Per Archbishop Jakels in January 2023:
"...Parishes understand their current needs and will be asked to submit 1-3 priority efforts as part of the annual parish reporting process. Clearly communicated goals help local leaders and parishioners engaged in the priority efforts, and also provide archdiocesan staff with important information so that they can target resources to assist parishes.
The purpose was to identify markers of parish vitality, raise awareness to them, and in their regard, to challenge parishioners to up their game to make their parish viable.
Category of Goal #1: Holy Mass
Goal: Increase youth participation as liturgical ministers.
Rationale: Many of our volunteers are growing older. Also, many of our volunteers are called upon time and time again. Inclusion of more youth in Mass will result in more long-term liturgical volunteers.
Type of Effort: New initiative or effort
Steps to Accomplish This:
1. Determine which grades are appropriate for each ministry. I.e. Gift bearers in first grade with assistance of parent or high school age siblings.
2. Develop communication tools with families with school age students.
3. Interagte student training into St. Joseph Community School curriculum. Integrate student training into Faith Formation program.
4. Issue letter or certification to student once they have completed the training.
5. Include option to participate in Mass on letter sent to families who are asking for Mass Intentions for a loved one.
6. Designate a Children's Mass each month where all liturgical ministers are covered by children (with the exception of Eucharistic Ministers)
Category of Goal #2: Service to Others
Goal: Increase the interaction with our parishioners that feel isolated.
Rationale: The list of homebound parishioners held by the Parish Office does not encapsulate all those parishioners in need of interaction. It is important for our Parish to recognize and bring comfort to those who are lonely and isolated. This may also assist in keeping them engaged in their Catholic faith
Type of Effort: New initiative or effort
Steps to Accomplish This:
1. Create a Committee who is interested in visiting the isolated or acting on this goal. This needs to happen before any of the following action steps can occur.
2. Develop a means for parishioners to be placed on a list that is confidential (private email, database linking through the website, etc).
3. Develop a list of parishioners who would benefit from additional interaction. This list can be created by parishioners or their family . This list will remain confidential except to those on the committee.
4. Develop text group for daily reflection that any and all parishioners can sign up for.
5. Place a daily reflection on the social media sites.
6. Develop a means that children can make a card for our parishioners on this list.
Category of Goal: Sense of Belonging
Goal: Increase the number of Parishinoers that participate in Mass and parish events. We would like to take steps to welcome these parishioners back.
Rationale: There are many parishioners that do not attend mass regularly. By increasing the number involved we will see an increase of "extracurricular" volunteers and growth in contributions.
Type of Effort: New initiative or effort
Steps to Accomplish This:
1. Create postcard birthday cards for all parishioners (yearlong project/council members will identify parishioners that may enjoy this task)
2. Host meals / parish events inviting parishioners by mailing postcards and personal call invitations (4 times per year/ Each circle and potluck)
3. Develop a list of parishioners who need a ride to mass or parish events. Develop a list of drivers to assist with transportation (Begin ASAP / person responsible is TBD)
4. Announce birthdays and anniversaries after each mass - have people stand and be recognized as a whole (yearlong project / Father will ask for parishioners to stand)
5. Begin planning 125-year anniverary celebration (Begin in late summer/develop a committee)
6. Create opportunity for day and evening faith sharing group
Category of Goal: Financial Stability & Parish Operations
Goal: To raise the remaining capital campaign balance of $70,000 in FY 2023 to finish the
existing roof project while still maintaining the necessary income for the daily operations
of the Church.
Rationale: Maintain the integrity of our church structure so we can maintain our future church life.
Type of Effort: Building on past/current efforts
Steps to Accomplish This:
1. Determined the need for steeple tuck pointing and roof replacement
2. Selected and procured a bid from a competent contractor. The work required a highly skilled, specialized, and experienced contractor.
3. Announcement of Capital Campaign with first letter campaign sent to parishioners and
school alumni requesting donations to cover the original estimated goal of $190,000.00.
4. Contractors bid for roof replacement phase. Second Letter campaign sent to parishioners updating construction progress, the status of the Capital Campaign, and providing a survey including the Parish on roofing options decision.
5. Discussion of additional fundraisers for the roof replacement: Rummage Sale, Annual
Turkey Shoot, 0.5K run, Silent Auction and various raffles. Acted on Rummage Sale
thus far.
6. Refined the budget for the steeple tuck-pointing and roof replacement. Determined that the updated total amount needed is $270,000. As of May 2023, $200,118.34 has been raised.
7. Held meeting for additional fundraisers, including loan options from the Archdiocese if all funds cannot be secured by summer 2023.
8. Continue evaluating progress of the Capital Campaign and additional fundraising efforts
that can be done.