Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, a predominantly African American community, is one parish family drawing on the richness of our diversity, worshiping together and carrying the good news of Jesus Christ to all people.

GOAL # 1: Family

That our church promote family life programs to support and enrich families.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Promote an understanding and reality of the whole Body of Christ by providing opportunities for spiritual growth that will focus on family life, e.g. retreats, days of reflection, etc.

2. Reorganize parish marriage council, which will conduct regular meetings that will encourage participation of couples in programs and events that promote strong family unity, e.g. Marriage Encounter (for strong marriages), Retrouville/Rediscovery (for troubled marriages).

3. Promote young adults in parish leadership roles and increase involvement in ministries.

4. Educate church members on the values and skills of Christian family living, such as, parenting classes, parent-child activities, etc.

5. Fellowship with other churches to explore a wide-range of dynamics geared towards Christian family life.

GOAL # 2: Finance and Development

That our Church continue to grow physically and financially.

OBJECTIVES:

1. That the proposed church renovations be completed by the end of the year 2001. In addition, the following projects be done:

- Electrical work including changing lights by 2001

- New fixtures for the rest rooms by 2002

- New baptistery by the end of 2002

- Stained glass window project by 2003

- Art work that reflects cultural heritage by 2003

2. That the church parking lot be revamped, reconfigured, drainage repaired and lines painted by July 2001.

3. That the parish work jointly with the PTA to repair the school’s roof and bathrooms and have work completed by August 2001

4. That additional property be purchased and developed so that more meeting room space is available for parish activities by 2005

5. That the Finance Council coordinate the financing of the renovation projects through the following means: bricks and fountain fund raiser, parish/school fair, donations from individuals, groups and organizations

GOAL # 3: Ministry

That there be greater participation in existing ministries, and an expansion of ministries to meet the needs of our community.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To form a ministries focus group that comes from volunteers and selected participants by the pastor

2. To conduct an annual ministries fair day.

3. To conduct a bi-annual ministry formation day

4. To establish a community-based focus group

5. To establish criteria for membership in the focus groups.

GOAL # 4: Leadership

That there be stronger lay leadership in the parish

OBJECTIVES:

1. Publicize the duties and responsibilities of lay leaders, such as pastoral council members, ministry coordinators, leadership team members, etc.

2. Give regular reports to parishioners about outcomes of ministry meetings, particularly, liturgy. These reports can be printed in the weekly bulletin, placed on bulletin boards, printed in the Manna (newsletter).

3. Educate lay leaders about the needs of the community and have stronger communication between the parishioners, ministries and organizations.

4. Advocate and highlight ministries of the church more regularly, such as a ministry month or ministry week.

5. The parish will organize and offer yearly leadership formation session. Theological certification for at least one lay leader per year will be provided.

GOAL # 5: Youth

That our Church act on its commitment to children, youth and young adults.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To organize a parish Youth Council to identify the needs of the youth by November 2001 (a) to provide regular activities (monthly or weekly) for the youth of the parish; (b) to prepare and participate in a monthly worship service

2. Members of the Youth Council will consist of coordinators and representatives from Youth Group, Boy/Cub Scouts, Jr. Daughters, Jr. Knights, Youth Choir, Liturgical Dancers, Young Adults.

3. That youth adults organize as a group by November 2001

4. Establish a Youth Choir that is a regular entity of our church by December 2001.

5. Further development and participation in the efforts to educate our children in the faith by September 2001.

Parish Logo:

The Acacia tree sitting on an opened book, The Bible. The Acacia tree grows in Africa and it symbolizes the people of this parish community. It is chosen on account of its ability to withstand all conditions. Just so, it is a reflection of black folk who survived and continues to demonstrate resiliency in the midst of discrimination, racism and other injustices in America and the world over. The opened book is the word of God which gives life and strength to those who depend on it. Hence the survival of our community is owed to God’s Word, who is Jesus, our Liberator and Savior.

Parish Slogan: God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!

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