Section II – Parish and Cluster Materials

ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

TOPEKA REGION

LONG FORM

Please use the pages that follow to do two things:

  • To initiate prayer and faith-sharing experiences based on the major topics of the Criteria for the Regional Planning Process.
  • To evaluate your parish’s experience of Conversion - Sacramental Life of the Parish; Evangelization – Go and Make Disciples; Catholic Education in all its Forms; Serving Those in Need – Justice, Advocacy, Prolife and Outreach; Stewardship and Effective Administration. Your evaluations will be used for Cluster planning.

Name of your parish: St. AloysiusCity: Meriden

Names of other parishes in cluster to which your

Parish belongs:

Name of your cluster parish: St. TheresaCity: Perry

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Table of Contents

LONG FORM

Conversion - Sacramental Life of the Parish

Prayerful Reflection—Conversion - Sacramental Life of the Parish

Sacramental Life

Sacramental Celebrations

Sacramental Ministries

Music as Part of Liturgy

Evangelization – Go and Make Disciples

Prayerful Reflection—Evangelization – Go and Make Disciples

Evangelization

Catholic Education in all its Forms

Prayerful Reflection—Catholic Education in all its Forms

Catechesis

Catholic Schools

Serving Those in Need – Justice, Advocacy, ProLife and Outreach

Prayerful Reflection—Serving Those in Need - Justice, Advocacy, Prolife and Outreach

Justice, Advocacy and Outreach

Stewardship - Effective Administration

Prayerful Reflection—Stewardship - Effective Administration

Financial Stability

Diminishing Number of Priests

Geographic Proximity

Parish Staff

ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

Parish Evaluation of Criteria for Planning

Conversion - Sacramental Life of the Parish

  • Eucharist as Source and Summit of Life
  • Sacrament of Penance opportunities
  • Sacramental Celebrations and Devotional Practices
  • Parishioners Well Trained
  • Music is Seen as an Integral Part of Liturgy

The Christian faithful are those who have been incorporated in Christ through baptism and, thus, constituted as the people of God. As sharers in Christ’s priestly, prophetic, and royal office in their own manner, they are called to exercise the mission which God has entrusted to the Church. The Christian is called to fulfill the mission in the world, according to each one’s state in life. (Canon 204)

Basic to the mission is the spiritual foundation of each Christian. The individual Christian finds oneself in a parish community where that person is nourished, supported, and formed especially by the Eucharist. These elements are found in prayer and worship, as well as in the formation for discipleship which takes place in communion with other parishioners, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the universal Church.

The spirituality of communion is reflected in a leadership style that promotes co-responsibility inmission and is respectful of the contributions of all.

As you evaluate your parish, please consider the use of the word parish to include support for schools as well as all parish ministries.

Name of your parish: St. AloysiusCity: Meriden

Names of other parishes in cluster to which your

Parish belongs:

Name of your cluster parish: St. TheresaCity: Perry

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Prayerful Reflection—Conversion - Sacramental Life of the Parish

We are on a faith journey as we begin to plan how we will reflect the mission of Jesus Christ in the future. Each parish is an expression of the mission and ministry of Jesus. We gather to further His mission and to continue to prepare for the reign of God on earth.

Begin the session by inviting each person to bless him or herself, making the Sign of the Cross with the Holy Water at the table.

We gather in the name of Christ. We remember his life, death and resurrection and his sending the Spirit to be with us until the end of time.

Planning is about seeing. It is about seeing all the good we have done. It is about seeing how God’s grace has been present in our lives and in our parish. Read and reflect on the following Gospel passage:

“When they arrived at Bethsaida, they brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him.

He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on him and asked, ‘Do you see anything?’

Looking up he replied, ‘I see people looking like trees and walking.’

Then he laid hands on his eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly.

Then he sent him home and said, ‘Do not even go into the village.’” (Mark 8:22-26)

For reflection and sharing: Choose one or two questions which particularly speak to you.

  1. On your faith journey when were you blind to God’s presence? As you look back when were you most aware of God’s presence? Who or what helped you to see?
  2. What role has the parish community played in your faith journey? When have you felt most connected to others on your journey?
  3. What do you think are the core values of your parish community?
  4. What collaborative projects have happened in your parish?
  5. What do you think are the “blind spots” in your parish?
  6. What three hopes do you have for your parish in the future?
  7. What gifts do you bring to your parish community?

Pray the Lord’s Prayer.

Write any notes you want to keep from your reflection and sharing.

Sacramental Life

Criterion 1
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the life and mission of the parish / Present Activity / 1=going strong
2=adequate
3=needs help
4=let’s begin / Notes for Planning
Indicators:
  1. Eucharist and all sacraments are celebrated with prayerfulness and according to Liturgical Law, and archdiocesan directives.
/ We are doing well. Mass is well offered. / 1 / Continue.
  1. Homilies speak to the lives of the people.
/ Homilies are good / 2 / Look into Sound
System.
  1. All sacramental celebrations involve well prepared sacramental ministers.
/ Adequate minister
Numbers / 2 / Need more training available. Resume yearly refresher courses.
  1. The people have been prepared for the changes in The New Roman Missal.
/ Information was offered in handouts & bulletin. Dialogue card is in pew. / 1 / Fully Implemented.
  1. Parents are involved in quality theological and sound sacramental preparation programs that speak to the needs of today’s families.
/ They are offered for each sacrament and are required and well attended. / 2 / Sound program & parents attend. Encourage more involvement throughout.

Sacramental Celebrations

Criterion 2
Parishes should offer ample opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance, as well as retreats and parish missions. / Present Activity / 1=going strong
2=adequate
3=needs help
4=let’s begin / Notes for Planning
Indicators:
  1. The Sacrament of Penance is encouraged with adequate times available.
/ 1. Sunday after mass.
2. By appointment / 2 / 1. Offer more opportunity.
2. Encourage and educated on the importance for adults and children.
3. More awareness of opportunities in surrounding Parishes
  1. Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally and when requested individually.
/ 1. Upon request / 3 / 1. Offer more opportunities.
  1. Enriching sacramental preparation is available for all sacraments.
/ 1. Available / 2. / 1. Better awareness.
Criterion 3
Sacramental celebrations and devotional practices reflect the cultural heritage of the people assembled. / Present Activity / 1=going strong
2=adequate
3=needs help
4=let’s begin / Notes for Planning
  1. Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally and when requested individually.
/ 1. Offered upon request. / 2 / 1. Offer more opportunity and communal service.
  1. RCIA is the formation experience for those adults seeking the Sacraments of Initiation.
/ 1. If we have a group combined program with St. Theresa.
2. Individuals, join for another area church. / 2 / 1. When members join program at other churches, keep Parish aware of progress and in the Sunday prayers.
  1. Enriching sacramental preparation is available for all sacraments.
/ 1. Available / 2 / 1. Better awareness.
  1. Various forms of devotional prayer are fostered in your parish, which reflect the cultural heritage of the assembly.
/ 1. Rosary
2. Adoration once/week
3. May Crowning
4. Blessing of the Throats. / 2 / 1. Add 1st Sat. Devotions.
2. Better Awareness of current opportunities.
3. Encourage more participation in current devotions.
  1. Funerals are celebrated with compassion and understanding.
/ They are well prepared and those involved work well with the families / 1

Sacramental Ministries

Criterion 4
Parishioners are well trained for sacramental ministries. / Present Activity / 1=going strong
2=adequate
3=needs help
4=let’s begin / Notes for Planning
Indicators:
  1. Ministers of hospitality are trained and regularly receive opportunities to grow in their understanding of the power and value of Liturgy.
/ Presently untrained Parishioners, or informally trained by other Parishioners. / 2 / 1. Resume yearly training.
2. Encourage more involvement.
  1. Ministers of the Word (Lectors) are trained and regularly receive opportunities to grow in their understanding of the power and value of Liturgy.
/ Presently untrained Parishioners, or informally trained by other Parishioners. / 2 / 1. Resume yearly training.
2. Encourage more involvement
  1. Ministers of the Eucharist are trained and regularly receive opportunities to grow in their understanding of the power and value of Liturgy.
/ Presently untrained Parishioners, or informally trained by other Parishioners / 2 / 1. Resume yearly training.
2. Encourage more involvement
  1. Sacristans are trained and regularly receive opportunities to grow in their understanding of the power and value of Liturgy.
/ Presently untrained Parishioners, or informally trained by other Parishioners / 2 / Offer workshop(s) through Archdiocese for the region.
  1. The Liturgy Committee is trained and regularly receives opportunities to grow in their understanding of the power and value of Liturgy.
/ 1. Presently untrained Parishioners, or informally trained by other Parishioners
2. Presently work with St. Theresa for Lent and Advent Planning. / 2 / Offer workshop(s)
through Archdiocese for the region.

Music as Part of Liturgy

Criterion 5
Music is seen as an integral part of liturgy and all music ministers are well formed by trained musical ability and the liturgical norms of the Church. / Present Activity / 1=going strong
2=adequate
3=needs help
4=let’s begin / Notes for Planning
Indicators:
  1. Music is valued as a vital Liturgical ministry as indicated by the quality of music leaders.
/ 1. Committed Members
2. Practice once/week
3. Weekly Planning. / 3 / 1. Encourage more involvement of all ages.
2. Research opportunities in surrounding areas for training.
  1. Cantors are well trained and regularly receive opportunities to grow in their understanding of the power and value of Liturgy.
/ 1. Practice once a week.
2. Not many outside opportunities are given. / 3 / 1. Need more training.
2. Encourage more involvement.
  1. Music is selected that is seasonally appropriate and varied to correspond to the themes of the liturgical readings.
/ 1. Selection of music is appropriate by season.
2. Work with St. Theresa for Easter Vigil. / 2 / 1. Simplify choices
  1. The Assembly is prepared for liturgical music and encouraged to contribute in song to liturgical worship.
/ 1. Songs are posted and announced during Mass.
2. Occasionally prepare church members before Mass for new songs. / 2 / 1. Simplify choices for ease of parishioners and more parish participation.

ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

Parish Evaluation of Criteria for Planning

Evangelization – Go and Make Disciples

  • Evangelization as essential to life and mission
  • Evangelization as seeking to invite others to know Christ
  • Evangelization as making sure parish communities are inviting

Evangelization according to Pope Paul VI is the reason the Church exists. The purpose of the Church is to bring the good news of Jesus Christ, what He stood for, what He did, what He empowered us to do for all humanity.

As you evaluate your parish, please consider the use of the word parish to include support for schools as well as all parish ministries.

Name of your parish: St. AloysiusCity: Meriden

Names of other parishes in cluster to which your

Parish belongs:

Name of your cluster parish: St. TheresaCity: Perry

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Prayerful Reflection—Evangelization – Go and Make Disciples

We are on a faith journey as we begin to plan how we will reflect the mission of Jesus Christ in education and formation. Each parish is an expression of the mission and ministry of Jesus through its education and formation programs and activities as well as its evangelization efforts. We gather to further his mission and to continue to build the reign of God on earth.

Begin the session by inviting each person to bless him or herself, making the Sign of the Cross with the Holy Water at the table.

We gather in the name of Christ. We remember his life, death and resurrection and his sending the Spirit to be with us until the end of time.

Evangelization, catechesis and Catholic schools are essential parish ministries. Jesus, particularly in Matthew’s Gospel, is the teacher par excellence. Listen as the Gospel is proclaimed:

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

(Matthew 28:16-20)

For reflection and sharing: Choose several questions which appeal to you for sharing.

How is your parish an evangelizing parish?

How does your parish create a spirit of hospitality and welcome?

How does your parish welcome the stranger?

How does your parish form women and men to be evangelizers?

Pray the Lord’s Prayer.

Write any notes you want to keep from your reflection and sharing.

Evangelization

Criterion 6
Evangelization is recognized as essential aspect to the life and mission of the Church. / Present Activity / 1=going strong
2=adequate
3=needs help
4=let’s begin / Notes for Planning
Indicators:
  1. Parish leadership and membership are formed in a vision of evangelization based on Church teachings.
/ It is practiced. / 2 / 1. Better awareness needed.
  1. The parish encourages racial and ethnic harmony and appreciation of differences within the parish and beyond.
/ There is not a lot of racial or ethnic diversity in our Parish. When there has been there is harmony. / 2 / 1. Better awareness neede.
Criterion 7
Evangelization is recognized as seeking to invite others to know Christ and the Gospel; a strong RCIA program and other opportunities to learn about the basic message of the Gospel and inquire about the Catholic Faith are integral to evangelization. / Present Activity / 1=going strong
2=adequate
3=needs help
4=let’s begin / Notes for Planning
Indicators:
  1. Parish leadership and membership are formed in a vision of evangelization based on Church teachings.
/ This shows in:
1. Homilies
2. VBS, Youth Group
3. Faith Sharing
4. Catholic Education Video Series
5. K of C / 2 / 1. More awareness and encouragement to participate is needed.
  1. Efforts are made to reach out to the alienated, inactive and unchurched.
/ 1. We are a friendly and welcoming Church.
2. The above activities are open to all within St. Aloysius and within the community. Many have participants from outside of our Parish. / 3 / 1. More awareness and encouragement to members to reach out more.
  1. RCIA program and other opportunities to learn about the basic message of the Gospel
/ 1. Not active right now / 4 / 1. Possible opportunity to work with more than just St. Theresa when there are those interested in Catechism.
Criterion 8
Evangelization is recognized as making sure parish communities are inviting and welcoming to strangers / Present Activity / 1=going strong
2=adequate
3=needs help
4=let’s begin / Notes for Planning
  1. Newcomers are welcomed and incorporated into parish life.
/ 1. Welcoming at the door.
2. Periodic welcoming committee / 2 / 1. Need more active and organized Welcoming committee.
2. Introduce new members in Church & Bulletin.
3. Provide forms for new members in Pews.
4. Once/year welcoming reception
5.Reach out to new families that register for Religious Educ.
  1. The parish sees itself as an evangelizing parish—spreading the Gospel message in all aspects of parish life.
/ 1. Welcoming Atmosphere.
2. Faith Sharing Groups
3. Bible Studies / 2 / 1. Offer more parish community events.
2. Make present members more aware of opportunities.

ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

Parish Evaluation of Criteria for Planning

Catholic Education in all its Forms

  • Catechetical Formation
  • Catholic School – both Elementary and Seconday
  • Vocation Awareness

Evangelization according to Pope Paul VI is the reason the Church exists. The purpose of the Church is to bring the good news of Jesus Christ, what He stood for, what He did, what He empowered us to do for all humanity. Programs of lifelong education and catechetical formation based on the Catholic faith and teaching, including sacramental preparation and Catholic schools, shall be available through cooperative efforts between and among parishes.

As you evaluate your parish, please consider the use of the word parish to include support for schools as well as all parish ministries.

Name of your parish: St. AloysiusCity: Meriden

Names of other parishes in cluster to which your

Parish belongs:

Name of your cluster parish: St. TheresaCity: Perry

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Name of your cluster parish:City:

Prayerful Reflection—Catholic Education in all its Forms

We are on a faith journey as we begin to plan how we will reflect the mission of Jesus Christ in education and formation. Each parish is an expression of the mission and ministry of Jesus through its education and formation programs and activities as well as its evangelization efforts. We gather to further his mission and to continue to build the reign of God on earth.