The Seven Essential Elements of Pastoral Life
These seven essential elements form the foundation of the pastoral mission of our parish:

EVANGELIZATION: the element, which encompasses any way in which the parish continues to spread the good news of Jesus, especially, although not exclusively, through personal and corporate sharing of faith.

Examples in parish life:

1. Efforts are made to reach out to the alienated, the inactive, and the unchurched.
2. Opportunities are provided for small groups to gather and share faith as it relates to their everyday life.
3. Parish renewals, evenings of prayer and/or retreat days are planned to enliven and deepen the faith of the people.
4. Parish takes steps to influence the values and decisions of the larger community through prophetic action and works of justice and outreach.

 
WORSHIP: the element, which gives expression to the sacramental and prayer life of parishioners. It encompasses both Sunday Eucharist and other ritual forms of sacred celebration.

Examples in parish life:

1. Competent individuals are responsible for every aspect of liturgical celebrations.
2. Quality in music, including instruments, musicians, and hymn selection, enables the assembly to participate in sung prayer.
3. All the sacraments are celebrated regularly, with attention given to making them true expressions of the life of the parish.
4. Devotional prayer is encouraged, but does not interfere with the primary sacramental celebrations of the parish.

 
WORD: the element that proclaims, explains, informs and forms parishioners of all ages in the Scriptures and tradition of the church. It encompasses many traditional ministries of “education.”

Examples in parish life:

1. The parish Catechetical Leader has appropriate education, ability, and experience to provide catechist formation and effective administration of religious education efforts.
2. Religious formation or catechesis is planned and evaluated for all in the parish: adults, youth, and children.
3. Strengthening marriages and nurturing the life of families are priorities for the parish.
4. Assistance is provided to help parents understand their roles as ministers to their children in the formation of Christian values.

 
COMMUNITY: the element which draws parishioners together with Jesus Christ in mutual support, activity, and celebration marked by inclusivity.

1. There is a good spirit of working together among parish groups and organizations.
2. Programming for parish organizations consistently offers prayer, information, education, entertainment, and hospitality.
3. There is an annual review of the purpose, effectiveness, and need for each parish organization.
4. The parish collaborates with neighboring parishes as appropriate to enhance the mission of the Church.

 
SERVICE: the element that extends the resources of the parish to the needs of others and demonstrates a commitment to works of compassion and justice.

Examples in parish life:

1. The parish focuses on the needs of the human community, beginning with its own members and extending to the poor and marginalized in the local area, the nation, and the world.
2. The parish makes every effort to accommodate persons with special needs.
3. Programs that minister to the sick, the bereaved and the homebound are ongoing.
4. Racial and ethnic harmony, peacemaking and non-violence, respect for life at all stages, and the practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy are priority areas for study and action in the parish.

1. Formation efforts help parishioners understand their baptismal responsibility to steward their gifts, including the gifts of faith and life in the church.
2. Parishioners who offer their gifts in service to the parish mission are given adequate training, encouragement, and supervision.
3. The parish is not overly dependent on extraordinary fund-raisers such as bingos and tickets to support its ordinary budget.
4. The Finance Council reflects persons with interest and experience in budgeting, facilities management, and fundraising and development efforts.

1. The pastoral concerns of the parish are assessed, evaluated, and responded to by the parish pastoral council in collaboration with the pastor and parish staff.
2. Decisions are made by consensus after a process of discernment, study, and discussion.
3. On-going formation and training of parish leaders is provided for and is informed by diocesan, national, and universal church teachings.
4. Willingness to share staff with other parishes is considered a viable means of ensuring competency in ministerial leadership.

1. The Sunday Eucharist is a priority in the life of the parish and is celebrated with full and active participation of the parishioners.
2. Well-trained and effective parishioners serve in many liturgical ministries at Sunday Eucharist.
3. Preaching is directly related to the Scriptures and to the real life experience of the people.
4. Worship aids are contemporary and in good condition.