Text Box: Our Lady of the Assumption Parish

January 6-7, 2001

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

On this Solemnity of the Epiphany, the day chosen by Pope John Paul II to formally conclude the Great Jubilee Year 2000, I am very pleased to present to you the Strategic Pastoral Plan for Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 2000-2005. For over a year and a half, many parishioners have worked very hard to formulate a comprehensive and realistic plan to guide our parish development in the first years of this new century and new millennium.

Why do we need to plan? The Second Vatican Council envisioned a Catholic Church in which all the faithful—lay and ordained in their respective roles—collaborate in discernment and guidance of the Church in fulfilling the mission of Christ. During the past decade, pastoral planning has been emphasized in our own Archdiocese as an important way of making this vision a reality. A sound pastoral plan will help us formulate priorities in the face of changing times, needs, and circumstances.

The plan consists of four major elements:

· Our Parish Mission

· Strategic Goals to guide parish priorities over the /next five years.

· Concrete Objectives and Action Plans for the first year to move us in the direction of the goals.

· A commitment to ongoing planning, including yearly monitoring, formulation of new objectives, and possible refinement and modification of the goals—to be done by the Parish Pastoral Council as the major planning body of the parish.

I am grateful for the collaboration of many parish leaders and staff members for their united effort to produce a pastoral plan that points in a clear direction, yet is realistic and flexible.

I am also deeply grateful to you for your love and support as a parish community. The greatest joy that I can experience as a pastor is your generous and loving presence to one another as sisters and brothers in Christ.

May God bless you always. I love you.

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

A mission statement is an attempt to articulate who we are, why we exist, and what we have been called to do as a parish community. While we acknowledge that our fundamental mission has been given to us by the command of Jesus Christ and the faith of the Catholic Church, we must still come to terms with what that means for us here and now.

The above mission statement for our parish was formulated a year ago at the start of our strategic pastoral planning. A month-long process of composition, involving the parish planning team and the pastoral staff produced the statement which was presented to the parish at Mass the weekend of January 14, 1999.

It is important to understand that the mission statement, which guided the rest of the planning process, does not merely reflect opinions or feelings about what our parish should be. Rather, these words embody some of our fellow parishioners’ best thinking and praying on the question, asked in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the life of the Catholic Church, “Who are we, and what are we called to do?”

During the fall and winter of 1999-2000, parish leaders were asked to prepare a comprehensive description and assessment of the parish and its various ministries and activities. At the same time, Richard J. Burke and Associates conducted a professional Limited Institutional Assessment of both parish and school. Combined with demographic and economic data, we were able to analyze our parish strengths and weaknesses (internal characteristics that affect how we live and work as a parish) and our opportunities and threats (external or environmental factors that can help or hinder the fulfillment of our mission).

At a two-day strategic planning retreat, April 14-15, 2000, the planning team, about fifty parish leaders representing a great diversity of experience, involvement, and background, gathered to identify the most important issues facing our parish in the future, and on the basis of all the data collected, draft long-range goals (five year) to guide the formulation of objectives and action plans.

These goals were submitted to the entire parish community in June, 2000, and you were asked whether you accepted them as indicating our parish priorities in the light our mission. Out of 201 signed consultation forms returned, there was an average of 97% agreement on the goals, indicating general acceptance of following goals as guiding our development as parish for the next five years. After this parish-wide consultation and modification by the Core Planning Team, the goals were accepted and presented to the parish on July 16, 2000.

It is important at this point to understand the difference between goals and objectives. Goals should address specific areas and issues of our Christian life and mission, serving as general guides to action, challenging and inspiring. Objectives, on the other hand, are action plans, specific and measurable, clearly definable steps toward fulfillment of the long-rang goal.

Strategic Pastoral Plan: Goals for 2000-2005

Goal #1: Worship/Liturgy

Our Lady of the Assumption will establish and implement a collaborative process to provide liturgical celebrations that form and nurture us as a diverse community and empower us to live our discipleship.

Goal #2: Parish Community Spirituality

Our Lady of the Assumption will develop and implement a unified spiritual enrichment program that supports the many facets of Christian life as we seek to understand and live our mission as a parish.

Goal #3: Unity and Diversity/Ethnic Communities

Our Lady of the Assumption, recognizing that we are a multi-cultural community, will respect and support the integrity of our diverse traditions, and foster cultural awareness as an important aspect of our unity.

Goal #4: Community

Our Lady of the Assumption will actively foster a positive, visible and dynamic presence in the Pomona-Inland Valley community.

Goal #5: Decision Making

Our Lady of the Assumption will develop and implement a collaborative decision-making model, including the establishment of an effective pastoral council.

Goal #6: Administration

Our Lady of the Assumption will support the well being of our ministers and programs, through the cultivation, training and utilization of staff and volunteers, adequate financing, and effective communication.

Goal #7: Buildings and Grounds

Our Lady of the Assumption will design and implement a parish facility master plan with components including needs assessment, space utilization and capital campaign feasibility.

Goal #8: Youth

Our Lady of the Assumption, recognizing the vital importance of our youth in all aspects of parish life, will provide a comprehensive program for our youth and young adults.

Goal #9: Religious Education

Our Lady of the Assumption will provide a religious education process that focuses on life-long participation, exploration, and deepening of our Christian identity in all levels of parish life, from adult to child.

Goal #10: Parish School

Our Lady of the Assumption, recognizing the value of quality Catholic education, will integrate our school more fully into the overall life of the parish.

Goal #11: Christian Service and Outreach

Our Lady of the Assumption will develop and implement a comprehensive approach to hospitality, service and outreach, including assessment of talents and needs, recruitment and education of the laity, publicity, and coordination of programs.

Goal #12: The Poor, Marginalized and Alienated

Our Lady of the Assumption will develop a process to hear and understand the needs of the poor, marginalized and alienated of our community, and to address the causes of poverty and injustice in Gospel value terms.

Goal #13: Evangelization and Initiation

Our Lady of the Assumption will develop and implement a comprehensive plan for evangelization and initiation, inviting all people, both within and outside the parish community, to hear the Gospel message and participate in the Church’s mission in the world.

The objectives, which address the short-term, one-year implementation of the goals, were originally drafted by members of the parish pastoral and administrative staff and clergy during the summer and fall of 2000, after reviewing how the goals gave direction to their particular areas of responsibility. The objectives, and the action plans for actually accomplishing them, were reviewed and modified by the entire Strategic Planning Team at meeting on October 24, 2000, and subsequently reviewed in depth by the Core Team, which recognized that many of the objectives reflect projects already planned or underway during the planning process.

Three of the goals and objectives were determined to have highest priority, and these are explained in greater detail following the listing of goals, objectives, and action plans.

The implementation of a number of objectives were deferred by the Core Team because it was felt that they could be best handled as part of the ongoing planning under the guidance of the Parish Pastoral Council. They will form an important part of the Council’s first-year agenda.

Note that, while the goals constitute a five-year vision, the objectives are limited only to the first year of implementation. According to this plan, the Parish Pastoral Council will, in union with the pastor and the pastoral staff, become the permanent planning body for the parish. Thus a major part of its responsibility will be to monitor the ongoing implementation and development of the Strategic Pastoral Plan, and to determine specific objectives and action plans for each year.

Strategic Pastoral Plan
Objectives for 2000-2001

Goal #1: Worship/Liturgy

Objective 1a:

To re-establish and revitalize an appropriately representative parish liturgy committee.

Action Plan:

A liturgy committee with broader representation has already been formed. Ministry leaders and others with various key roles in the celebration of our parish liturgies, including Spanish and Vietnamese, have been invited to monthly meetings. The group has a mandate to engage in a year formation including prayer, study of the Church’s liturgical documents, and reflection on the liturgical life of our parish. A plan for the ongoing functions of a parish liturgy committee, in relation to the staff Liturgy Coordinator, should be formulated by the end of the 2000-2001 program year.

This action plan involves no significant addition to the currently approved parish budget.

Objective 1b:

To hire a part-time Liturgy Coordinator.

Action Plan:

This was done in September 2000. Cost is a part-time salary, which is included in the 2000-2001 revised budget.

Goal #2: Parish Community Spirituality

Our Lady of the Assumption will develop and implement a unified spiritual enrichment program that supports the many facets of Christian life as we seek to understand and live our mission as a parish.

Objective 2a:

To research existing spiritual enrichment programs with a view toward determining what would be best to implement of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Action Plan:

The Strategic Planning Core Team recommended that this Objective be deferred until 2001-2002, and that responsibility for its implementation be under the direction of the Pastor and the Pastoral Council.

Objective 2b:

To host several lecture series on “spirituality” for parish ministry and organization leaders, working from the grass-roots level by actively encouraging the prayer life of the various ministries and organizations at Our Lady of the Assumption.

Action Plan:

In addition to past programs, such as the Parish Eucharistic Mission by Fr. Gallen in June, 2000, elements of this objective are already underway with the following programs: (1) a Parish Staff Retreat, held on September 9, 2000; (2) Life-in-the-Spirit Seminar, which took place during October and November, 2000; Lecture series on “Job” by Fr. Tony Campbell, November and December, 2000; and Lenten series by Pastor Bob Linthicum, sponsored by the Pomona Valley Organizing Project. Estimated fees for the speakers are are within the currently approved budget.. It is anticipated that some of the cost will also be borne by participants’ contributions. Further steps will result from the implementation of Objective 2a in the following year(s).

Goal #3: Unity and Diversity/Ethnic Communities

Objective 3:

To develop a Communication Plan that informs the parish at large of activities, issues, and concerns of the cultural communities that function with a distinct identity within the parish community.

Action Plan:

This objective was developed by the Parish Pastoral Staff in recognition of a need to continue and deepen communication among diverse cultures. However, the Strategic Planning Core Team recommended to defer implementation of this objective because the formation of a task force committee and the research needed would require more resources and staff involvement than is possible at this time. This objective may need to be refocused under the guidance of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Goal #4: Community

Our Lady of the Assumption will actively foster a positive, visible and dynamic presence in the Pomona-Inland Valley community.

Objective 4a:

To strengthen and/or establish connections with appropriate local civic and social organizations by the appointment and support of interested and committed persons to serve as parish representatives.

Action Plan:

This objective addresses the fact that our parish representation in the civic and social life of our region, while often significant, has been inconsistent. To improve this will require considerable research, further planning, and coordination of volunteer representation. The Strategic Planning Core Team has recommended that this objective be deferred for consideration by the Parish Pastoral Council.

Objective 4b:

To hold a public relations workshop for parish leaders, including staff, leaders of various organizations and ministries, and anyone else interested in assisting in parish-community relations.

Action Plan:

The Strategic Planning Core Team has recommended that this objective can best be implemented next year, after a Volunteer Coordinator is in place.

Objective 4c:

To promote, coordinate, and sustain a positive, dynamic, and visible presence in local celebrations and events.

Action Plan:

The Strategic Planning Core Team has recommended that this objective can best be implemented next year, after a Volunteer Coordinator is in place.

Goal #5: Decision Making

Our Lady of the Assumption will develop and implement a collaborative decision-making model, including the establishment of an effective pastoral council.

Objective 5a:

To establish a Pastoral Council Steering Committee.

Action Plan:

The establishment of a Parish Pastoral Council is one of the three high priority goals and objectives for this year, as recommended by the Strategic Planning Core Team. The Pastor in consultation with the strategic planning core team will define the task and desired makeup of the committee and select members. The initial meeting of the Pastoral Council Steering Committee should take place no later than the end of January, 2001. No additional financial expenditures would be expected at this stage.

Objective 5b:

To define the purpose and responsibilities of the Pastoral Council, and identify the gifts needed on the Council.

Action Plan:

The Pastoral Council Steering Committee, in consultation with the Pastor, will study and discuss the various models of parish pastoral councils as presented in the available resources on the development and implementation of pastoral councils (e.g., the Pastoral Council Guidelines of the Archdiocese, and publications by Mark Fishcer, Loughlan Sofield, and others). Consider engaging a facilitator or outside consultant to support this process. The Archdiocesan Pastoral Councils Office should be consulted.

The Pastoral Council Steering Committee will make recommendations to the Pastor regarding the structure and function of a parish pastoral council best suited for Our Lady of the Assumption, and will outline its purpose and responsibilities. The Steering Committee will also identify the gifts needed for service on the council. These recommendations should be ready no later than May 31, 2001. Cost of this phase may include a consultant’s fee.

Objective 5c:

To develop the process for identifying and calling forth members for the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Pastoral Council.

Action Plan:

The Pastoral Council Steering Committee, in consultation with the Pastor, will analyze the various ways for selecting council members discussed in the resources above, and make a recommendation most suitable for Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. The Pastor, in conjunction with the Steering Committee, will select the members according to the process decided upon, and implement the formation of the Council. The Our Lady of the Assumption Pastoral Council should have its first meeting no later than the end of September, 2001.

Goal #6: Administration

Objective 6a:

To create and fill the position of Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries.

Action Plan:

This is one of the three high priority goals and objectives for this year, as recommended by the Strategic Planning Core Team. The Offertory/Time and Talent committee will study and research the concept of the Coordinator of volunteer Ministries position, utilizing the experience of parishes that have one as well as other consultants and sources. Utilizing the findings of the research process and the recommendations of the above committee, The Pastor will appoint a Search Committee to develop a job description and a salary range for the position and conduct a search to fill the position. The search itself should begin no later than March 1, 2001.

After appropriate screening and interviewing of applicants, the Search Committee will make a recommendation to the Pastor. The target date for filling the position will be July 1, 2001. The cost will be one full-time, professional salary, plus benefits, according to accepted standards for qualified professionals in ministry. This will need to be budgeted into the 2001-2002 fiscal year. (Note: this action plan also implements Objective 11a.)

Objective 6b:

To provide two performance evaluation training sessions for parish supervisory staff.

Action Plan:

This is one of the most important immediate steps needed to improve the effectiveness of parish administration, and therefore more effectively utilize parish resources as good stewards. The Director of Administration will research and determine the most appropriate trainer, and schedule two training session in the Spring of 2001. The cost of these sessions has been included in the current approved budget.

Objective 6c:

To provide two training sessions for the Parish Finance Council.

Action Plan:

The Parish Finance Council, made up of parishioners from a variety of backgrounds with diverse areas of expertise. They meet monthly to review the entire financial picture of the parish and school, and make recommendations to the Pastor and Administrative staff. In order for them to function most effectively, they need training in the purpose and operation of finance councils in the light of canon law and Archdiocesan policies and procedures. The Director of Administration will research and determine the most appropriate trainer, and schedule two training sessions in the Spring of 2001. The cost of these sessions has been included in the current approved budget.

Objective 6d:

To implement an effective Offertory increase program in conjunction with Time and Talent in order to integrate and increase parishioner support of all aspects of the parish.

Action Plan:

The augmented Offertory Increase/Time and Talent Committee, together with the Pastor and Director of Administration, are continuing to implement the Bannon & Associates’ In-Pew Program. This program also requires significant office staff and volunteer work, especially to implement mailings. The cost of this consultation is a regular part of the approved parish budget. (Note: this action plan also implements Objective 11b.)

Goal #7: Buildings and Grounds

Our Lady of the Assumption will design and implement a parish facility master plan with components including needs assessment, space utilization and capital campaign feasibility.

Objective 7a:

To conduct a thorough and professional facility needs assessment and prepare a facility master plan.

Action Plan:

This is one of the three high priority goals and objectives for this year, as recommended by the Strategic Planning Core Team. The Pastor will appoint a committee of parishioners to assist him and the administrative staff in selecting a consultant. This committee should be established by January 1, 2001, and will then gather information needed to select a consultant, including networking with parishes that have recently conducted such a process. The committee will then work with the Pastor, Director of Administration, and Facilities Manager to select a consultant by April 1, 2001. The needs assessment/master planning process should begin no later than June, 2001, with anticipated completion in the fall. A professional architectural consultant’s fee is included in the current approved budget.

Goal #8: Youth

Our Lady of the Assumption, recognizing the vital importance of our youth in all aspects of parish life, will provide a comprehensive program for our youth and young adults.

Objective 8a:

To form a college-age young adult group, meeting once a week.

Action Plan:

The Youth Minister of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish will connect with the campus ministry of the Claremont Colleges, University of LaVerne, and Mt. SAC, as well as utilizing the parish bulletin, announcements, and personal contacts, to recruit college-age young adults to form a group that will hold weekly meetings. This has already begun. The costs of this program are within the parameters of the current Youth Ministry budget.

Objective 8b:

To establish a core team of college-age young adults who assist in leading the High School youth meetings.

Action Plan:

The Youth Minister of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish will form a volunteer group within the above-mentioned young adult group, and will provide an initial training program for them in January , 2001. Through the first half of 2001, they will have opportunity to exercise leadership with the High School ministry, and will be offered more extensive training as of June, 2001. The costs of this program are within the parameters of the current Youth Ministry budget.

Goal #9: Religious Education

Objective 9a:

To recruit parents to participate in their children’s religious education classes and activities.

Action Plan:

The Director of Religious Education will invite parents to participate and will set up a parent supervisory committee to activate parent program of participation. This will begin in Advent, 2000. There is no additional expense involved.

Objective 9b:

To develop a program of continuous formation opportunities for our volunteer catechists and aides, as well as parents and other adults of the parish.

Action Plan:

The Director of Religious Education and staff will advertise and recruit for the Archdiocesan Basic Faith Formation Courses, Archdiocesan Religious Education Congresses, and other Archdiocesan programs, as well as provide workshops here on site for teachers and parents in the areas of family spirituality, service, family life, and sacrament preparation. This will all be carried out throughout the year 2000-2001. The total cost of the Archdiocesan programs is included in the current Religious Education budget.

Objective 9c:

To increase bilingual (Spanish/English) classes at the communion preparation level.

Action Plan:

The Director of Religious Education will recruit more bilingual catechists and aides, and provide leadership training for the current Hispanic Religious Education Coordinator. This will be done beginning September, 2000. The estimated cost for leadership training is part of the current budget.

Development of a comprehensive adult education plan will need to be one of the considerations of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Goal #10: Parish School

Our Lady of the Assumption, recognizing the value of quality Catholic education, will integrate our school more fully into the overall life of the parish.

Objective 10a:

To develop a plan by which to broaden the school Service Hours Program to include service in the parish community, and to include parishioners serving the school as volunteers.

Action Plan:

The Pastor, School Principal, and PFA Liaison will examine the school’s Service Hours Program to determine ways to extend service to include the parish community. Both possibilities of utilizing parish ministry and service to count as “service hours” as well as possible parish volunteers to assist the school should be considered. A plan should be formulated by the end of the academic year 2000-2001, which can then be implemented in the academic year 2001-2002.

Objective 10b:

To collaborate between Religious Education and Our Lady of the Assumption School to increase communication for the purpose of family education.

Action Plan:

The Principal and the Director of Religious Education will meet during the Spring of 2001 to formulate a plan for adult family education of both school and religious education families to be implemented in the academic year 2001-2002.

Objective 10c:

To integrate Our Lady of the Assumption School more closely with the liturgical life of the parish.

Action Plan:

The Principal will initiate contact during the Spring of 2001 with the Parish Liturgy Coordinator, Music Director, and others to determine a plan that can be implemented during the academic year 2001-2002.

In addition, the school administration is reviewing the school strategic plan of four years ago, the WASC accreditation results of two years ago, and the institutional conducted last year as guides for future planning and development.

Goal #11: Christian Service and Outreach

Objective 11a:

To fill the position of Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries by June 30, 2001.

Action Plan:

This objective is implemented by the Action Plan of Objective 6a.

Objective 11b:

To increase parishioner participation in parish ministries and organizations.

Action Plan:

The Bannon and Associates’ Time and Talent Program will be utilized to invite discernment and participation by parishioners in volunteer ministry and service opportunities. This is currently in process, as implemented by the Offertory/Time and Talent Committee and the parish office staff. (See Objective 6e.)

Future steps to fulfill this goal should be one of the priorities of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Goal #12: The Poor, Marginalized and Alienated

Objective 12a:

To develop a core leadership group to address this goal at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.

Action Plan:

The Parish Core Leadership of the Pomona Valley Cluster of the L.A. Metro Strategy –IAF is planning a parish leadership training session in February, 2001, as well as a Lenten series at Our Lady of the Assumption. The goals of this organization perfectly fulfill this parish goal, and the L.A. Metro Strategy currently includes the participation and support of more than 50 churches and other institutions,25 of them Catholic, with the endorsement of the Cardinal Archbishop and our regional bishops. This is a concrete way of joining with a larger network of Catholic parishes to address the concerns of justice and poverty. This expense is currently budgeted and is subject to re-evaluation next year.

Goal #13: Evangelization and Initiation

Objective 13a:

To increase interaction between RCIA catechumens and candidates on the one hand, and various parish organizations and ministries on the other.

Action Plan:

The RCIA Director and team members (inquiry, precatechumenate, catechumenate, and mystagogy) will contact parish ministries and organization leaders requesting witnesses to share their ministries. These witnesses will be invited to Inquiry, Formation, and Mystagogia activities to share their ministries, as requested by catechumens and candidates. The witness will also invite catechumens and candidates to their ministries and organizations to experience their activities, as requested by the catechumens and candidates. This will be implemented during the Spring of 2001. Minimal mailing and material costs are within the RCIA program’s current budget.

Objective 13b:

To develop a shared plan by the Religious Education and Christian Initiation offices for the initiation of unbaptized children of catechetical age and youth.

Action Plan:

The Directors of the two offices meet, decide how to formulate the plan, and adopt it. They will meet by February, 2001, and the plan will be in place by June, 2001. Costs will be minimal for program materials which are already budgeted.

Strategic Pastoral Plan
Priority Objectives for 2000-2001

Formation of a Parish Pastoral Council

Goal #5: Our Lady of the Assumption will develop and implement a collaborative decision-making model, including the establishment of an effective pastoral council.

Priority Objectives:

a. To establish a Pastoral Council Steering Committee.

b. To define the purpose and responsibilities of the Pastoral Council, and identify the gifts needed on the Council.

c. To develop the process for identifying and calling forth members for the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Pastoral Council.

The Church promotes the establishment of parish pastoral councils as an indispensable resource for planning, collaboration, dialogue, and discernment. Members of a pastoral council bring broad ranging expertise and experience to reflection, consultation, and discernment on important questions of how we as a parish hear and respond to the call and mission of Christ.

By the end of January, 2001, the pastor and strategic planning core team will define the task and select members of a Pastoral Council Steering Committee, who will then research the available models and resources for pastoral council development. By the end of May, they will make recommendations to the pastor and parish pastoral staff. Over the summer, the steering committee will assist in the implementation, selection of members, and formation of the council. Our Lady of the Assumption Pastoral Council should hold its first meeting no later than the end of September, 2001.

The goal speaks of a more comprehensive “collaborative decision making process.” Within the policies and procedures established by the norms of the Archdiocese and the universal Church, our pastoral and administrative staff exercise a high degree of collaboration in the basic decisions regarding parish operation and ministry. The consultation, wisdom, discernment and overall direction that a pastoral council can provide will give greater focus and support to the collaboration that already exists.

This coming year, a major focus of our life as a parish will to participate in the Archdiocesan Synod, a major planning process involving the whole local church. The Pastoral Letter, “As I Have Done for You,” written jointly by the priests of the Archdiocese and Cardinal Roger Mahony, provides the focus and direction for our future planning. The Pastoral Letter is available at the parish office or on the Archdiocesan web site at http://cardinal.la-archdiocese.org/000420.htm .

The implementation of our own pastoral plan, especially the establishment of a viable and dynamic pastoral council, will serve not only the vitality of our own parish but enhance our participation in helping to shape the future of our entire local Church.

The implementation of Goal #5 was viewed by the entire planning team as having the highest priority.

Facilities Needs Assessment and Master Plan

Goal #7: Our Lady of the Assumption will design and implement a parish facility master plan with components including needs assessment, space utilization and capital campaign feasibility.

Priority Objective: To conduct a thorough and professional facility needs assessment and prepare a facility master plan.

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish community is blessed with a wonderful campus and complex of buildings that were established over the past half century to serve the needs of all who gather here for both church and school activities. It is becoming increasingly evident that our facilities no longer adequately serve the needs of our parish. Hasty or poorly planned fixes will not serve our parish in its long-term future, so it is important that careful assessment and planning be undertaken to assure that future generations will be well served by parish facilities that serve both present and future needs.

Beginning this month, the pastor will work with a small committee of parishioners to select a consultant to conduct a facilities needs assessment and master planning process. It is hoped that this process can begin no later than the beginning of summer and be completed by fall. Consultation will include leaders of the various groups and organizations of the parish that make use of the facilities, as well as parishioners at large. The conclusion of the master plan should enable us to determine the extent of new construction and/or renovation that will be most appropriate to provide us with facilities that will best serve future generations.

Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries

Goal #6: Our Lady of the Assumption will support the well being of our ministers and programs, through the cultivation, training and utilization of staff and volunteers, adequate financing, and effective communication.

Priority Objective: To create and fill the position of Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries.

The generosity of ever-increasing numbers of parishioners in giving of their time and talent is truly inspiring. As ministries grow and develop, the need for a full-time, staff-level coordinator to assist in both the organization and training of volunteer ministers has become apparent. Other parishes of similar composition, activity, and resources as OLA have successfully benefited from the services of a volunteer ministries coordinator, and can serve as models for us.

The Offertory/Time and Talent Committee, which guided our recent, successful Time and Talent appeal, will study and research the concept of Coordinator of Volunteer Ministries position, utilizing the experience of other parishes as well as consultants and church-related sources. The Pastor will then appoint a Search Committee to develop a position description and conduct a search, which should begin no later than March, 2001. After appropriate screening and interviewing of applicants, the search committee will make a recommendation to the Pastor. The target date for filling the position will be July 1, 2001.

Strategic Pastoral Planning Team Participants

Katrina Asinas

Elaine Beliveau *

Bernadette Boyle *

Jeffrey Brown

Tinh Tan Cao

Thuy Nga Cao

Elmer Carvalho

Adeline Cardenas-Clague *

Sandra Columbus

Steve Duncan

Louie Duran *

Deacon Art Escovedo *

Ray Fleck

John Gateley *

Janette Gould *

Misael Jimenez, Jr.

Steve Kay

Sue Keavney

Sr. Claire Kehl *

Fr. Anthony Lee *

Robert Lemoine *

Elida Lujan *

Tom Luong

Maria Lan Luong

Richard Mabie

Bing Macavinta

Sharon Mack

John Maeder

Mary Jeannette Martz

Mary McCaughey *

Matt McDonagh *

Jean McKenna

Donna Marie Minano *

Mary Jean Neault *

James Niewiarowski

Elizabeth Norene *

Fr. Kris Offor

George Ostertag *

Pat Pearring

Phuong Phan

Tan Phan

Martin Plourde

Bill Popko

Cathi Popko *

Margaret Porter

Sheryl Rhodes

Raul Rodriguez

Sandra Rojas

Adam Russell

Carol Salter

Dave Seccombe

Ana Smead *

Victor Tessier

Vivian Thomas *

Fr. John Tran *

Kim Tran

Vincent Ventura

Patricia Walsh

Fr. Tom Welbers *

Text Box: * denotes member of Strategic Planning Core Team

“Go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have taught you. And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”

Matthew 28:18-20

May the work that the Lord has begun among us be brought to conclusion through the power of the Holy Spirit.