Studies have shown that a consistent problems in many parishes is that people assume that they know what parish organizations are all about, parish organizations wander without a focus, and/or people don't appreciate all that the parish organizations do for their parish.
The Catholic Leadership Institute developed a management class for priests called Good Leaders Good Shepherds. It is my hope that the ideas and terms from their class will help us communicate the goals and objectives of our parish better.
As part of the leadership program the Pastor and Parish Council sponsor (call into being or give permission to exist) parish organizations through a sponsor letter. Parish organizations then in a written document called a charter explain to the Pastor and the Parish Council how and why their organization operates.
Parish Organization Chartering Worksheet Questions
Instructions: This questionnaire was designed to help the parish organizations complete a process called chartering. The purpose of chartering parish organizations is to help improve parish communication.
1. What is the name of your parish organization?
2. What is your organization’s vision?
(One easy to recall sentence that tries to capture the hopes and dreams of your organization and the, parish, and community it serves.)
3. Key Responsibility Areas’ Statements (KRAs)
What are the primary missions of your parish organization? What services is your organization responsible for or hope to provide to the parish, and/or community?
4. Values:
Take the time to list, rank, and define your organization’s primary values in order to make sure that they are clearly defined.
5. Organizational Structure:
Please take the time answer the following questions.
5a. What are the requirements for membership in your organization in addition how are new members recruited?
5b. When and where does your organization meet?
5c. How are finances handled in your organization?
5d. What are some of the major events in your organization?