Faith Formation
To provide opportunities for quality Catholic faith formation for all:
- Provide seamless opportunities for lifelong growth in the love of God and knowledge of faith through learning, worship and service
- Invite all to discover, develop and share their gifts
- Listen and respond to the diverse formation needs of the faith community
- Communicate and continue to implement church, diocesan, and pastoral formation guidelines
- Provide a safe environment for all in accord with diocesan standards
Fellowship
To bring parishioners together through social activities to build relationships that enhance Catholic values:
- Provide opportunities for Christian social interaction for a variety of parish groups with common interests
- Initiate programs to encourage membership in fellowship organizations on an ongoing basis
- Foster interaction and communication between fellowship organizations to find common areas of interest and activities
Worship
To provide a hospitable atmosphere for increased participation in prayer and worship:
- Foster and promote full, active participation in worship
- Provide additional opportunities for private and group prayer and reflection
- Increase participation in parish liturgies through development of a musical repertoire
- Provide opportunities for renewal and spiritual growth for liturgical ministers
- Recruit additional ministers to mirror the diversity of the St. Gabriel’s parish family
Stewardship
To inspire all parishioners to cherish and share the gifts entrusted to them by God by adopting the stewardship way of life:
- Provide stewardship education
- Develop and encourage a stewardship spirituality in all aspects of parish life.
- Involve youth in stewardship
- Provide a hospitable welcome program for all new parishioners
- Facilitate the annual stewardship renewal of time, talent and treasure
- Promote tithing as an expression of gratitude to God for all His gifts
- Encourage growth of all ministries and foster appreciation for time and talent gifts
- Organize yearlong communication of the stewardship message
Youth Ministry
To encourage participation of all youth and young adults in parish life:
- Develop programs that integrate youth and young adults in all aspects of parish life
- Create a physical space conducive to gathering, education, and fellowship
- Foster individuals in their faith journey through creative catechetical opportunities
- Encourage a commitment toward a life of stewardship
- Involve youth in the preparation of parish liturgies
- Encourage youth participation in liturgical ministries
Outreach
To reach out to others in need in response to Jesus’ example of unconditional love:
- Establish an outreach board to coordinate all parish outreach efforts and use of the parish tithe
- Develop resources and programs for those who are grieving or experiencing difficulties
- Coordinate pro-life activities; foster respect for human life in all stages and conditions
- Support and partner with local service agencies; maintain and develop specific commitments (Food Pantry, Christmas drives, etc.)
- Evangelize the unchurched population within our parish area