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 its pulse.

 

Consequently, Saint Joseph’s is in the midst of a process called “Appreciative Enquiry.”  In essence, “Appreciative Enquiry,” is a gathering of information from the parish community.  The results are compiled and viewed by the entire parish at a Parish Summit, to be held on October 10 and 11, 2008 in our parish hall. At that Summit we will be able to envision our plans for the future as well as appreciate the positive elements of the parish life we enjoy every day. 

 

During this summer a parishioner may approach you 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 experiences that brought you closer to God.  Please mark that October 10/11 date on your home calendar so that you can attend the Parish Summit. 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