

Formulated by Core Team following Consultation

 

Our Mission as a Parish

We, the People of God,
under the patronage of Our Lady of the Assumption
are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

As members of the Body of Christ,
gathering for worship around the Table of Word and Sacrament,
we commit ourselves to live and support one another in
faith, hope, and love.

We are sent forth as apostles, in the power of the Holy Spirit,
to make the Good News of Jesus Christ present and alive in our world
through evangelization and hospitality, healing and service,
education and the establishment of justice.

January 14, 2000

 

Attachment

Text of old (1980’s?) OLA mission statement for reference:

 

Old Mission Statement

 

We proclaim the word of God through preaching and catechetical formation. This word speaks to the community and the world in which we live, helping us interpret the meaning of our lives in the light of the Gospel.

We celebrate the sacraments in a way that leads to full participation of the worshiping community. The liturgy calls our community together to be nourished by the Word, to pray, to praise God, to give thanks, and to celebrate and encounter Christ present among us. We recognize Christ present in the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Christian life.

We recognize and build the Body of Christ in a way that embraces, nourishes, and sustains all the people of God with loving fidelity.

We witness to the Gospel through a life-style that is marked by respect for all life, sensitivity to the needs of others, humility, compassion, justice and loving care of all persons.

We give service to all and we work toward social justice, especially for the poor, the lonely, the sick and dying, the addicted, those who are homeless, disenfranchised, or exiled from their homeland, the suffering, the neglected, the persecuted, the hungry, the unchurched and the alienated.

(no date available)