Introduction - Pastoral Planning

^ suburban parishes are often large and complex;Introduction 9^ some parishes have Catholic schools that are thriving;for others, once-vibrant schools now face decliningenrollment, closure, or the formation of a regionalschool system.Every parish has its particular character with itscorresponding challenges. Our hope is that, as you read thisbook and discuss its contents with your Generous HeartsTeam and others, you will take the character of your parishinto honest account. The principles and vision exploredwithin this book will remain constant, but the way in whichlife is shaped based upon the principles is certain to bedifferent for every parish.Now, before you proceed, consider your own parish. Noone needs to know your assessment, unless you decide toshare it. Or, invite your Generous Hearts Team to discussthese questions with you as you begin to dream about yourparish’s future.^ What evidence do you have that parishioners embracea living relationship with Christ that leads them to bepeople of profound generosity, who live their faith withthe hands of a servant?^ What are the special challenges that your parish facesat this time? How can you construct your GenerousHearts Team in a manner that will insure thoroughrepresentation, so that the conversations that takeplace will take the character of your parish into honestaccount?^ How is each member encouraged to grow in faiththroughout his or her lifetime?