Holy Spirit Parish
Older Adult Ministry Task Force
Team Charter
October 5, 2009
I. Vision
The OAMTF will use our collective wisdom to develop a unified and comprehensive plan that addresses the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of older adult parishioners and caregivers alike.
Purpose
This task force will seek to clarify and expand the Holy Spirit Parish’s ministry to older adults, especially to assure that all the older adults in the community are actively involved in the life of the community, that their special needs are addressed by the community, that they will find meaning and enjoyment as they continue their journey in holiness, and that parishioners who are caregivers to older adults are given resources and support.
Values
Trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide our effort, we value a highly collaborative work environment, intentional commitment to the vision, and gifts realized through shared wisdom.
II. Team Outcomes
The Older Adult Ministry plan will support both the purpose of the task force and the mission of the parish. An oral presentation along with written documentation will be offered to the Parish Council and Finance Committee for their consideration and to Fr. Rich for his approval by June 30, 2010.
Timing
The OAMTF will be active from October 2009 through June 2010. Major milestones include but are not limited to the following:
- Identify and define the target population: October – November 2009
- Gather information about older adults & caregivers: October 2009 – February 2010
- ¨ Develop focus group surveys
- ¨ Draft letter from Fr. Rich to target audience
- ¨ Bulletin announcements/inserts to target population
- ¨ Conduct group and one-to-one interviews
- Network: October 2009 – February 2010
- ¨ Review existing parish programs
- ¨ Review community and social service programs/agencies
- ¨ Review neighboring parish programs
- Develop a program of Older Adult Ministry at Holy Spirit by March 30, 2010
- ¨ Set goals and objectives of each component
- ¨ List and prioritize component implementation
Resources and Budget
We will strive to fully utilize our resources for the advancement of our work, e.g., the parish priests and deacons, pastoral team members, parish administrative assistants, etc. The OAMTF budget is $100 or less. Anything over this amount will need Fr. Rich’s approval.
III. III. Team Operating Guidelines
- The Task Force will collectively meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month from 7 – 8:30PM.
- The meetings will generally be structured with a prearranged agenda emailed to members at least three days in advance.
- Consensus will be required for decision making on key issues.
- For help in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and any other operational issue that might arise, OAMTF will consult The Good Leaders Good Shepherds’ model.
IV. Team Norms and Ground Rules
Members will communicate with each other and the broader community via face-to-face meetings, phone conversations, written media, and both the public and private side of the parish website.
V. Team Roles and Responsibilities
Team Leader: Karen Rychlewski
Meeting Facilitator: Karen Rychlewski
Scribe: Laurie Duesenberg and Sharon Kaufman
Process Observer: Sr. Joan Kuester
Timekeeper: Margi Valleroy
Collective Responsibilities:
- Identify the needs, concerns, and potential contributions of older adults and caregivers.
- Secure necessary resources.
- Promote a plan that includes spiritual growth, nonmedical support, education, training, mission, service, and fellowship
- Meet on a regular basis
- Continually revisit Charter for values and mission
- Prayer and reflection
Paired responsibilities:
- Conducting focus group surveys
- Secure necessary resources
- Meet as needed
Individual responsibilities:
- To engage one’s gifts for the good of the mission
- Self-evaluation
- Secure necessary resources
- Prayer and reflection
VI. Charter Endorsement
Sponsor’s Signature: Fr. Rich Bockskopf
Task Force Members Signatures:
1. Laurie Duesenberg 4. Karen Rychlewski
2. Sharon Kaufman 5. Margi Valleroy
3. Sr. Joan Kuester
Holy Spirit Parish Mission Statement
We, the community of Holy Spirit Parish, centered in the Eucharist, and guided by the Holy Spirit, will use our shared wisdom to be a joyful, accepting and forgiving community. We encourage all to grow in the Catholic faith by teaching and proclaiming the Gospel, serving others and praising God.