Next Generation Parish

In the Spring of 2023, parishioners were invited and encouraged to complete a survey about their faith journey and the ways in which it is fostered and supported through Saint Aidan Parish. Fr. Will then invited a team of parishioners (Deacon Al Heiles, Pam Surano, Barb Griffith, Greg Staresinic,  Allison Alberts, Leslie Mitros) to work with him, along with Jessica Adams, a consultant, from the Catholic Leadership Institute, to evaluate that data, identifying key areas for growth and improvement over the next three years. The team met on several occasions from August 2023 through December 2023 to articulate the Mission, Vision, and Priorities of the Parish. The results of those meetings follow.

Purpose  

Saint Aidan Parish is a Roman Catholic community on fire with the Holy Spirit seeking to encounter the love of Jesus Christ. 

Vision  

Saint Aidan Parish, through a commitment to outreach and encounter with Christ, will be a growing community of faithful disciples engaged in vibrant worship and joyful service.  

Priorities 

Sunday Worship 

Scripture
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Acts 2:42 

Definition/Rationale
When the community of Saint Aidan Parish gathers for Sunday Worship, we are nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, empowering us to go and share the Gospel in word and deed. Sunday worship should provide for our spiritual growth and be a place of encounter for all who are seeking Jesus. 

Goals 

• Of those who worship at Mass, 80% will report that they are growing spiritually through their encounter with the Word of God, Jesus in the Eucharist, music, and the homily.  
• Of those who worship at Sunday Mass, 100% will have a growing sense of welcome and belonging.  

 

Faith Formation

Scripture
“Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32  

Definition/Rationale
By virtue of our Baptism as beloved children of God, we are called to ongoing conversion through a commitment to prayer and growth in our relationship with Christ. Saint Aidan Parish will provide opportunities for all to grow in their knowledge and understanding of Sacred Scripture and Tradition.  

Goals 

• When asked questions about their faith, 90% of parishioners will be able to respond confidently.  
• Every parishioner will increase in his or her desire to grow in relationship with Jesus. 

 

Engagement

Scripture
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 

Definition/Rationale
Called as members of the Body of Christ, the people of Saint Aidan Parish will cultivate increased stewardship and fellowship among our parish family, inspiring greater involvement and joyful service.  

Goals

• From the many opportunities for parish ministry and community service, 75% of parishioners will select one or more according to their gifts and talents and become actively engaged.  
• Every parishioner will personally invite someone to worship or to a parish event.