ST. SEBASTIAN’S STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM 2008/2009

MISSION – VISIONS – VALUES – SWOT

Summary  November, 2008

The Mission of Saint Sebastian Parish is to grow as a Faith-based Community being nourished by

the Word of God and the Sacraments as we reach out, in service, with love and compassion.

The Vision of Saint Sebastian Parish is to:

Respond to the Physical, Social, Emotional, and Spiritual needs of our Parish Family

Educate our Members with a deeper understanding of our Faith in order to foster Spiritual Growth

so that they will more actively participate in our Parish Community

Be active in Social Outreach within the Parish and our Community

Be an Evangelizing Parish in which members witness and spread the Gospel in keeping with their

individual gifts

Attract and involve our Youth, growing them in Christian Values, instilling a Love of our Faith, and emphasizing an

active commitment to our Parish and to Society.

Exemplify Stewardship as a way of life, recognizing that all we have is from God and, in gratitude, we are called to

Share of our Time, Talent, and Treasure.

The Values of Saint Sebastian Parish

Social Justice at St. Sebastian's parish is advocating for the rights of individuals and groups and being sensitive to the

needs of the marginalized.

Integrity at St. Sebastian's parish is being honest and truthful in all actions while living in accordance with the moral

standards of our faith.

Community at St. Sebastian's parish is welcoming all in fellowship and working together to build a sense of family,

belonging and sharing.

Creativity at St. Sebastian's parish is encouraging new ways of thinking and acting to achieve

the goals of the parish.

Forgiveness/mercy at St. Sebastian's parish is being empathetic and compassionate.

Spirituality at St. Sebastian's parish is working toward and maintaining a more meaningful

relationship with God.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Welcoming environment (by the Pastor) (6)

Financial Support

Variety of Organizations and Ministries (6)

Attendance (unwillingness to attend)

Parish Leaders open to suggestion (5)

Young Family Involvement

Willingness to give of Time/Talent (4)

One Full time Priest

Talented Congregation (3)

Disconnectedness (each Mass has its own attendees)

Active Outreach to the Community (2)

Age of the Active Parishioner

Lay people in support roles (2)

Lack of Ownership

Integrating the Community into the Parish (1)

2 Decade Gap (from 20 yrs old to 40 years old)

Loyal Parish Constituency (1)

Effective Parish Outreach

Priority of Parishioners (outside activities that do not

include the Church)

Snow-birds

Opportunities

Challenges

Spiritual Development

Financial Support

Youth

Shortage of Priests

Outreach

Volunteer Burn-out

Growing Community

Priest burn-out

Ecumenism

Desertion (going to other parishes)

Fostering Vocations

Redirection of Catholics (going to other churches)

Education (e.g., outside speakers)

Median age of the Parish (who is in our “pipeline”)

Marketing (Parish Handbook, etc)

Increases in life span

Conducting Needs Analyses

Age Gap (2 decades)

Parental Involvement

CYO (Parish youth activities)

Size of the Parish – causes disconnection (each Mass

its own environment) and leads to being

“Impersonal”

Culture – Secularization.