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Dream the Vision
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PurposeDream the Vision is a planning process by which the Pastor, Parish Leadership and the entire parish community develops a plan(s), i.e. a vision for the sustainability and viability of the parish now and into the future. Rooted in the concept that the future of the parish, the Will of God for the parish, is best understood and accomplished when all members have been invited and encouraged to actively participate in the discussion of the current and future needs of the parish. This planning process is designed to accommodate all those parishioners who want and can be involved in the decisions that affect the here and now of parish life.
Dream the Vision is more than a methodology to consider programs and buildings. It is more than a planning process. Yes, it is that! It is also about building up the kingdom of God. It is about cultures coming together to discover God’s plan for this parish, this place of worship. It is about developing faith formation and education, about spiritual renewal and evangelization and it is about social and community outreach to those within and beyond St. Thomas. It is about becoming involved as brothers and sisters united in His name to create something that is beautiful and unique. It is about being a witness to God’s Love in the world in which we live here at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. (See Power Point Presentation).
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Dream the Vision Steering CommitteeThe primary function of the Steering Committee (hereafter referred to as Committee) is to take responsibility for coordinating the various activities and meetings associated with the Dream the Vision Planning process and in determining the feasibility of any building/renovation changes that are needed for the future of the parish. Working with other core groups the Committee is responsible for the Development of the Vision and the achievement of those outcomes produced by the Dream the Vision Planning process.
The Committee is made up of, and provides a group of parishioners who provide a visionary view for the future of St. Thomas the Apostle. Working in collaboration with the Pastor and within Archdiocesan Guidelines the members of the Committee ensure that objectives are being adequately addressed and the planning process and the Vision once developed, remains under control. In practice these responsibilities are carried out by performing the following functions:
- Collaborate with core groups in a supportive role by providing the necessary resources and information for each core group to perform its role in the planning process;
- Monitor the work of the core groups to insure they are meeting on a timely basis fulfilling their role in the planning process. Note: The role of each core group is to engage as many parishioners, as want to be involved, in analyzing the needs and making recommendations to the Committee for inclusion within Dream the Vision;
- Acting as Liaisons to core groups, member will insure that information developed and provided by the core groups is given to the Committee for review and consideration in the Vision. Providing assistance when required;
- Monitoring and review of the entire Dream the Vision Planning process at regular Committee meetings;
- Control the planning scope as emergent issues force changes to be considered, ensuring that scope aligns with the requirements of the Vision;
- Control of budgets and schedules that are developed in connection with the planning process and the development of the Vision;
- In a spirit of cooperation, mutual love and respect, led by the Holy Spirit and out of love for each other and the parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle, resolve conflicts and disputes, reconciling differences of opinion and approach.
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A Steering Committee
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Membership
| Name | Role |
| Bill Simmons | Chair |
| Jose Luis Trenti | Co-Chair(s) |
| Anne Corrigan | Co-Chair(s) |
| Rachel Cleaver | Secretary Ex Officio |
| John A. Cressler | Member |
| Ruben Martinez | Member |
| Joaquin Sanchez | Member |
| Jutta Hansen | Member |
| Tom Jablonski | Member |
| Mark Mitchell | Member |
| Anthony Riviere | Member |
| Silvia Rodriquez | Member |
| Hector Romero | Member |
| Marilyn Weber | Member |
| Fr. Jim, Pastor | Member |
| Linda Veit, Facilitator | Ex-Officio |
| Sid Hayden, Parish Administrator | Ex-Officio |
Role of a Committee Member
Committee members should:
- Understand the strategic implications and outcomes of initiatives being pursued through the Dream the Vision Planning process and the development of the Vision.
- Appreciate the significance of the Dream the Vision Planning process and the resulting Vision for all parishioners and represent their interests;
- Be genuinely interested in the development of the Vision and be an advocate for broad support for the Vision once it is developed;
- Have an understanding and a support of the consensus decision making model being used in making decisions (See Power Point Presentation).
In practice, this means they will:
- On an on-going basis review the status of the planning process and the development of the Vision;
- Ensure the Vision outputs meet the requirements of the parish and its parishioners.
- Help balance conflicting priorities and resources;
- Provide guidance to the core groupsand subsequent oversight of the implementation of the Vision.
- Consider ideas and issues that have been raised, incorporating them into the Vision where and if feasible.
- Foster positive communication outside of the Committee regarding the planning progress and its outcome, i.e. the Vision; (Note: via a Communication Core Group)
- Report on Dream the Vision Planning progress to those responsible on a parish "official basis", such as Parish Finance Council, Pastoral Council, Stewardship Council, etc and Archdiocesan offices as necessary.
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B Steering Committee Meetings
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Meeting Schedule and Process The Committee will meet monthly or as required to keep track of issues and the progress of the Dream the Vision Planning process and to monitor feedback regarding parish wide support for the process. Additionally, periodic meetings will be held with all the heads of the various core groups established within the Dream the Vision Planning process. The Chair and/or Co-Chair(s) of the Committee will facilitate these meetings. Decisions made will follow a Consensus Decision Making Model.
Meeting AgendaEach member of the Committee will make a status report using an agenda outline such as the following: For example:
- Introductions
- Review Agenda
- Minutes from last meeting
- Review of actions arising from previous Committee meetings.
- Review Planning Status, including schedule and budget
- New issues arising since the last meeting(s)
- Accomplishments against last meeting’s plans
- Outstanding issues, open points, conflicts
- Specific requests for assistance of the Committee
- Consideration of other items relevant to the planning process
- Review and summarize new actions from this meeting
- Plans, date and location for next meeting
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C Steering Committee - Core Group Heads Meetings
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At each meeting with core group heads, planning status will be reported to the Committee by the core group heads using an agenda outline such as the following:
- Introductions
- Minutes from last sub-committee meeting
- Review Planning Status, including schedule and budget
- New issues arising since the last meeting to be passed onto the Committee
- Accomplishments against last meeting’s plans
- Outstanding issues, open points, conflicts
- Specific requests from core groups for assistance from the Committee
- Consideration of other items relevant to the planning process
- Plans, date and location for next meeting
Duties and Responsibilities of Chair and Co-Chair(s):
- The Chair and Co-Chair(s)s are the primary contacts for the committee.
- They, along with the Pastor and the committee facilitator, prepare the agenda for the committee meetings.
- The Chair, and in his/her absence one of the Co-Chair(s)s, will act as spokesperson for the committee.
DREAM THE VISION CORE GROUP DESCRIPTIONS
Accessibility
Charter: To identify and represent the concerns of people with various degrees and types of physical disability - mobility, hearing and visibility. With the understanding that all members have an equal place in the ministries of the community, this core group assumes the responsibility of assuring that all buildings allow the fullest degree of possible. Regarding voice and visual considerations, this core group may work with the Acoustic & Music, Technology core groups for example. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
"I will rejoice and be glad of your kindness, when you have seen my affliction and watched over me in my distress, not shutting me up in the grip of the enemy but enabling me to move about at large." (Psalm 31: 8-9)
Acoustics & Music
Charter:To assist in the buildings acoustical design to support both voice and music. Attention should be directed to the worship space, chapels, music practice area, meeting rooms as well as social, administrative and educational spaces; to design the music area to accommodate various groups and liturgical seasons. This core group will need to coordinate its efforts with the Art & Environment core group to be sure that our furnishings complement our acoustical design. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Administration
Charter: To work with the parish staff to represent the needs and wishes of the administrative staff and volunteers that are responsible for parish operations. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
"As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God". (1 Peter 4:10)
Christian Education - Faith Formation: Adults
Charter: To represent the needs and wishes of the educational staff and volunteers that are responsible for parish religious education and faith formation for adults. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Communication
Charter: To develop and implement means of : 1) keeping our parishioners informed on every aspect of the planning process, 2) develop effective ways to educate, inform and obtain feedback throughout the planning process. 3) when appropriate, inform the surrounding neighbors and the community at large of the progress and status of the Dream the Vision Planning, 4) develop a way in which to address rumors and misinformation and 5) implement effective ways to inform all the appropriate “parish officials”, i.e. parish pastoral council, finance council, stewardship council, staff etc, as well as Archdiocesan officials. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Construction Liaison
Charter: to secure the best contractor for the project. This core group helps the Steering committee and architect to survey, recommend, interview, select and work with the local contractors throughout the project. Before a contractor joins the team, the core group represents the contractors “point of view” in project discussions and decisions. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Finance
Charter: To manage the accounting and business components of the planning process, including: 1) developing and submittal of budget to parish finance council 2) monitoring the budget, providing feedback, and 3) assisting in any fundraising that is undertaken by providing information as appropriate. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Art & Environment
Charter: To explore how best to use art, furnishings and craft to enhance the beauty and use of all of our Parish spaces, in addition to meeting basic Parish furnishing needs (assemble seating and worship furniture). To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Hospitality
Charter: 1) To assess hospitality needs and promote their consideration during the planning, and 2) To provide hospitality throughout the course of the project itself in various ways (e.g. providing refreshments at parish workshops, providing periodic coffee or refreshments, etc.). To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Parish History
Charter: To discover and organize, in meaningful ways, population statistics (both for the parish and the surrounding community), Parish history, and to some extent, local area history. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
"For me the measuring lines have fallen on pleasant sites; fair to me indeed is my inheritance."(Psalm 16: 6)
Kitchen
Charter: To identify the needs and wishes of parish hospitality as it specifically relates to kitchen use. Key goals are to discern where, and at what level kitchen functions are appropriate, and to assure that the kitchen(s) allow the fullest degree of usefulness to all parishioners and organizations. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Maintenance - Operations: Buildings & Grounds
Charter: To understand the conditions and needs of the parish facilities and grounds, both existing and future. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Memorials
Charter: To coordinate and set policy for donations and memorials and to implement an approach that accommodates and acknowledges the givers without personally assigning individual “ownership” to elements of the parish community’s space and art and does so in a liturgically appropriate manner. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Ministry & Social Space
Charter: To work with the Chairs of our various Parish ministries to represent the needs and wishes of the various social and ministerial organizations existing within the parish. These social organizations include the various age groups (e.g. kids, teens, over-50’s, etc.) lifestyles (e.g. young married, young singles, single parents, etc.), and ministries (e.g. RCIA, Pre-Cana, Boy/Girl Scouts, etc). To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:4)
Patron Saint
Charter: To study the life of Saint Thomas the Apostle and Our Lady of La Salette and understand it’s implications for the community life in general and the present project in particular. This insight may affect the building style and quality, as well as the furnishings, art, craftwork and the landscaping. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Prayer
Charter: To develop means of including the planning process in the prayer life of the parish community and in the personal prayer life of the parishioners. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Resource Conservation
Charter: To offer counsel on the use of all building and operational resources, including all forms of energy use. How efficiently the building uses energy depends on both the building’s design and the user’s operational goals and habits. For all construction work, the “embodied” energy of the materials used (in their manufacture, delivery, assembly, etc.) is and important consideration. Resource frugality, relation to the idea of Christian stewardship, is a broad concern beyond that of just dollar savings. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate
recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
PSR - Christian Education - Faith Formation: Children/Youth
Charter: To work with our school catechists/teachers to represent the needs and wishes of the catechists/teachers and students who work and learn in our school. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
Site/Landscape/Parking
Charter: To focus on all exterior aspects of the existing and proposed parish facilities, including site layout and utilities, grounds landscaping and parking areas. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Technology
Charter: Review, evaluate, and recommend strategies, plans, and policies for information technology in order to support and advance the parish’s efforts to meet its mission statement. Areas of focus include review and recommend the direction that parish information technology should consider, including its capabilities, and strategic objectives. Identify opportunities where information technology could assist the parish in achieving its goal of fulfilling its mission. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Volunteers
Charter: To insure that all parishioners have the opportunity to volunteer in some way. To insure that volunteers who donate their time, talent, or their materials, on behalf of the parish during the planning are identified, acknowledged and thanked appropriately at various times throughout the planning process. This core group works with all the core groups to some degree. To engage as many parishioners as possible in the research and discussion that lead to appropriate recommendations to meet the needs of the parish now and in the future.
For more information of how the Dream the Vision planning process works see:
Dream the Vision Overview. Please click here to pick up a sign up sheet.
Contact: dreamthevision@stthomastheapostle.org
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St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church
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