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PARISH RENEWAL
Our Parish, Our Talent, God's Will
What is Parish Renewal?
Renewal is about re-energizing the spirit of our parish.
It is a prayerful experience, guided by God’s will, that empowers us to reflect on where we have been, take stock of where we are now, and determine where we want to go together in the future as St. James Parish.
It is a call to action. A time to take ownership of the direction and future of our parish!
What is the Renewal Process?
Over the next several months, this renewal will gather input from the parish, identify the key topics, understand what is most important to the parish community, and develop an action plan.
What Can You Tell Me About the Input Sessions?
These sessions are a guided interaction and dialogue, with the content ultimately determined by each of us.
> It’s not a “free for all” or open mic session.
These sessions are facilitated large and small group discussions designed to capture the input of all who participate.
> It’s not lectures – you will not be “talked at.”
What Can We Expect? How and When Will We See Changes?
- We can expect a renewal of our commitment to each other to be “One in the Spirit” in our parish life at St. James.
- Our Parish Renewal will be successful because of your input and your involvement in the renewal process and in broader parish life.
It will take ALL OF US – the skeptics, the dreamers, the nostalgic – to make the changes occur that we would all like to see.
Why Parish Renewal Now?
We’re going through a lot of change and facing many challenges [our community, our parish, the church, vocations, our country] and this is our chance to be proactive.
Renewal is a good thing that needs to happen periodically in any successful organization. It is an opportunity to look at our parish: to reflect on where we have been and envision where we should be going.
Who is Leading Our Parish Renewal?
A committee has been formed by Pastoral Council and Father Nolker to guide our parish in this process.
We are also blessed with the leadership and guidance of Fr. George Wilson, SJ, an outside facilitator recommended by the Archdiocese. Fr. George, is a 30+ year credentialed consulting professional who has helped dozens of churches and dioceses renew their spirituality and improve their effectiveness.
Why Me?
- It is my parish, your parish, our parish.
- Your input and opinion is important.
- Participation is one of the most important aspects of the Parish Renewal process.
What is Parish Renewal?
It is our call to action that will empower us to follow God’s will and use our talents to make our parish a place we all want to be.
Together, we can become “One in the Spirit.”
What Should I Do Next?
Plan to attend one of the upcoming input sessions, and invite a St. James friend!
We would like to get a rough headcount for the sessions. Please send a note to renewal@stjameswhiteoak.com.
If you have any questions, you can send an e-mail or contact a committee member.
Input Sessions
Your Parish Renewal Committee: Rich Harmeyer, Ray Heyob, Blaise Kah, Beth Koenig, Kati Miller, Karen Orth, Al Piller
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