2009 Pastoral Plan
Our Mission Statement:
The Catholic Community of St. Catherine of Sweden Parish,
empowered by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Eucharist, proclaims, witnesses, and shares the
Good News of Jesus Christ. We invite all to join us as we live our faith and reach out in charity to those in
need. As we move into our future, we affirm our baptismal call to holiness by deepening our faith and
loving one another, all for the honor and glory of God.
Community Life Goal:
Encourage all Parishioners to participate as members of one family helping each other and supporting the
Parish by utilizing their time, talents and treasures.
Increase the “greeting effort” at all Sunday masses.
- Ushers will be contacted and asked to increase their efforts as greeters to St. Catherine’s. They are
the initial contact as people enter; therefore they will be asked to warmly greet all who enter.
Review and expand hospitality efforts with special emphasis on new parish members and visitors.
- Every new family to the parish will be telephonically contacted or visited by a member of parish
council welcoming them to the Parish and sharing with them all that the Parish offers.
- Every new family will receive a “Welcome Packet” with information and contact names and telephone
numbers.
- A “New Parishioner Social” will be held at least once a year.
Encourage our diverse parish membership to become involved in Church activities.
- Continue efforts via the pulpit and the bulletin to encourage members to use their time, talent and
treasure to assist in the Church’s mission.
- Highlight one of St. Catherine’s organizations each month in the bulletin with instructions on how they
could become involved.
Plan a minimum of three new activities designed to bring the parish community together spiritually and/or
socially.
- Mystery Dinner Theater is planned for late January ’09.
- A bus trip to Phipps Conservatory is in the works for the Spring (on a weekday to encourage our seniors
to attend).
- Continue the efforts of heritage groups to hold dances, concerts and/or special events.
Faith Formation Goal:
To provide a range of offerings that strives to enlighten and reach out in faith to the people of the Parish.
To continually monitor the educational offerings of the Parish to assure that all the needs of the parishioners
are being met through some aspect of spiritual education.
- Expand adult formation opportunities to promote understanding of the faith and Church teachings.
- Communicate Parish faith enrichment opportunities.
- Provide educational opportunities to expand Christ’s role in our daily lives.
- Investigate the possibility of creating “special needs” CCD classes in the future.
Projected goals for the upcoming year:
- Spring 2009 – Family topic (e.g.: Rearing teens in today’s society)
- Fall 2009 – Surviving stress of the holidays
Worship and Evangelization Goal:
To continuously monitor and adjust to changes in the needs of the parish as they relate to the celebration
of the Eucharist. This may include addressing parishioners concerns, making recommendations for change or
improvement, and assisting the staff when requested.
Review and discuss with Father Regis the worship and
liturgy cycle as it pertains to the diocesan norms on a quarterly basis.
- This would include weekend liturgies and church seasons such as Lent, Easter and Advent. Utilize
the parish web site for this.
Meet with Jim Skalos on a quarterly basis to review and assess the status of the Lectors, Eucharistic
Ministers, and the Environment Group. Determine the need for additional training classes.
- Specify time frames to be set for these classes and promote these ministries in the bulletin on a
quarterly basis.
- Have a sign-up table for these four times a year in the narthex.
- Promote more active participation in all ministries of the parish.
Work with the music director to compile a list of songs used during the liturgical year. Make suggestions
for new music to enhance the liturgy as it relates to the readings.
Publish news items in neighborhood publications including our weekly Mass schedule with an “Open Invitation
to Join Us at Mass this week.” This would include the Hampton and Allison Park area, and would include the
Pine-Richland Journal, The Hampton News, and other monthly magazines that are circulated in the area.
Physical Plant and Resources Goal:
To monitor the needs of additional equipment, supplies, physical condition and repairs of the church and
surrounding grounds.
- Conduct a photographic inventory or the church property for insurance purposes.
- Advise the parish staff when issues arise that need to be addressed or improvements may be necessary.
Ministries:
The following ministries and programs are available at St. Catherine’s, and represent a great opportunity for
parishioners to get involved. Please contact the parish office for more information.
Social Ministries
Liturgical Ministries
Altar Linen Care
Altar Servers
Amnesty International
Music Ministry
Annual Auction Committee
Eucharistic Ministers
Baking Ministry
First Friday Adoration
Baptismal Garment Makers
Gift Presentation
Bereavement Ministry
Holy Hour Honor Guard
Building Committee
Hospitality Committee (Ushers)
Christian Women
Lectors
Church Decorating
Ministry of Praise
Consolation Ministry
Worship Committee
Counseling
Finance Committee
Instructional Ministries
Fish Fry
Adult Spiritual Formation
Forever Young
Baptism Ministry
Funeral Lunch Committee
Catechists
Golf Outing Committee
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Grief Support Group
Christian Initiation of Children
Hospital Visitation
Classroom Assistants
Job Loss Program
Marriage Preparation
Knights of Columbus
Pre-Baptism Classes
Ladies of Charity
Preschool
Lend-A-Hand Committee
Religious Education
Meals-on-Wheels
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Money Counters
Vacation Bible School
Our Lady of Fatima Statue Committee
Pastoral Council
Youth Ministries
Respect Life
Appalachia Work Camp
Separated and Divorced Support Ministry
Boy Scouts
St. Vincent DePaul Society
Cub Scouts 195
Wedding Coordinators
CYO Basketball (Boys)
CYO Basketball (Girls)
Girl Scouts #75
Girl Scouts #354
Girls Basketball
High School Youth Group
Middle School
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