Parish Ministries Celebration: Strengthening Ministries, Supporting Leaders, and Fostering Intentional Outreach

Thank you for everything you do! Our parish’s ministries are incomplete without you.Today will be broken into four “micro-sessions” to make the most of your time.

Note that pages 5-8 of this book are intended to be removable and returnable, if desired.

Timeline:Times are approximations!

Time Event Minutes Groups6:30pm Meal Prayer, Appetizers, Meet and Greet

7:00pm Micro-Session 1: Strategic Planning Identity (Overview, Reflect Back, Imagine Ahead), Challenges 10 Mixed groups

Moving Forward 5 Teams

Sharing Goals 5 Large group

7:20pm Micro-Session 2: Fostering Intentional Outreach Who’s Invited?, Names, Newbies, and Needs 10 Teams

Networks 10 Mixed groups

7:40pm Break

7:45pm Micro-Session 3: Websites Why Websites? 5 Mixed groups

Parish Ministries Listing, Your Current Webpage 10 Teams

Going Deeper and Questions 5 Large group

8:05pm Micro-Session 4: Sharing Smart A Process for Planning 5 Large group

Priorities, Month Promo and Week Promo 15 Teams

8:25pm Closing Questions and Comments

More Questions? We’ve Got You Covered!

After today, if you need more information or advice on anything we’ve talked about, contact:

Anna Schultenanna@akseas.net(812) 677-8978 (call/text)

Steve Siebssteve@akseas.net(907) 345-4466

Debbie Reaumedebbier@akseas.net(907) 345-4466

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Micro-Session 1: Strategic Planning

Identity: Your Ministry:Overview Describe your ministry. Who are you and what do you do?

Why is your ministry important? How do you help people grow closer to God and community?

Reflect Back When have you felt God’s presence through your ministry? Describe the situation.

Who were the key people in this experience? How did they impact you?

Why was this moment so powerful/meaningful/important?

What do you think God wants you to learn from this experience?

Imagine Ahead Imagine your perfect ministry experience. What does it look like?

Who’s included? What kinds of things are happening?

How is the Holy Spirit at work with the people?

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Challenges:Identifying What are some of the challenges or difficulties facing your ministry?

Who do you have a hard time reaching or engaging?

What is one thing you’d like to change, improve, or do differently this year?

Moving Forward:Review Look back at your work thus far.

Which dreams, if achieved, would make the biggest difference? Which challenges, if overcome, would change everything?

Goals Choose ONE goal/dream/challenge and copy it here:In 2017, we will [focus on the following]…

We’re doing this because…

By our actions, we hope to [affect this change or cause this improvement]…

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Micro-Session 2: Fostering Intentional Outreach

A common statistic laments that only 20-30% of a parish community does 80-90% of the work. While this may be generally true, it would be a mistake to simply accept the statistics and resign ourselves to the same small groups. As disciples, we are called to reach out to those on the margins and share the Good News with them!

How do we do that? Through relationships: one person at a time.

Groups: Ideas:Who’s Invited? (Consider age, gender, marital status, mobility, etc.) Be specific. “All Parishioners” is not usually a

realistic answer.

Names: Which people are always involved in your events/ministries? Name them here.

List 3-5 other parishioners who have attended your ministry events in the past, but who do not regularly or currently attend your events (people who aren’t already over-connected).

Newbies: Who’s occasionally involved, who might be interested in taking a larger role? Name them here.

Who are 3-5 new people you could invite to a simple, no-strings-attached event?

Needs: Look at your list of challenges from the previous page, and compare them to the list of names above. Where are there overlaps of needs and invites?

Name 3 people you’ll follow up with over the next month:

Networks: Has your ministry ever partnered with another ministry before? If so, list them here. If not, list some potentially fruitful partnerships for events or service.

What other ministries might you partner with in the future? Why would this benefit both groups?

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Micro-Session 3: WebsitesWhy websites? Here are some Pope quotes to ponder…

Pope Saint John Paul II

“The question confronting the Church today is not any longer whether the man in the street can grasp a religious message, but how to employ the communications media so as to let him have the full impact of the Gospel message.” – Pope Saint John Paul II

“If the communications media are a good destined for all humanity, then ever-new means must be found - including recourse to opportune legislative measures - to make possible a true participation in their management by all. The culture of co-responsibility must be nurtured.” – Pope Saint John Paul II

“There cannot be forgotten the great possibilities of mass media in promoting dialogue, becoming vehicles for reciprocal knowledge, of solidarity and of peace. They become a powerful resource for good if used to foster understanding between peoples, a destructive 'weapon' if used to foster injustice.” – Pope Saint John Paul II

Pope Benedict XVI

“The development of social networks calls for commitment: people are engaged in building relationships and making friends, in looking for answers to their questions and being entertained, but also in finding intellectual stimulation and sharing knowledge and know-how.” – Pope Benedict XVI

“Believers are increasingly aware that, unless the Good News is made known also in the digital world, it may be absent in the experience of many people for whom this existential space is important.” – Pope Benedict XVI

“The digital environment is not a parallel or purely virtual world, but is part of the daily experience of many people, especially the young. Social networks are the result of human interaction, but for their part they also reshape the dynamics of communication which builds relationships: a considered understanding of this environment is therefore the

prerequisite for a significant presence there.” – Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Francis

“Today the modern media, which is an essential part of life for young people in particular, can be both a help and a hindrance to communication in and between families. The media can be a hindrance if they become a way to avoid listening to others, to evade physical contact, to fill up every moment of silence and rest […] The media can help communication when they enable people to share their stories, to stay in contact with distant friends, to thank others or to seek their forgiveness, and to open the door to new encounters.” – Pope Francis

“Here too, parents are the primary educators, but they cannot be left to their own devices. The Christian community is called to help them in teaching children how to live in a media environment in way consonant with the dignity of the human person and service of the common good.” –Pope Francis

This is not to say that certain problems do not exist. The speed with which information is communicated exceeds our capacity for reflection and judgment, and this does not make for more balanced and proper forms of self-expression. The variety of opinions being aired can be seen as helpful, but it also enables people to barricade themselves behind sources of information which only confirm their own wishes and ideas, or political and economic interests. The world of communications can help us either to expand our knowledge or to lose our bearings. The desire for digital connectivity can have the effect of isolating us from our neighbors, from those closest to us. We should not overlook the fact that those who for whatever reason lack access to social media run the risk of being left behind.” – Pope Francis

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Parish Ministries Listing

Find your ministry on the list below. Do you agree with the general “All” category we’ve provided? Would you like to move to a different category, or be added to another?

All Advisory Ministrieso Financial Councilo Pastoral Councilo Safe Environmento Stewardship

All Christian Life Ministrieso Bereavement Ministryo Compassion and Caring Ministrieso Martha & Mary Women’s Spiritualityo Outreach Committeeo Perpetual Eucharistic Adorationo Prayer Shawl Ministrieso Project Rachel Ministrieso Spiritual Direction

All Community Life Ministrieso Catholic Homeschoolerso Coffee and Donuts Ministryo Funeral Receptionso Knights of Columbuso Magi Workshop and Bazaaro Nurseryo Parenting Groupo Pew Clean-Upo School Annual Auctiono Sewing Groupo Social Activities Committee

o Welcoming Committee All Faith Sharing Ministries

o Adult Faith Formationo Faith Formation (school-age students)o Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)o Vacation Bible Schoolo Youth Ministry

All Liturgical Ministrieso Altar Guildo Altar Serverso Art & Environmento Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communiono Hospitalityo Lectorso Liturgical Receptionso Ministries Scheduleo Music Ministry and Choiro Sacristans

All Peace and Justice Ministrieso Gardening Ministryo Habitat for Humanityo Health Teamo Meals for the Homeboundo Peace and Justice Ministryo Prison Outreacho Respect Life

Review the “Family Ministries” list. If you’re on the list, would you agree with the age ranges we’ve provided? If you’re not on the list, would you like to be added?

Whole Family Ministries Catholic Homeschoolers Hospitality Music Ministry and Choir Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

Elementary School and Older Altar Servers Boy Scout Troop 104 Cub Scouts Faith Formation Girl Scouts Hospitality Music Ministry and Choir Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

Junior High School and Older Altar Servers Boy Scout Troop 104 Coffee and Donuts Ministry Faith Formation Gardening Ministry Girl Scouts

Hospitality Media Ministry Music Ministry and Choir Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Vacation Bible School Youth Ministry

High School and Older Altar Servers Boy Scout Troop 104 Coffee and Donuts Ministry Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Faith Formation Gardening Ministry Girl Scouts Habitat for Humanity Hospitality Lectors Media Ministry Music Ministry and Choir Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Vacation Bible School Youth Ministry

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Your Current Webpage

Go to www.akseas.net and click on “Parish Ministries” in the menu. Find your parish ministry (they’re listed alphabetically), and open it. Review the page’s contents and answer the following questions. Turn this form in to Anna and she will make your requested changes for you (or help you customize you page)!

Does your page… Answer: Space for Changes:

…include the correct contact person, phone number, and/or email?

□ Yes□ No□ Does Not Apply

…explain what your ministry does, and/or who it benefits?

□ Yes□ No□ Does Not Apply

…provide an accurate description of who can participate?

□ Yes□ No□ Does Not Apply

…list requirements or expectations of new ministers?

□ Yes□ No□ Does Not Apply

…include information on meeting dates, times, and/or locations?

□ Yes□ No□ Does Not Apply

…have any photographs that show your ministry?

□ Yes□ No□ Does Not Apply

…need more/other information added?

□ Yes□ No□ Does Not Apply

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Going Deeper: Ways to Expand your Impact

Check-mark any of the “Going Deeper” topics you want to learn more about.

□ For those who love web work:o Join the Media Ministry Team and help us spread the word across the platforms of your choice!o Become a blogger and share weekly/monthly/quarterly stories on our websiteo Help with administrative points, graphic design work, and other digital upkeep

□ For those who still prefer paper (and there’s nothing wrong with that):o Help us curate and update Welcome Packets for new parishionerso Contribute to a 3x/year newsletter that helps parishioners stay in the loop and plan ahead

□ Your own e-Newsletter.o MailChimp allows us to send out email Newsletters as often or as infrequently as necessary for your

ministry.

□ Text your participants.o Texting apps such as “Remind” and “Flocknote” allow leaders to send and pre-schedule quick text

reminders for upcoming events to their participants.

□ Add a button to MyParish App.o “How come Youth Ministry gets a button on MyParish app?” Don’t worry; you can have a button, too! All

you need is an RSS feed and a little setup. Sound scary? It’s not, I promise.

My Name and My Ministry: ______________________________________________________________________________

Questions I Still Have…

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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(Leave this page with us today, drop it by the parish sometime in the future, or contact Steve or Anna directly.)8

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Micro-Session 4: Sharing Smart

We’re already sharing our ministries in a variety. Here are a few examples:

□ Weekly Bulletin*□ Newsletter (coming soon!)□ Pulpit Announcements*

□ Tables after Mass*□ Bulletin Boards□ Flyers*

□ Posters in the Hallway*□ Foyer Media (coming soon!)□ Others: ___________________

*Remember to notify Debbie by Wednesday before your intended weekend. We can’t fit everyone, but we do our best!

A Process for Planning

Here’s a process to help you plan further and use our resources and advertising venues most effectively.

1. Write in the next 4 months at the top of each column.2. Brainstorm Faith Highlights, Event Highlights, and Other Themes per month.3. Review and circle 1-3 most important themes for each month.

Month:Faith Highlights: Holy Days /Saints Liturgical Season Faith Topics

Event Highlights: Big Parish Events Service Projects Annual Events

Other Themes: Secular Holidays Seasonal Themes Local Events

4. For each month, rank your themes and highlights from most important to least important:Month:Priority #1:

Priority #2:

Priority #3:

Sub-Priorities:

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Month of: ______________________________________

Specific Events: Date of Event: Begin promo: End Date? Other Notes:Priority #1: Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Priority #2: Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Priority #3: Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Begin how many weeks out? ___

First promo weekend:

□ One day only□ Ongoing□ Ends:

□Notes: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________PSST!... this entire document is available online for your printing convenience. Find it at www.akseas.net/media-ministry

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Weekend Promo Calendar

1. Write in dates for the upcoming month’s promo weekends.2. Copy events from the monthly calendar to the appropriate “first promo weekend” rows.3. Copy the event into as many subsequent boxes as necessary, before its event date.

Promo Weekend: Events to Publicize: Special Notes:Sunday,

Sunday,

Sunday,

Sunday,

Sunday,

Sunday,

Sunday,

Sunday,

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Event Sharing FormThis form can be filled out online, if you prefer! Check it out here: www.akseas.net/share

Event Title:

Who’s Invited? □ All Parishioners□ Men□ Women□ Young Adults□ High School Teens

□ Junior High Teens□ Elementary School Children□ Babies and pre-School Toddlers□ Families□ Other:

Dates Start Date:

Is this a recurring event? □ No □ Yes; this event occurs every….

Middle Dates (if applicable)

End Date (if applicable)

Time Duration:

Location: □ At the Parish □ Off-site

Have you already reserved the space?□ Yes□ No, I haven’t yet; I will call the parish.

Location Name:

Location Address:

Cost □ Free □ $

Event Description for promotions (please do write something here for this!!)Comments/Questions

How should we share your event?

□ Bulletin□ Parish Calendar□ Social Media□ MyParish App□ Weekly Email Newsletter

□ Website Slider on the home page□ Contact me about putting up a table

after Mass□ Pulpit announcement, if space is

availableIs there a website where people can read more?

□ No □ Yes, here:

Send it in! Attach a flyer or image to this document, then email it to Debbie at debbier@akseas.net

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