Topics

The Ministry of the Pastoral Council Member
This workshop based on the newly revised “Handbook for Consultative Bodies” will focus on how advisory councils are to function in the Church.  Using the diocesan guidelines this workshop will point out how Pastoral Councils and other advisory groups do not function like the City Council or a Board of Directors; and how discernment and consensus decision making are used in place of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Managing Conflict
A positive, non-judgmental approach to the way individuals deal with conflict.  Includes video. 1-1 ½ hrs; weekdays or evenings.

Volunteers, Our Greatest Resource
From how to ask to how to say good-bye this overview covers the care of volunteers.  1 ½ hrs; days or evenings.

Effective Meetings
This workshop will present some of the necessary ingredients for planning productive meetings.  It will demonstrate how to develop outcomes and how to make those outcomes work for the group.

Introduction To Mediation
This workshop is an introduction to a process for managing conflict between parties for the purpose of arriving at agreement.  It will focus on the skills of identifying and analyzing issues and options, without emphasizing blame or fault, but rather concentrating on the future relationship of the parties.

Developing a Parish Mission Statement
Who are you as a parish community and where are you headed.  This workshop will teach an approach to developing a mission statement that will provide focus and direction for the ministries of your parish.

Developing a Five Year Plan
Long range planning is an essential part of the work of a Pastoral Council.  This workshop will teach how to set goals, and develop objectives and strategies that that carry out the mission of the parish.

How to Develop an Agenda
An agenda needs to include more information than the beginning time, ending time, and topics to discuss.  This workshop will suggest ways to make your agenda drive the meeting more effectively.