Master Planning Communiqué
Saint John the Evangelist Parish        March 16, 2005

Summary of Progress to Date

The purpose of this Communiqué is to provide an overview of where St. John parish is in the master planning process, and to let you know the steps necessary to complete the process.  The Master Planning Committee has been hard at work over the last year working with our community to develop a master plan for the parish campus.  The plan identifies physical improvements that will be programmed over the next 3, 5, 10 and 20 years.  One purpose of undertaking this effort has been to provide stewardship of our resources.  We have been blessed by the legacy of past generations as well as the sacrificial giving and generous contributions of time and talent from the current generation.

It is important to note that in addition to our stewardship responsibilities for facilities and resources, the primary reason we have facilities at all is to enable our faith community to fulfill its mission through worship, faith formation, doing good works and stewardship.  The mission and goals of the parish have been the primary guiding principles underlying the planning process.  Other guiding principles or criteria include safety, health and legal requirements; cost and schedule; asset protection and value; and the combined ministries’ needs, wants and desires. 

We are about to enter the fifth step in the master planning process.

1. Establish inclusion and alignment of all ministries for the Master Planning Process.

2. Define scope and process with input from all councils/commissions.

3. Establish and verify physical condition and use of parish campus.

4. Develop a draft Master Plan. (5, 10, and 20 years)

►  5. Confirm Master Plan assumptions and parameters with parish community.

At the April parish Leadership Meeting, a draft master plan will be presented and discussed.  With feedback from all of the ministries at the meeting, the plan will be presented to the larger parish community.

The Master Planning Committee envisions presentations to ensure that everyone has a chance to review the draft plan and provide comments and suggestions.  The Master Planning Committee will then review suggestions from these meetings and make appropriate adjustments to the plan.  This will complete the work of the Master Planning Committee.  Fr. Bill, in consultation with the Pastoral Council, will determine the next steps for the plan and implementation actions.

As a reminder, the Master Planning Committee is made up of representatives from each parish commission and council.  Each member has actively participated in the planning process and did their best to be inclusive.  While it has been a significant effort, Master Planning Team members have found the work rewarding because of its importance to the future of our community.

As we approach the end of the planning process, it is critical that we all listen to the ideas and concerns of each other.  Please take time to engage in this dialog.  Active discussion and participation will help ensure that the master plan is one that can carry the parish forward for another 85 years.  We owe this to those who came before us and to those who will follow.

Ongoing Communications

Please be sure to check the Sunday bulletin inserts for updates on the parish campus master planning process.  Also, the St. John web site (www.stjohnsea.org ) has all of the previous Communiqués, a list of the master planning committee, and related background for those who may be new to the parish or for those who want to become more involved in the process.