EMBRACING OUR MISSION AND VISION
When we were growing up, my dear younger sister found a phrase that really resonated with her, so much so that it was listed as her motto in a high school yearbook: “find out who you are, and do it on purpose.” It is one of those quotes that is simple in theory but much harder in practice. As is the case with anyone during their adolescent years, I saw at times that my sister was questioning or that she felt insecure in her own identity, principles, style or person. Like anyone, she experienced a certain temptation to base her own sense of self worth on the approval of friends or other peers. There were a few times where we’d lovingly tease her by echoing her beloved quote: “find out who you are, and do it on purpose.”
It is true not only for individuals, but for organizations that they must “find out who they are, and do it on purpose.” They must seek with great intention to understand their identity and mission. Our parish is no exception. In order for us to steward our time, energies, and financial resources in a manner that is pleasing to Our Lord, we must perpetually seek out his will for us. Each of our activities, operations, and expenditures be undertaken in accord with God’s will for our parish.
On the front cover of this bulletin, you will see our Mission Statement and Vision Statement. These statements are the product of an extended period of engagement with parishioners and staff. Our Mission Statement is an articulation of who we are as a parish. In drafting this statement, the intention was not so much to define a mission on our own accord, but rather to consider where God’s Providence has guided our parish over the century and a half of its existence.
While our Mission Statement defines who we are, our Vision Statement outlines our future trajectory and activities. Our Lord speaks to the Prophet Jeremiah (29:11) in the Babylonian Exile with the following words: “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.” Like the Israelites in Babylon, we as 21st Century Catholics might feel discouraged by certain challenges we face. Nevertheless, God assures that he caused us to thrive not only in the past and present, but also in the future.
As I now enter my seventh year of service at this wonderful parish, a few thoughts come to mind: Firstly, where did all of that time go?! Secondly, I am deeply thankful that we have been given the opportunity to discern our Mission and Vision. Lastly and most importantly, I am so thankful to God for the many wonderful and dedicated parishioners. I consider myself to be extraordinarily blessed to be able to serve alongside so many talented, energetic, and dedicated people. It is our parishioners who bring our Mission and Vision Statements to life. Parishioner feedback was crucial in defining these statements because it is the parishioners who will make them a reality. These paragraphs are not merely intended to be stale guidelines for parish clergy, staff or other “church professionals.” Rather, they are living words that invite each and every one of us to contribute in our own way, and according to our God-given talents. God has placed each and every one of us in this time and in this place for a particular reason. There are no accidents in God’s providential plan.
Let us all seek to embody the Lord’s will for us both as individuals and as a parish. In the coming months, we will share more detailed materials about our Mission and Vision, and our priests will incorporate our Mission and Vision into their preaching. Let us generously partake in our mission, knowing fully that God will never, ever be outdone in generosity!
~Samuel Backman, Director of Sacred Music