Planning Our Future Together

Background Information: On March 1, 2004, more than 200 parishioners attended a meeting convened to assess parish needs and to identify ways to address those needs. Those present (1) shared their priorities for St. Joseph's, (2) identified what they considered to be primary physical needs, (3) shared thoughts about ways to increase monetary contributions, (4) indicated what could be done to enhance the spiritual and social life of the parish, and (5) identified school issues.

As a result of that meeting, Planning Our Future Together subcommittees were established and committee members were asked to gather additional information about immediate (0 - 12 months), short-term (1-3 years) and long-term (3-5 years) needs and priorities.

On May 24, subcommittee co-chairs reported on their research, discussions, and deliberations. The following represents a compilation and summary of these reports. No attempt has been made to highlight everything that was discussed, but hopefully key elements of each subcommittee's report are reflected in this summary/compilation. If important information gleaned from the subcommittee reports was unintentionally omitted or misinterpreted, opportunity will be provided include and clarify this information as the planning process evolves.

It is very evident that there is a critical and urgent need for an accurate parish census that will allow St. Joseph parish decision makers to base important decisions on current and projected physical, spiritual, educational, and social parish needs. For example it was noted that a systematic process for updating parish enrollment/membership was also needed. It was suggested also that a survey was needed to find out how many Hispanics attend either Spanish or English masses. A need was also expressed for one or more opinion surveys to guide efforts to assess what parishioners think about a variety of things, including parish communications.

Special Note: It was reported that the parish council has discussed undertaking a parish census. It is anticipated that census data will be utilized extensively as subcommittees continue to meet to identify goals and strategies that focus on addressing critical parish needs.

Members of the Parish Facilities subcommittee met with members of the School Facilities subcommittee to gather information about the type and size of facilities that will be needed for each subcommittee to achieve its special mission. It appears that sanctuary seating at this time is adequate (except for special masses), but additional facilities are needed to accommodate both current and anticipated parish needs. The School Facilities subcommittee gathered information from parent surveys, teacher/staff surveys and Development Committee reports. Facility needs identified by the Parish Facilities and School subcommittees included the following:

• A "Parish Center" (a multi-purpose facility with large meeting space, small meeting rooms, kitchen, dining room, etc. in close proximity to the church)
• An "Office Complex" including at least 6 offices, a copy/work room, conference room, gift shop etc.
• Additional support space including confessional, chapel, choir room, sacristy, nursery, vestibule, "Cry" room, Brides room, Liturgy/Spiritual Reading Library, meeting space, interviewing space, teaching/classroom space, storage space, etc.
• Clergy housing with additional rooms
• Gymnasium for St. Joseph School for P.E. classes, as well as space for general assembly of students (this could also serve as a multi-purpose room).
• Science/Computer Lab for St. Joseph School
• Permanent Middle School building for St. Joseph School (a long-term need)
• Space for a preschool program (as a long-term need)
• Adequate facilities for larger social events and gatherings (e.g., parish receptions, parties, etc.)
• Appropriate space or room for hosting retreats

The School Facilities subcommittee noted that the prominent need for the school is a multipurpose building/gym that could house the Science Lab, the Computer Lab and possibly the preschool.

It was noted that some existing parish facilities are in need of repair/maintenance and/or renovation and expansion.

These included the following:

• Additional parking, including handicapped spaces, with improved traffic flow
• Maintenance and modernization of church basement, roofing system, wiring, air conditioning, etc.
• Removal of mold from church walls
• Painting sanctuary & gathering area
• More parking spaces at the parish hall
• Upgrade existing school building (e.g. roof, carpeting, flooring, painting, etc.
• Long-term plan to repair and upgrade existing school and parish facilities
• Upgrade or replace school cafeteria

Several subcommittees reported that there was a need for many more volunteers, both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking, to lead, serve, and participate in multiple parish ministries, activities, and events. A need was expressed for a well-organized volunteer program, as well as additional part-time or full-time parish employees. These included the following:

• Director of Music
• Spanish-speaking Deacon
• Adult Coordinator for RCIA
• Additional volunteers for Religious Education (e.g. as regular teachers, vacation summer school, etc.)
• Volunteers to lead and participate in a wide variety of ministries
• Accompanist for choir rehearsals
• Nursery Manager for Sunday mornings
• Instrumentalists for Christmas, Easter, etc

In addition to educational opportunities currently available through St. Joseph School and the RE Program, providing opportunity for parishioners to be engaged in other educational programs was mentioned. These included the following:

• Counseling and instruction in Spanish, focusing on marriage counseling, drug addiction prevention, alcohol addiction counseling, family issues, etc.
• More religious education (Spanish) at the community level
• Bible study in Spanish
• Outreach education in Spanish
• Courses in how to teach evangelization in Spanish
• Host Spanish rosaries and prayer groups at small communities
• Educate people about giving during Mass
• Neighborhood Masses in Spanish

A number of needs were identified that subcommittee members believed would enhance liturgical/worship services and participation. These included the following:

• Sunday Mass in Spanish
• Spanish speaking services offered to the community on a more regular basis
• Closed circuit and TV monitor to watch Mass in other locations

Several subcommittees indicated a need for transportation that would help various parish ministries to better serve parishioners. In particular, a need was expressed for a van or bus (e.g., to shuttle parishioners to church-related activities). This was seen as a long-term need.

It was indicated that an overall Schedule of Events would be helpful to individuals and parish organizations that are involved in planning and/or organizing parish activities and events. As noted, a need was expressed for adequate facilities/space for parish parties, receptions, lock-ins, etc., as well as a need for more multicultural events and joining/visiting parish activities held in other neighborhoods.

The parish Communication Committee also functions as the Planning Our Future Together subcommittee. Committee members identified the following needs:

• Human and financial resources, including a well-organized volunteer program and an overall parish budget that has a separate line item for communication expenses
• An up-to-data parish database (as noted above).
• A Conference of Parish Organizations to promote communications among parish organizations and to create a better understanding of each organization's purpose, activities, etc.
• An updated directory of parish organizations, including names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc. of parish organizations' leaders.
• A Communications Plan with specific goals and strategies for communicating within the parish and to the general public. This includes parish surveys, a parish website, a suggestion box etc.

Other subcommittees highlighted the need for good communication including, for example, more parish awareness about the size and breadth of the RE program, projected parish growth (particularly within the Hispanic community), and the need for more volunteers. It was noted that increased awareness of needs often results in those needs being more readily met.

The Finance Committee reported on parish finances, including revenue, operating expenses, and archdiocesan assessments, etc. It also shared the St. Joseph Church balance sheet as of March 31, 2004. It was acknowledged that current and projected needs far outweigh current income. Subcommittees met with members of the Finance Committee and identified the following needs as noted above:

• Parish facilities (additional space)
• Facilities upkeep/maintenance and renovations
• Personnel (i.e. paid employees and volunteers)
• Education (St. Joseph School, RE Program, Spanish ministries, etc.)
• Transportation (van or bus)
• Liturgy and Worship (Spanish Mass on Sunday etc.)
• Social Functions (develop a Schedule of Events etc.)
• Communications (a line-item in the parish budget)

Other miscellaneous items for which funding was requested include:

• Financial assistance for transportation costs for retreats etc., previously provided to Young at Heart, Light House, Women's Council, Boy Scouts, etc.
• Supplies and equipment as identified in the proposed budget submitted by the Liturgy Committee (e.g., ambry for holy oils, music for choirs, Eucharistic breads, travel to workshops etc.)
• Scholarship fund for students from low income minority families
• A variety of fund raising activities (e.g. International Food Tasting Festival, Flea Market, special collection at Mass to support specific events etc.)

The next stage of the Planning Our Future Together planning process is identifying SMART goals and strategies for achieving those goals. SMART goals are those that are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Additional guidance and direction will be given to subcommittee co-chairs about ways to identify goals and develop strategies. As planning efforts continue, it is important that subcommittees meet with each other to address mutual needs and to ensure that subcommittee planning efforts are integrated and coordinated with one another. The Planning Team will be available to provide guidance and assistance in facilitating this phase of the planning process, as needed and/or wanted.