As a parish, we have embraced six goals encompassing all aspects of parish life. They provide us direction as we travel on our faith journey:

The first, and foremost goal of our parish is to increase participation at our Sunday Eucharistic Celebrations, as well as in the broader prayer life of the parish. We cannot build our community without joining in prayer – our reason for being.

Our second goal is to recommit ourselves to the celebration of the other six sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, Reconciliation, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Traditionally, our parish family is truly committed to the first three sacraments. Together we commit to a deeper appreciation of the graces received through the sacrament of Reconciliation, to encourage and nurture vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and to provide preparation and ongoing support to those in married life.

Our third goal is to invite a greater participation in the active ministry of the parish. We put our prayer life into practice through, among other things, the variety of ministries used to reach the individual members of our parish and to spread the Gospel to the broader community. The ministry of the Church is not the exclusive property of the few, but the universal responsibility of all disciples to put their faith and prayer into practice.
 
Our fourth goal is to reach out to those in our parish who need our faith-filled and caring assistance. We are a growing community of families, some of whom have an acute need for help. We are also a parish of generous and caring people who are willing and ready to help.

Our fifth goal is to educate our parishioners in the doctrine of the Church. Through the various adult education programs, we reach the adults of the parish. The youth of our parish are educated in our Catholic school and Religious Education program (PSR). Catholic values, appropriate judgment, prudent behavior, reasonable and just attitudes, and preparation for living lives in a Christ-like manner in an increasingly complex and secular world are communicated through instruction and action.

The sixth and final goal is to ensure that all parishioners are committed to the financial support of the parish and its work. We must position ourselves as a parish to address increased expenses as we work to accomplish our mission as Church.

The Generations plan provides the direction and vision to embrace the future. However, if this plan is to reach fruition, we must continue our journey by achieving the goals outlined above.



 
 
807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 • Phone (614) 471-0212 • Fax (614) 471-0247
Copyright © 2005
St. Matthew the Apostle Church