What is Called for More?
Called for More is a multi-year, Archdiocesan initiative to implement the three top priorities of Archbishop Perez, namely:
How does the initiative involve Saint Monica?
Parishioners are currently meeting with Father Paul O'Donnell to develop a three-year strategic plan. With the assistance of Catholic Leadership Institute, Father's “Envisioning Team” will look at the strengths and challenges of our parish using the Disciple Maker Index survey. We will also incorporate parishioners' input gleaned from the "Synod Listening Session" held in May of this year. The Envisioning Team will be called upon to identify unique Saint Monica values. Three Parish Priorities and six corresponding "SMART Goals" will be developed based on those parish values. Finally, the Team will be calling upon parishioners to fulfill the implementation of the three Parish Priorities over the next several years. Saint Monica had already been setting the groundwork for this initiative for several months with the Synod Listening Session and Called for More Focus Groups.
What are the other components?
Besides parish renewal, Called for More also has a component which will focus on the priests of the Archdiocese. Every priest in the Archdiocese will be required to develop a personal "Priest Growth Plan." The plan will include basic information such as current age, projected retirement age, previous assignments, language proficiency, advanced degrees, and additional talents and abilities. Personal preferences such as ministry settings and living conditions are also considered. Finally, priests will take a behavior and skill set inventory to determine strengths, styles, and skills.
Archbishop Perez has charged that the Parish Priorities/Goals and the Priest Growth Plan be submitted to him by this coming Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023.