Can We Transform our Parish to Make a Difference? By Dick Seitz

The above photos feature St. Charles parishioners who are taking part in a planning stage of a program that will allow every parish member an opportunity to increase the level of parish engagement.

For a number of weeks, as a parish, we have been involved with a survey that was designed by The Gallup Organization to measure the spiritual health of our congregation. St. Charles members completed the survey over several week-ends and the results were made available at liturgies and at four meetings that were held to further explain the results.

Small groups will be formed that focus on the following questions-
• As a member of my parish, I know what is expected of me.
• In my parish, my spiritual needs are met.
• In my parish, I regularly have the opportunity to do what I do best.
• In the last month, I have received recognition or praise from someone in my parish.
• The spiritual leaders in my parish seem to care about me as a person.
• There is someone in my parish who encourages my spiritual development.

How can each of us transform our parish into a place where people embrace Christian discipleship and want to Make a Difference? The Gallup Organization suggests there are real possibilities of success when strengthening the engaged members and focusing our outreach on raising the level of those not engaged.

The new program allows our parish an opportunity as we continue to organize small groups and encourage your participation, I invite you to contact me directly to discuss your thought or to find out more about joining or forming a small group or team. You may also contact the parish office to join a team. I can be reached by E-mail rseitz@wcoil.com or my home office phone, 419-227-2551.