Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s;

 

In every organization there comes an appropriate time to reflect upon the present and the future.  Culture, communication and society continue to affect us and alter the way we function as individuals, as family and as church.  In other words, the needs of a community change as time progresses and the only way we can determine how best to plan for the future is to take the pulse. 

 

Consequently, Saint Joseph’s is beginning a process called “Appreciative Enquiry.”   I will continue to tell you more about the method in the next few weeks, but in essence, “Appreciative Enquiry,” is a gathering of information from the parish community.  The results are compiled in such a way that we are able to make plans for the future as well as appreciate the positive elements of the parish life we enjoy every day. 

 

In the next few weeks, you may be approached by a parishioner from our Appreciative Enquiry Team who will ask to interview you.   Please consider saying yes to this request and the interviewer will ask a series of questions regarding the experiences you have had at church.   Your responses are strictly anonymous.  If you would like to be interviewed and are not approached by a member of the team, just contact the parish office and let us know you are interested in participating in the study. 

 

I am excited about Saint Joseph’s initiating this process and appreciate your willingness to share some of the positive church experiences that brought you closer to God.  May God bless us as we make our way into the future and may Saint Joseph’s continue to be a place of spiritual nourishment and hope.

 

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor