Collaborative Planning: A Parish Leader's Responsibility

 

In Chapter 2 of his famous Letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul rhetorically asked the community he is writing to if he made plans according to “worldly considerations” (sometimes translated as “human standards”, 2 Cor 1:17), or if he followed the Divine Will—heeding what God is calling him to do. Of course, Saint Paul was following the calling of the Holy Spirit, not simply doing what he thought would be popular. 

Planning is an important part of infusing life into a pastorate; it helps surface the strengths, areas to improve, opportunities, and concerns. It can help shape the activities, initiatives, and programs that fall within the guiding principles of a diocese's strategic plan, so that they work together to meet the local needs of each pastorate.

Collaboration is key. Bringing people together is an important part of being a leader, especially in the planning process. People want to have ownership, be a part of something great--and bigger than themselves. Balancing individual needs and desires with the overall needs, capacity, and focus of the larger diocese, community, and Church are essential. 

A plan is also a living document, just like a pastorate is a living spiritual community; it can adjust as conditions or context changes. As programs or initiatives are attempted, but may not be sustainable, that can become a new point of discernment for the councils, the clergy, and the laity. But the plan itself helps provide the guidance, priorities, and support for acting.

Prayer and discernment are critical elements of our faith, but most especially in the governance of our pastorates. The Old Testament particularly is filled with stories about how humans may try to make plans, but they are nothing compared to God’s ability to plan and execute His work. Indeed, the Book of Proverbs says that “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against the Lord” (21:30). As the pastorates continue their planning, prayer, and discernment process, it is important to keep in mind the mission and purpose of our faith—to be a light for others, as Christ is the light for all.

On September 6, 1998, Saint Pope John Paul II spoke at the Angelus about the importance of planning, but he also reminded us that our planning must go beyond mere goals and objectives, but encompass our entire spiritual belief. "In a word," the Supreme Pontiff said, "let us organize our lives — personal and community — in a way not inspired by selfishness but by love."

The Holy Father continued by recalling the importance of seeking guidance in how we plan. "Let us ask the Blessed Virgin to obtain true ‘wisdom of heart’ for us, so that we may plan our lives well and resume our activities with vigor. May she who is called ‘Mother of Good Counsel’ in the Litany of Loreto suggest good ideas to us and help us to order our lives in accordance with God’s plan."

May all leaders consider their vision planning as a gift from the Holy Spirit, inspired in word and deed by the Holy Spirit, to support the mission of our Church so that we may continue to bring the light and love of Jesus Christ to others.

Photo: Vecteezy, by Boston, MA, 2011 - Church 8425369 Stock Photo at Vecteezy