Spiritual Formation LRP

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27431911.post-1146709932666473032006-05-03T22:30:00.000-04:002006-05-03T22:32:12.733-04:00Spiritual Formation LRPLONG RANGE PLAN SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT CHAIRS: REV.DR. KRIS LEWIS 508-362-3977 PHYLLIS BRADLEY 508-385-7081 Spiritual Formation Long Range Plan I. Where We Are Now The Spiritual Formation Committee was convened in Fall 2005 to expand on work previously done by the Evangelism Committee. Formation encompasses all that we do to shape our lives as Christ followers—our personal practices of prayer, our corporate worship, our study of scripture, faith and traditions. While most if not all of the activities that take place at St. Mary’s fall under the broad heading of “formation”, the Spiritual Formation Committee has as its purview oversight of a variety of programs that provide opportunities for spiritual growth and development, such as: • Adult forums and other educational opportunities • Catechesis and Confirmation Preparation, Inquirers’ classes • Retreats and quiet days • Special seasonal offerings (e.g., Lenten programs) II. Goals In addition to St. Mary’s Mission Statement which emphasizes spiritual formation as one way we strive to live intentionally, we have as a guiding principle that in all things, our actions are guided by prayer and by our commitment to deepening our relationship with God. In that light, our goals are : 1. To broaden St. Mary’s offerings of opportunities for spiritual formation in terms of variety, time (frequency, days and times offered), and location so that programs are accessible to all parishioners. 2. To explore new opportunities for spiritual development for parishioners across the lifespan. 3. To more effectively communicate the availability of our offerings and other resources in the area. III. Strategies and Tactics 1. Assess needs and interests of parishioners using data gathered in 2005 survey, and if necessary, additional questionnaires or surveys. (on-going; Spiritual Formation Committee, clergy). 2. Work with other groups in the Parish to coordinate seasonal offerings.(On-going; Spiritual Formation Committee, Children and Youth Coordinators, clergy, staff). 3. Explore new program opportunities (e.g., Via Media, DOCC, EFM, small groups, sermon discussion group). (On-going; Via Media Regional Training to be hosted at St. Mary’s March 17, 2006; will consider program for Fall 2006; Clergy, Spiritual Formation Committee). 4. With other groups plan Annual Parish Retreat beginning Fall 2007. (Spiritual Formation Committee, Christian Formation for children and youth directors, clergy, staff). 5. Inform the parish community on a regular basis about offerings at St. Mary’s and in the local community, the Deanery, and the Diocese. (on-going; Spiritual Formation Committee, Communication Committee, staff). IV. Issues: St. Mary’s mission statement emphasizes spiritual formation as one of four major components of our living as the Body of Christ in the world. Because formation encompasses so much of what we do at St. Mary’s, there is a great need to consider it holistically. In particular there needs to be coordination of the Spiritual Formation Committee with the directors of Christian Formation: Children and Youth, and with clergy and staff. This might be best facilitated by having in place an organizational structure that brings together these various constituencies on a regular basis. Such a structure should include the co-coordinators of programs for children and youth, members of the Spiritual Formation Committee, and clergy. It might meet quarterly (or on an as-need basis) to coordinate programming and planning.Krisnoreply@blogger.com