Connected in the Spirit

Connected in the Spirit is a process--and an effort--to discern where God is leading the Church in central and southern Indiana and to discuss how the Archdiocese of Indianapolis must change its structures in order to carry out its mission today and in the future.

Connected in the Spirit Prayer

Eternal God,
you are without beginning or end,
and you sustain us every day with your Providence.

As we discern where you are guiding
the Church in central and southern Indiana,
grant us wisdom and strength.

Through the “Connected in the Spirit” process
give us vibrant parish communities
that will enable us to serve you with all our hearts.

Bring comfort, healing and hope to those who are being lead
through a difficult transition, and unite us all
more fully with you and with one another.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Update from Crystal Welch (SB) &Sally Gravatte (SM), CIS Core Team Chairs

The Core Teams working in collaboration with the Cohort Team, St. Isidore the Farmer and St. Martin of Tours, completed their study from the parishioner survey and reviewed the fruits of their conversations and have submitted the Cohort Plan for the Archdiocesan Planning Commission to review, highlighting how the parishes in the cohort, St. Boniface, St. Isidore, St. Martin, and St. Meinrad, might work together in the future meeting the pastoral needs of the local church.  The cohort has suggested the linking and partnership model.  St. Boniface and St. Meinrad will remain linked, sharing a pastor and staff while remaining financially separate.  Suggested, a partnership with St. Isidore and St. Martin to dialog and partner with sacramental preparation, confirmation, marriage preparation, and RCIA.  This would also prompt serious conversation to move support staff from St. Meinrad to St. Isidore.  (Currently Caroline manages a good portion of the programs and activities of St. Martin, including facilities and finances, sacramental records, Mass intentions, liturgical ministers, coordinates portions of their Ham Shoot).

Also after evaluating the parish surveys, submitted to the Archdiocesan Planning Committee, as part of the comprehensive report, identified were the three greatest strengths and three areas parishioners hope to improve as part of the pastoral plan:

St. Boniface Parish

Strengths                                                                   

1. Parish works well together                                                      

2. Faith formation is strong and growing                                       

3. Sacramental Life is strong                                                          

Areas to Improve                                                                          

1. Develop Art & Environment Committee                                  

2. Parental involvement in sacramental preparation                  

3. Youth involved in liturgical ministry                               

St. Meinrad Parish

Strengths

1. Liturgy

2. Service and social outreach

3. Financial stability

Areas to Improve

1. Evangelization

2. Develop a youth coordinator

3. Use of Technology

Update from Crystal Welch (SB) &Sally Gravatte (SM), CIS Core Team Chairs