Continuous Planning to Ensure Healthy Parishes Advancing the Church’s Mission

As parishes navigate changing demographics, needs, and resources, it is critical that pastoral and strategic planning for the future is a continuous process which incorporates Pastoral Leaders, Pastoral and Finance Councils, parishioners, and neighboring parishes. Below are important resources to help guide those conversations.

Use this suggested timeline to get started.

What are the ministries of the parish, and what type of space or resources do they require? Use this template (examples are included in the various fields) to help identify the various parish outreach needs and how they may be impacted by changes.

What should happen if there is an emergency change in the availability of the Mass? Prepare for emergencies by addressing these questions.

Does the Mass schedule need to be adjusted? This process can help.

Are there repairs or issues with buildings that need to be considered? Use this template to look ahead.

What are some best practices for financial stability?

How can we encourage people to identify and use their gifts to build up the parish and the mission of the Church? Ask parishioners to take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment and match them to ministries in the parish.