For the last several months more than 70 parishioners at St. Aloysius Catholic Church have been involved
in identifying the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth.
On Monday those meetings will expand to the entire congregation in what is called the Parish Convocation.
It will begin with a meal prior to the meetings which will last from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Father Mark Davis told the congregation in last week’s bulletin of the need for all the parish to
participate.
"Much of the success of this parish planning process for the future of our parish depends upon the
presence and participation in the Convocation," he wrote, adding that the members of the parish
need to be "invested in the growth and faith development of our parish."
The parish business manager, Denise Foos, explained what is transpiring.
She noted the absence of any long-term plan for the facilities until Davis arrived. At his urging the
planning process began with a contract with Institute of School and Parish Development.
ISP was contracted to do some consultation of a development effort, and have worked with the parish and
parishioners since last December.
Joe Boyle, one of organizers noted the rarity of this type of gathering within the Catholic community.
"Democracy is not something that generally comes easy to the Catholic church," Boyle stated.
"And yet, our parish is embarking on something that’s inherently democratic and empowering."
He added the process will "set a road map for a generation."
Foos indicated the convocation will get the entire parish together to ask them the same questions
researched by the small groups which have been meeting.
Among the topics being addressed are parish life, administration and finance, and evangelization.
Another hot topic will be getting and keeping the youth involved in parish activities.
The actual meeting will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Monday.
"We hope to develop implementation teams to address the challenges identif1ied through the
process," Foos stated.
For more information, contact the parish office at (419) 352-4195.
