Brothers and Sisters,

It has been a joy taking part in the strategic planning process.  A big thank you to all of our parishioners that participated in the process as well as our Strategic Planning Core Team.  Our strategic plan has been in the works for a long time! 

We began the process before the global pandemic struck and were able to conduct a parish-wide survey and focus groups before we ever heard of the coronavirus.  Once the pandemic hit we had to slow down but due to the hard work of the Strategic Planning Core Team, we were able to proceed at a steady pace. 

What follows is our strategic plan and I look forward to carrying it out with all of you!

God Bless,
Father Doug

•  St. Simon the Apostle will educate and promote the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of everything we do.

• Build a deeper understanding and respect for Mass, with a focus on the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
  • Preach Homilies
  • Promote and increase participation in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
  • Create opportunities for parishioners to witness to the power of the Eucharist in their own lives through the collection of stories and lived examples.
• Provide regular opportunities for people to learn about the Mass.
  • Schedule regular “teaching Masses” for parishioners.
  • Catechize using pamphlets and books that teach about the Mass.

• St. Simon the Apostle will develop a culture of faith in the parish that fosters a relationship with Jesus Christ and our brothers and sisters.

• Address the unique spiritual needs of diverse parishioner populations.
  • Develop Marriage & Family Life ministry.
  • Provide structure for small church communities/support groups for various age groups, e.g., young adults, Goldenaires, empty nesters.
• Investigate ways to create a more balanced social and spiritual community. .
  • Continue to hold and promote parish mission.
  • Develop standard operating procedures that every meeting or gathering starts/ends with prayer.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the current parish structure (pastoral council/commission) and make changes that advance the mission and ministry of the parish.
  • Develop and administer an evaluation instrument to distribute to pastoral council and commissions

• St. Simon the Apostle will grow closer to Christ by serving the local and global community.

• Promote and increase awareness of new and existing parish outreach ministries.
  • Develop Parish Social Ministry (PSM) at St. Simon.  PSM: involves a small team of parish leaders who assist all with the parish to understand our Catholic Social Mission and see it as an essential part of our faith life. integrates outreach ministries in the parish enhancing collaboration and communication between service groups.
  • Connect with neighboring faith communities and community outreach organizations to collaborate for service opportunities.
• Improve awareness and understanding of parish outreach ministries that encourage parishioners to participate in parish ministries.
  • PSM leadership team plans and coordinates education/formation speakers and events in the parish.

• St. Simon the Apostle will cultivate a culture of hospitality and stewardship.

• Create a robust welcoming experience for new and existing parishioners and visitors.
  • Arrange newcomer gatherings to meet and share opportunities for fellowship and participation in parish life
  • Create opportunities for new parishioners to have dinner with Fr. Doug
  • Provide an opportunity to introduce persons/families at each event/gathering
• Commit to long-term financial sustainability and transparency.
  • Develop a plan with timelines to address the parish debt and our facility and maintenance needs.
  • Create an asset management plan and timeline including funding for the replacement of major items.
  • Advance a parish communications plan for finances that is transparent, regular, and builds trust within the parish community

• St. Simon the Apostle will actively seek ways to invite people with their diverse needs to discover the love of Christ through the Catholic faith.

• Attract, welcome, and include all in our community.
  • Establish an Evangelization committee
  • Build a sense of community by increasing involvement in small faith groups.
  • Develop a plan to invite St. Simon School and Faith formation families to a fuller participation in the life of the parish.
  • Categorize, list, and publish all parish groups.  Prepare a summary of each specific group and what they do.
• Create a welcoming environment to facilitate a sense of belonging for all.
  • Use social media to promote the Catholic community of St. Simon.
  • Train forward-facing persons in hospitality engagement.
  • Enhance curb appeal & landscaping.