Leadership Meeting
I attended the Leadership meeting last night for "Charting Our Future." I know what I came away with, but I am very interested in what other people who were there came away with. I realize that most of the people who attended the meeting last night have not had exposure to this blog yet. But, to those of you that have, please leave a comment on your view of the proceedings.
A general description:
I did not get an exact count of the people who were there (50-60?), but there were two tables set with materials that were empty. The basic introductions, group reading of a prayer, and pleasantries were exchanged. Then, Dr. Smith proceeded to begin his program. He explained his charts and reminded us of the importance of taking a look at the parish resources, people, current facilities, and programs. We were asked to think about what could be improved. So we had 7 minutes to talk at our tables, then share with the whole group. Ideas were recorded on sheets of paper and then hung on the gym wall. This was done for each of the categories. When all was said and done, we were asked to list our 5 top priorities, and turn them in. The Staff would then total them and tell the group in the future, what had been listed as top priorities. The meeting lasted until about 9:15 or so.
Now, the rest of the story???? This is where I will take a brief recess and wait for some of you to gather your ideas (I saw you there!) and tell me your impressions of the evening! I will return later to give you my impression!!
I will tell you though, that I was impressed with the solidarity of the group. I truly felt as if we were one parish, but then again.........I always try to notice the presence of the Spirit , not what building we are in.
posted by Karen @ 6:53 AM
8 comments
8 Comments:
I attended the Charting Our Future meeting and went away feeling a little unsettled. We were told in the beginning to respect the input of others without saying,"I understand what you mean but isn't this what you are trying to say" then twisting the wording to suit their own view. This is exactly what happened when the point was raised, is this process leading into a fund raiser.
Sometimes whan we speak too loudly the listener will tune you out. Sometimes it's better to whisper then people realy tune in to hear what's being said So let's speak sofly and carry big sticks. Our sticks are the FACTS we collect to defend ourselves.
Really LISTENING, honestly acknowledging each other's opinions with respect, without hiding the agenda, THAT is what leads to a productive interaction.
If you've ever considered a purchase, but decided against it because you were turned off by the salesperson, it was most likely because you felt that the salesperson was more interested in his/her needs than in meeting your needs with the right product.
Marketing 101
People love to buy, but hate to be "sold".
Amen anonymous 1 !!
One of the tables thought that it was a priority to assure the parish that "Charting Our Future" was not merely a fundraiser to build a new church. After their table leader stated what they would like to have written as a priority, Dr. Smith smiled and said, something to the effect of "What a tall order but ok, we'll put it" and turned to tell those making the lists, to write something about wanting a new church. The group had to tell him again what they meant. And eventually he had it written down on the poster sheet.(Someone later told me that it was still written wrong on the sheet.) I felt as if quite a few people were against the idea of a new church. Whew! But, I wonder if the staff realized that? (or does the people's opinions and desires really matter anyway?)
What do you think those demographics that the good people of our parish will help Dr. Smith gather are going to show?
Based on facts and figures, the 'Charting Our Future' study will show that we 'need' a new church. Funny, I thought Toledo had that figured out years ago. Someone last night informed me that our priest specifically told them when he first arrived years ago, the location of where the new church would be built. He backtracked later, he never said that. And this program is about the people charting their own future?
I am tired of the (paid) staff treating the parishioners like children. We have no access to the real decisonmaking, and they are quickly depleting our 'trust' funds.
Isn't it time we took back our checkbook and our parish?
One of the sad things about this, is that if it were done properly, seeking opinions and needs could be beneficial to the parish.
By properly, I mean prayerfully LISTENING to the input of those contacted.
Done properly, it means seeking the spiritual and practical needs of parishioners, and recognizing that if those stated needs don't include new facilities,then why pursue it at this time?
By properly, I mean honestly looking at parishioners' priorities, honestly looking at available finances, and honestly looking at the services that could be provided.
If the services and programs that are stated needs by the parishioners can be fulfilled without huge expenditures and disruption of the community, isn't that the prudent course?
Who among us hasn't had to adjust a plan or project for the good of our family unit?
Who among us hasn't been hurt by the a realization of a hidden agenda?
"Where your treasure is, there is your heart."
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
For the greater glory of God
You know, after reading the comments thus far, the thought for the day on my calendar is appropriate: "Be simple; take our Lord's hand and walk through things." (Father Andrew)
It's unfortunate that the staff really doesn't seem to want to take our hands to walk through this process together. They are making a grand show to make most people think so, but they have a definite plan that they are following.
If I, instead, take the Lord's hand and walk through their charade, I will come through unscathed and in the true Promised Land.
After taking time to reflect on the leadership meeting many things have come to mind.I am deeply sadden by the way staff have choose to miss lead the great people of these parishes. I had a couple of people call and talk to me about how they were very upset with the way the meeting was lead. Why does staff and or Diocese continue to lie and sneak around behind our backs. I believe they are used to doing things and not having to be challenge. When are they(staff & Diocese) going to realize that we are the parish!!! We are going to be here long after they are gone.They can change names of the churches but they can't change us unless we let them. To me it,s not about the building its about the people. I have been blessed to grow up with great people from St. Peters, St.Joseph And St Marys Parishes.Nothing can flurish as long as it is being controlled.The truth will set us free!!!
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