OLS PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

We, the Catholic parish of Our Lady of Sorrows,
seek to engage all people in a vibrant community of faith,
as we strive to attain spiritual fulfillment by living the Gospel of Christ.

What is a mission statement and why do we need one?  To paraphrase the Recommendations of The Diocesan Pastoral Council Presented to Bishop John C. Reiss On June 5, 1993, we offer the following answer. 

Numerous studies have shown that, perhaps, the most critical factor in determining the success of any human endeavor is the clarity and power of the vision that drives and energize that endeavor. Of course, there is no clearer, more energizing, more powerful vision or purpose than that articulated by Jesus Christ almost 2000 years ago. The question is how do we translate that vision, that purpose, that mission, into something having concrete meaning and vitality in the every day life and operation and deliberations at the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows-Saint Anthony  (or, for that matter, any other body). The answer is through lots of prayer, through lots of waiting and listening for God's guidance, and through lots of work. 

A key vehicle for motivating that kind of effort and for capturing and documenting its results is a Parish mission statement. A Parish mission statement is a concise statement, put into writing after prayerful reflection, which defines the unique reason for existence. It defines what the parish is and what it has been called by God to do. A good Parish mission statement should satisfy the following criteria: 

1) It must be short, short enough for people to remember.

2) It must paint a clear, powerful, picture of how the world will be when the mission is accomplished.

3) It must be action oriented, filled with words calling for clear, specific, concrete.

4) It must be inspirational, motivational, energizing.

5) It must define the parish’s uniqueness.

6) It must be THE Parish's mission statement, not some other church’s mission statement.

7) It must be understood, internalized, and agreed to by all members of the parish council, by the pastor, and members of the parish staff.  

We feel that the OLS-SA Parish Council, in collaboration with Father Joe and key active individuals covering all of our major ministries have met these criteria in developing OUR Parish Mission Statement. 

Once a mission statement has been put into words that is not the end of the process. In a real sense that is just the beginning. Full discussion of its meaning and implications are essential if everyone involved is going to understand it, support it, and act accordingly.  

We ask for everyone’s support in putting our words into action as we, the Catholic parish of
Our Lady of Sorrows-Saint Anthony  seek to engage all people in a vibrant community of faith, as we strive to attain spiritual fulfillment by living the Gospel of Christ.