A Parish Vision seems to speak (metaphorically) to just one of the five senses. These are the traditional ways of perception and each is valid, and each is important. For example, we taste communion through bread and wine; we see the story depicted in stained glass; we touch one another in the Peace; we smell the welcoming scent of coffee; and we hear the glorious tones of the hymns we sing. These are just a few examples of how the Gospel is communicated through our five senses.
In October (25,26, 27) we will be taking time to review our Vision and Mission statements and the last thing I’d like to see is a merely intellectual exercise. What I hope happens is that we take a look, that is, try and perceive with all our senses if the statements still apply; what’s missing; and what do we think God is calling us to over the next five years.
Sure, I could do this by myself, but none of us should trust a discernment process that only one person participates in. So, by far the better course is for a collective evaluation of the statements with a view to the next five years.
How many should participate? I don’t know, but more than one for sure.
Who should participate? You, yes you! We are a community wonderfully blessed by tremendous diversity. Each of us belongs at these opportunities for unwrapping our Vision and Mission statements. Each of us has gifts and points-of-view that add value to the conversation. Please participate.
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