Living as Missionary Disciples

the following aspects of current pastoral practice: leadership and team preparation, Scripture and homiletics, catechesis and faith formation, life and dignity of the human person, inculturation, solidarity and subsidiarity, evangelization and conversion, marriage and family, and the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.

6. Planning for Ministry Requires Intentional Stewardship

All ministry and pastoral care relies on the availability of human and financial resources applied by leaders with good management and admin istrative skills. A parish can develop superior plans and strategies, but they will be effective only when human and financial resources are made avail able to implement them. Below is a review of several foundational skills that are necessary for the effective use of human and financial resources in pastoral planning. Managing, Supervising, and Developing People Pastoral leaders have a responsibility to ensure that talented and qualified staff and volunteers, who are dedicated to the mission of the Church, are developing into missionary disciples. This also includes seeking to improve personal and pastoral performance, valuing sustained personal growth in knowledge and skills, and encouraging continued growth. Sound Business Practices and Ethical Standards Stewardship of church finances requires adherence to the most stringent ethical, legal, canonical and fiscal standards. Additionally, pastoral leaders must be open, consultative, collegial, and accountable in the conduct of their affairs. Parishioners exercise responsibility for the viability of their parishes, schools, related ministries, and outreach by generously contrib uting—both financially and through personal service—to the life of the parish. The local parish community must be willing to provide financial support for its own pastoral ministries as well as for the Church’s charita ble works carried out within the diocese, nationally, and internationally. Demonstrating and cultivating a culture of generous contribution and stewardship is an extremely effective way of evangelizing.

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