DOING THE SYNOD

Note: The following is simplified introduction on how we can prepare ourselves for the Synod of our diocese. This is not a perfect schema but this may give some view on what the Synod is.
-Fr. Paul Medina, O.Carm.

I. Nature of the Synod. Synod is from two Greek words “syn” (same) and “hodus”(way). It is an ecclesiastical assembly or gathering to review and renew the pastoral strategies to further Church Mission attuned to the times and needs of the people. It is a way of setting relevant norms and pastoral planning of a diocese or an ecclesiastical body.
II. Pastoral Planning. The word “pastoral” is derived from the Latin word “pascere”, (ti pasture, to feed). It is related to the work of the ministers of the Church entrusted with the care of the faithful. It is related to Episcopal ministry (LG, 26) as well as the ministry of priests and deacons as sharing the pastoral role of bishops (LG, 20). GS enunciates a broader understanding of “pastoral” as related to the dignity of the human person (GS, 12), social nature of human existence (GS, 24), the need to promote common good (GS, 26), respect for persons (GS, 27) and the missionary responsibility of the Church (GS, 44). 1983 Code of Canon Law states about the “pastoral care” of the parish by a pastor (CIC 515) and this care is spelled out in Canons 528-529.
III. Planning. Human beings think in terms of a past, present and future and thus inevitably involved in planning. A human person is a “subject capable of acting in a planned and rational way” (JPII, Laborem exercens, 6). David Regan states that planning is “simply the prudent use of our human capacity to know, reflect, forsee and organize.” (David Regan, “Pastoral Planning, Doctrine and Life, 36 (1986)_, p. 421. There are various methods of planning: 1) Long-range planning, ties to optimize for tomorrow the trends of today (Peter Drucker, Managing in Turbulent Times (NY: Harper & Row, 1980, p.61) and 2) strategic planning which assumes that an organization must be responsive to a dynamic, rapidly changing environment with disciplined effort ro produce fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, what it does and why it does it(John Bryson, Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations (S.F: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1995, x). It is a practical theology which Karl Rahner would say, “the Church not simply is but must be continually happening anew” (K. Rahner, “ Practical Theology within the totality of Theological Disciplines, Theological Investigations 9 (London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 1974), p.101).

IV. PHASES OF THE SYNOD:
1) Pre-Synod or the preparatory stage
2) Synod:
a) First Session
b) Intervening Phase
c) Second Session
3) Post-Synod

V. SYNODAL DOCUMENTS : Evaluation Reports, Parish & Diocesan Profiles (Diocesan Surveys), VMG, Diocesan Thrust, Parish Mini-Synod documents, Lineamenta, Instrumentum Laboris, Synodal Acts and Decrees, Mission Statement, Diocesan Norms and Policies, Draft Diocesan Pastoral Plan
VI.





VI. OVERVIEW OF THE SYNOD PROCESS
To hear God’s people and empower them to participate fully in Christ’s mission

DIOCESIAN EVALUATION
OF DIOCESAN COMMISSIONS AND PROGRAMS
Involving parishes and vicariates in assessing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Worship, Education, Services, Temporalities, Organizing and Youth Commissions and Committees and Programs.


DIOCESAN SURVEYS
Involving individuals, communities and organizations in assessing the strengths and weaknesses, needs and resources of the Diocese
PARISH PROFILE and DIOCESAN PROFILE


FIRST SYNOD DISCUSSION PAPER (LINEAMENTA)
Consultation throughout the Diocese
MINI-SYNOD AT THE PARISH LEVEL
Parish Consultation and Assemblies involving the clergy, Parish Pastoral Council, Parish WESTOY, LOMAS, Religious men and women in the parish.


REVISED SYNOD DISCUSSION PAPER
(Draft Diocesan Pastoral Plan)


FIRST SESSION OF THE SYNOD

DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN
(Acceptance of the New Vision, Mission Statement, Pastoral Goals and Principles, Diocesan Thrust and Calls)

Consultation on Draft Diocesan Norms for Diocesan Commissions and Programs, Diocesan Pastoral Team, Parish Pastoral Councils, BEC/BCC, Parish WESTOY Committees, Parish Pastoral Teams

Task Forces/Teams consult further with inactive Catholics, Minority groups, peoples organizations and movements, L.G.Us and NGOs and ecumenical and inter-faith groups.


SECOND SESSION OF THE SYNOD

DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN
(Acceptance of Diocesan Norms (Acts, Decrees and Guidelines and Policies), Instrumentum Laboris and Time Line of Objectives, Long Range Pastoral Plan)










VII. THE PROCESS OF SYNOD PREPARATION
Shared decision-making in the following distinct stages:

Preparation: gathering factual data, identifying options, developing proposals, and consultation.
Decision-taking which involves both agreement on which course of action is most advisable, and ratification by the person(s) held to be accountable for the decision.
Implementation of the decisions taken.
Evaluation: monitoring of implementation and overall evaluation of the decision.

The PREPARATION STAGE for the FIRST SESSION OF THE SYNOD will take at least 18 months. It would include the analysis of the survey responses and the development of what is called the LINEAMENTA or Synod Discussion Papers based on these responses.

FEEDBACKS on the LINEAMENTA are well-documented in reports drawn up by the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee or the Synod Preparatory Committee. This will be discussed further in consultation meetings at the PARISH LEVEL through a MINI SYNOD and then to the VICARIATE LEVEL.. Moreover, this would include gatherings of key personnel such as religious of the diocese, apostolic groups, school heads, religious education coordinators and catechists.

The LINEAMENTA will undergo a constant process of redrafting based feedbacks and reflections on different levels until a final one will be decided by the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee.

The INSTRUMENTUM LABORIS puts in summative form the shared deeper reflections of Synod areas of concern.


THE SYNOD ASSEMBLY
The synod delegates are to be chosen according to the directives set out in the Code of Canon Law (CIC 463). In addition to ex-officio members and representatives of the diocesan clergy, religious congregations and major diocesan organizations, the membership of the Synod would include male and female delegates from each of the parishes in the diocese.

In two-day reflective meeting the delegates shall discuss, debate, modify and eventually adopt Diocesan Norms and Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
A Mission Statement will be drafted which will answer the question:
Why do we exist as Catholic communities? What is our purpose?
Pastoral Goals will be set which will answer the question:
Where do we want to be?
Theological principles and planning principles shall be spelled out for the spirituality and methodology that would be foundational to the achievement of the pastoral goals and these are answers to the question:How are we going to get there?

Shared decision making: Pastoral Planning for and at different levels:
>Pastoral Council: diocesan, vicariate and parish level
>Pastoral Assemblies: regular parish assemblies
>Pastoral Team

In the intervening months between the FIRST SESSION OF THE SYNOD and the SECOND SESSION OF THE SYNOD the following shall be done:
A DIOCESAN PASTORAL TEAM shall be appointed to assist in implementing the decisions of the synod and in particular to assist parish communities to establish structures and processes required for pastoral planning at the local level.
Task Forces and Task Teams shall be formed to continue the process of consultation and dialogue at all levels and to reach out those who are inactive and unchurched.
Norms for the establishment and functioning of pastoral councils, committees and programs shall be developed through a consultation process.

VIII. POST-SYNOD

1.Post-Synod Parish Pastoral Planning:
a) The significance of the Synod itself
b) The Synod Proceedings
c) Parish Mission Statement
d) Parish Profile
e) Parish Goals and Objectives
f) Parish Pastoral Plan
g) Parish Evaluation

2. Existence and activation of Vicariate Pastoral Councils
3. Employment of a Diocesan Pastoral Team
4. Planning structures and Processes

Situation Analysis
Where are we now?


Evaluation Vision
What are the outcomes? Where do we want to be?




Goals and Strategies
How are we going to get there?


5. Theological Reflection:

Experience


Action Exploration


Reflection


DOING THE SYNOD

Note: The following is simplified introduction on how we can prepare ourselves for the Synod of our diocese. This is not a perfect schema but this may give some view on what the Synod is.
-Fr. Paul Medina, O.Carm.

I. Nature of the Synod. Synod is from two Greek words “syn” (same) and “hodus”(way). It is an ecclesiastical assembly or gathering to review and renew the pastoral strategies to further Church Mission attuned to the times and needs of the people. It is a way of setting relevant norms and pastoral planning of a diocese or an ecclesiastical body.
II. Pastoral Planning. The word “pastoral” is derived from the Latin word “pascere”, (ti pasture, to feed). It is related to the work of the ministers of the Church entrusted with the care of the faithful. It is related to Episcopal ministry (LG, 26) as well as the ministry of priests and deacons as sharing the pastoral role of bishops (LG, 20). GS enunciates a broader understanding of “pastoral” as related to the dignity of the human person (GS, 12), social nature of human existence (GS, 24), the need to promote common good (GS, 26), respect for persons (GS, 27) and the missionary responsibility of the Church (GS, 44). 1983 Code of Canon Law states about the “pastoral care” of the parish by a pastor (CIC 515) and this care is spelled out in Canons 528-529.
III. Planning. Human beings think in terms of a past, present and future and thus inevitably involved in planning. A human person is a “subject capable of acting in a planned and rational way” (JPII, Laborem exercens, 6). David Regan states that planning is “simply the prudent use of our human capacity to know, reflect, forsee and organize.” (David Regan, “Pastoral Planning, Doctrine and Life, 36 (1986)_, p. 421. There are various methods of planning: 1) Long-range planning, ties to optimize for tomorrow the trends of today (Peter Drucker, Managing in Turbulent Times (NY: Harper & Row, 1980, p.61) and 2) strategic planning which assumes that an organization must be responsive to a dynamic, rapidly changing environment with disciplined effort ro produce fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, what it does and why it does it(John Bryson, Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations (S.F: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1995, x). It is a practical theology which Karl Rahner would say, “the Church not simply is but must be continually happening anew” (K. Rahner, “ Practical Theology within the totality of Theological Disciplines, Theological Investigations 9 (London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 1974), p.101).

IV. PHASES OF THE SYNOD:
1) Pre-Synod or the preparatory stage
2) Synod:
a) First Session
b) Intervening Phase
c) Second Session
3) Post-Synod

V. SYNODAL DOCUMENTS : Evaluation Reports, Parish & Diocesan Profiles (Diocesan Surveys), VMG, Diocesan Thrust, Parish Mini-Synod documents, Lineamenta, Instrumentum Laboris, Synodal Acts and Decrees, Mission Statement, Diocesan Norms and Policies, Draft Diocesan Pastoral Plan
VI.





VI. OVERVIEW OF THE SYNOD PROCESS
To hear God’s people and empower them to participate fully in Christ’s mission

DIOCESIAN EVALUATION
OF DIOCESAN COMMISSIONS AND PROGRAMS
Involving parishes and vicariates in assessing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Worship, Education, Services, Temporalities, Organizing and Youth Commissions and Committees and Programs.


DIOCESAN SURVEYS
Involving individuals, communities and organizations in assessing the strengths and weaknesses, needs and resources of the Diocese
PARISH PROFILE and DIOCESAN PROFILE


FIRST SYNOD DISCUSSION PAPER (LINEAMENTA)
Consultation throughout the Diocese
MINI-SYNOD AT THE PARISH LEVEL
Parish Consultation and Assemblies involving the clergy, Parish Pastoral Council, Parish WESTOY, LOMAS, Religious men and women in the parish.


REVISED SYNOD DISCUSSION PAPER
(Draft Diocesan Pastoral Plan)


FIRST SESSION OF THE SYNOD

DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN
(Acceptance of the New Vision, Mission Statement, Pastoral Goals and Principles, Diocesan Thrust and Calls)

Consultation on Draft Diocesan Norms for Diocesan Commissions and Programs, Diocesan Pastoral Team, Parish Pastoral Councils, BEC/BCC, Parish WESTOY Committees, Parish Pastoral Teams

Task Forces/Teams consult further with inactive Catholics, Minority groups, peoples organizations and movements, L.G.Us and NGOs and ecumenical and inter-faith groups.


SECOND SESSION OF THE SYNOD

DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN
(Acceptance of Diocesan Norms (Acts, Decrees and Guidelines and Policies), Instrumentum Laboris and Time Line of Objectives, Long Range Pastoral Plan)










VII. THE PROCESS OF SYNOD PREPARATION
Shared decision-making in the following distinct stages:

Preparation: gathering factual data, identifying options, developing proposals, and consultation.
Decision-taking which involves both agreement on which course of action is most advisable, and ratification by the person(s) held to be accountable for the decision.
Implementation of the decisions taken.
Evaluation: monitoring of implementation and overall evaluation of the decision.

The PREPARATION STAGE for the FIRST SESSION OF THE SYNOD will take at least 18 months. It would include the analysis of the survey responses and the development of what is called the LINEAMENTA or Synod Discussion Papers based on these responses.

FEEDBACKS on the LINEAMENTA are well-documented in reports drawn up by the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee or the Synod Preparatory Committee. This will be discussed further in consultation meetings at the PARISH LEVEL through a MINI SYNOD and then to the VICARIATE LEVEL.. Moreover, this would include gatherings of key personnel such as religious of the diocese, apostolic groups, school heads, religious education coordinators and catechists.

The LINEAMENTA will undergo a constant process of redrafting based feedbacks and reflections on different levels until a final one will be decided by the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee.

The INSTRUMENTUM LABORIS puts in summative form the shared deeper reflections of Synod areas of concern.


THE SYNOD ASSEMBLY
The synod delegates are to be chosen according to the directives set out in the Code of Canon Law (CIC 463). In addition to ex-officio members and representatives of the diocesan clergy, religious congregations and major diocesan organizations, the membership of the Synod would include male and female delegates from each of the parishes in the diocese.

In two-day reflective meeting the delegates shall discuss, debate, modify and eventually adopt Diocesan Norms and Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
A Mission Statement will be drafted which will answer the question:
Why do we exist as Catholic communities? What is our purpose?
Pastoral Goals will be set which will answer the question:
Where do we want to be?
Theological principles and planning principles shall be spelled out for the spirituality and methodology that would be foundational to the achievement of the pastoral goals and these are answers to the question:How are we going to get there?

Shared decision making: Pastoral Planning for and at different levels:
>Pastoral Council: diocesan, vicariate and parish level
>Pastoral Assemblies: regular parish assemblies
>Pastoral Team

In the intervening months between the FIRST SESSION OF THE SYNOD and the SECOND SESSION OF THE SYNOD the following shall be done:
A DIOCESAN PASTORAL TEAM shall be appointed to assist in implementing the decisions of the synod and in particular to assist parish communities to establish structures and processes required for pastoral planning at the local level.
Task Forces and Task Teams shall be formed to continue the process of consultation and dialogue at all levels and to reach out those who are inactive and unchurched.
Norms for the establishment and functioning of pastoral councils, committees and programs shall be developed through a consultation process.

VIII. POST-SYNOD

1.Post-Synod Parish Pastoral Planning:
a) The significance of the Synod itself
b) The Synod Proceedings
c) Parish Mission Statement
d) Parish Profile
e) Parish Goals and Objectives
f) Parish Pastoral Plan
g) Parish Evaluation

2. Existence and activation of Vicariate Pastoral Councils
3. Employment of a Diocesan Pastoral Team
4. Planning structures and Processes

Situation Analysis
Where are we now?


Evaluation Vision
What are the outcomes? Where do we want to be?




Goals and Strategies
How are we going to get there?


5. Theological Reflection:

Experience


Action Exploration


Reflection

REPORT ON COMMISSION ON TEMPORALITIES

Commission on Temporalities has three (3) key programs:
I) Temporal Goods Care and Development Program
II) Christian Stewardship Program (Tithing) and
III) Priests’ Care Program

I. TEMPORAL GOODS CARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

A) GOAL
1. To care for temporal goods.
2. To deepen the Spirituality of Stewardship

EVALUATION RESULTS:

1) STRENGTHS:
The strength of this program lies to a greater part on the understanding and deeper reflection on the goal by the existing Temporalities Committee members and the Parish personnel.

2) WEAKNESSES:
The weakness of this program is the lack of proper understanding on
the program’s goal by the Temporalities Committee and the Parish
personnel.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
The care for temporal goods and the spirituality of stewardship behind this program will be known by all..

4) THREATS:
Lack of Common Pastoral Plan and Program and the aggressive proselytizing done by cults and other religious sects.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Have a common Pastoral Plan
b) Give an orientation on the care for temporal goods.


B) OBJECTIVES:

1. To establish Church property committee,
2. To have a more organized GKK for care and development of
Church properties



EVALUATION RESULTS:

1) STRENGTHS:
The establishment of a Church Property Committee maximized the overseeing, care, development and management of Church lands, cemeteries, buildings and other assets of the Church.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of understanding of the program and a Church Committee that did not move.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
The diocese and parishes show some care and concern for Church properties.

4) THREATS:
The Church properties had long been neglected. There is no Common Pastoral Plan and Program.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Have a Common Pastoral Plan and Program and have it well-coordinated.


C) METHODS AND STRATEGIES
(a) Updated monitoring of Church properties
(b) Strengthening of Temporalities Committee
(c) Regular meetings of Temporalities Committee and leveling off on temporal goods care and development.
(d) Assign capable persons to take care of Church properties and assets.

EVALUATION RESULTS:

1) STRENGTHS:
Proper inventory and updated monitoring of Church properties.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Priest-centered activity on monitoring and inventory of Church
properties and assets. Lack of understanding and knowledge on
proper monitoring and inventory of Church properties and assets.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
An opportunity to have a systematic and common method of inventory of Church properties and assets in the diocese.


4) THREATS:
Negative attitude, non-cooperation of persons concern, no
negotiation to get back Church properties and lack of transparency.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Establish an official diocesan system of inventory of Church
properties and assets.


D) ACTIVITIES:
(a) Inventory and documentation of Church properties and assets.
(b) Land titling and follow up of donated lands and properties of
the Church within the diocese.
© Fund raising Campaign: “walk for a cause”, “ walk with Mama
Mary”, “Little Angels”, ballroom dancing.
(d) Seminars and conferences on temporal goods care and
development


EVALUATION RESULT:

1) STRENGTHS:
Inventory and documentation of Church properties and assets are ongoing. A follow up of donated lands and land titling of lands where the Church building and Rectory are located are on the process.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Some Church properties and assets are not yet accounted for
inventory and documentation.
Few are involved in the implementation.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
An opportunity for intensive Church campaign for support and for a systematic inventory, management and development of Church properties and assets.

4) THREATS:
A non-performing and a non-functioning committee to care for temporal goods.
Discouragement of other members in supporting development projects related to Church properties.
Time constraints and physical limitations or health problems.


5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Systematic and proper scheduling of inventory and documentation of Church properties and assets.
Create a working committee to care for Church goods and develop it.

E. IMPLEMENTORS
a. Parish priest
b. Church Goods Committee
c. Temporalities Committee


EVALUATION RESULTS:

1) STRENGTHS:
Commitment of well-informed implementers and full support of parishioners.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Problem of transparency and lack of commitment of some implementers and lack of full support of the parishioners.

3) OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunity for more information on Church goods care and development and conducting skills training to implementers.

4) THREATS:
Time constraints, lack of incentives, lack of initiative and discouragement of implementers.
Health condition is also a threat.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Proper and systematic follow-up, inventory, documentation and development plan on Church properties and assets.
Seminars/training on temporal goods care and development.

F. BENEFICIARIES
a. Parishioners
b. GKK

EVALUATION RESULT:

1) STRENGTHS:
Active participation of well-organized and well-informed GKK.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of Common Pastoral Program, lack of interest in the implementation of the program, non attendance in meetings and non participation in activities related to temporal goods care and development.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
An opportunity for organizing GKK and for seminars and training on temporal goods care and development.
It is also an opportunity to have more donations and involvement of parishioners.

4) THREATS:
Poverty, negative attitude, lack of understanding and discouragement of some parishioners.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
More information and study on this program.
Recognition and commendation of active members.
To have retreats and recollections.

II. CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (TITHING)

A. GOAL

a. To promote a genuine and lasting self-sufficiency program.
b. To live out the spirituality of stewardship.

EVALUATION RESULT:

1) STRENGTHS:
A more organized tithing program in the parish down to the GKK level.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of proper education and awareness on tithing program.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity for formation on sharing of time, talent and treasure for the greater glory of God.

4) THREATS:
Negative attitude on tithing, laxity of implementation of this program and
poverty of the people.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Conduct seminars on tithing and self sufficiency program.
Training of trainors for conducting seminars.

B. OBJECTIVES

1) STRENGTHS:
Knowledge and awareness on tithing and maximization of parish assets.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of understanding and proper instruction on tithing and love offering for proper sharing of time, talent and treasure.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity to involve more and parish support and for maximizing the sharing of time, talent and treasure.

4) THREATS:
Negative attitude on tithing, lack of transparency and no common clear pastoral program.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Establish transparency and proper coordination with the parish priest, temporalities commission from parish to GKK level and maximization of sharing of time, talent and treasure.
Ensure full support from parish priest and parish pastoral council.


C. METHODS AND STRATEGIES

1) STRENGTHS:
GKK formation on Christian stewardship and regular meeting of Temporalities committee ensured good implementation of tithing,

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of deeper understanding on Christian stewardship, non-transparency of tithing collectors and lost enveloped discouraged tithing sharers.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity to involve more people in parish programs and have meaningful offering like offering tithes during Holy Eucharist.

4) THREATS:
Poverty situation and lack of understanding and effective method of systematizing tithes from the parishioners.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Have a tithing seminar, give proper formation on Christian stewardship, and proper reporting of tithes received.
Ensure more cooperation among the parishioners.
D. ACTIVITIES:
a. Self-sufficiency Seminars
b. Walk for a Cause
c. Fund-raising campaigns
- Raffle tickets
- Little Angels

d. Love Offering
e. Tithing Mass
f. Information Drive on Tithing
g. Teach-ins

EVALUATION RESULTS:

1) STRENGTHS:
Approval and full support of parish priests and Parish Pastoral Council on self-sufficiency activities.
Self-sufficiency seminars encouraged more people to involve themselves in tithing.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of interest of some parish and GKK officials on self-sufficiency program activities.
Unaccounted tithes and envelopes for love offering.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity for the faithful to be aware of their responsibilities and know
the deeper meaning of sharing time, talent and treasure in the context of faith-witnessing.

4) THREATS:
Poverty, greed, individualism, temptation to steal, negative attitude on tithing, lack of commitment and laxity of temporalities, members, coordinators and collectors, health and distances of parishioners houses.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Regular tithing seminars, clear and unified recording and reporting of tithing.
Systematic collection and submission of tithes.


E.IMPLEMENTORS

1. Parish Priest and Parish Pastoral Council
2. WESTOY Officers and members, especially, Temporalities Commission
3. GKK Leaders

EVALUATION RESULTS
:
1) STRENGHTS:
Full support of parish priest and Parish Pastoral Council.
Active and functional working force for regular collection of tithes.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of transparency, time and committed working force for tithes collection.
Lack of full support of parish leaders.
Lax and inactive tithes collectors. Loans from tithes.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity to fully implement the program and give seminars on Christian stewardship program.

4) THREATS:
Lack of time and laxity of tithing implementers. Frequent change of officers and members of Temporalities Commission.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Regular education and formation program for Temporalities Commission officers and members.
Method of recognition of active implementers of the program.
No loans from the tithes.

G.BENEFICIARIES
1. Members of GKK
2. Other people at the parish

EVALUATION RESULTS:

1) STRENGTHS:
Well-informed and aware parishioners show eagerness in involving in tithing and Christian stewardship program.
Well organized GKK are active in tithing program.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of financial capacity to give regular tithes.
No common pastoral program to guide and encourage people in involving in Christian stewardship program.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity to inspire more people to be involved in parish programs and activities like participating in Holy Eucharist and worship services in GKK chapels.

4) THREATS:
Negative understanding and attitude on tithing.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Regular tithing and Christian stewardship seminars.
Proper follow up of the parishioners/GKK members.


III. PRIESTS’ CARE PROGRAM

GOAL: To ensure a systematic Priest Care Program

EVALUATION RESULTS:

1) STRENGTHS:
Ensure care for the needs of the priest of our diocese.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Funds are minimal and may not be enough to be used for hospitalization and other needs of the priest.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Ensure the financial and material security of the priests and so lessen their worry on this matter.

4) THREATS:
Due to surging prices, the funds for priest care may not be enough.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS -


B. OBJECTIVES

1) STRENGTHS:
Good objective to care for priests’ needs.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of proper and systematic program for priests’ care.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity to maximize more donors and benefactors and give awareness to the faithful on their responsibility to care for their priests.
4) THREATS:
Lack of time and funds.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Have a systematic and effective Priests’ Care Program and fund-raising.

c.METHODS AND STRATEGIES

1) STRENGTHS:
Good sharing from the parishes for Priest’ Care Program.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Non-remittance of contribution for Priests’ Care.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity to help priest solve financial needs so can focus on more important pastoral ministry in the parish.

4) THREATS:
Lack of interest and laxity.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Encourage proper remittance of parish contribution to Priest’ Care Program.

d.ACTIVITIES (Pre-need, Financial support, Life and Health Insurance, Pension Plan, Care Giving)


1) STRENGTHS:
Strong support from parish priests.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Non-remittance of funds for priests’ care.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity to help the priest in their needs to fulfill their pastoral work.

4) THREATS:
Lack of funds and time.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Promote the program in the parishes.

E.IMPLEMENTORS

1) STRENGTHS:
Proper implementation .

2) WEAKNESSES:
Lack of funds.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity to give financial assistance to priest for hospitalization and other health needs.

4) THREATS:
Lack of concern.

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Ensure good support and deep concern in this program.

F.BENEFICIARIES: Bishops, Priests, Deacons.

1) STRENGHTS:
Good support from priests.

2) WEAKNESSES:
Laxity in following up on this program.

3) OPPORTUNITIES:
To be able to help priests in need of care.

4) THREATS:
Sickness, lack of funds (not enough funds).

5) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Get more funds and resources.