InterParish CRE at 2931 Pindell Avenue, Louisville, KY 40217 US - Our Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Plan
GOAL 1 To reform Catholic Religious Catechesis for children who do not attend a parochial school and who have varied physical, psychological, educational, and spiritual needs. OBJECTIVE 1.1 Develop and improve appropriate methodology for all students. ACTION STEPS 1.1.1 Review, assess and identify needs and expectations, including the completion of a family and student profile. 1.1.2 Plan a multi-layer catechetical structure that will sufficiently address religious education for children with a range of different learning needs, a variety of disabilities, a calendar packed schedule, and sensitive to a complex family or pastoral situation. 1.1.3 Research alternative models for effective catecesis which will accommodate a variety of situations and choose an appropriate blend. 1.1.4 Mentor parish catechists and classroom aids in effective classroom management strategies. 1.1.5 Inform, involve and engage the parents/guardians as much as possible. 1.1.6 Gain the necessary personnel, funding, and resources to support the methodological direction. 1.1.7 Provide adequate and appropriate space. 1.1.8 Significantly reduce the catechist - student ratio. 1.1.9 Apply for grants, explor endowmnet, and work on ministerial fundraising opportunities not related to gambling or purchasing non-religious articles. OBJECTIVE 1.2 Assure the quality and authenticity of Catholic content taught to the students. ACTION STEPS 1.2.1 Stipend lead catechists who are practicing Catholics, certified in catechetics and qualified to communicate Catholic teaching. 1.2.2 Mentor parishioners into their role as catechists by modeling and training to work side by side with lead catechists. 1.2.3 Plan an integrated curriculum tending to multiple intelligence formats. 1.2.4 Prepare lesson resource packets specifically designed for designated learning units. 1.2.5 Reduce class size. 1.2.6 Provide appropriate designated space for gatherings. 1.2.7 Provide an experience of liturgical and regular class prayer. 1.2.8 Provide service learning as a way to integrate theory with praxis. 1.2.9 Teach Scripture and how to use the Bible. 1.2.10 Provide adult catechesis and updates for parents and guardians. OBJECTIVE 1.3 Support the connection of the family to their home parish. ACTION STEPS 1.3.1 Hire and train an InterParish CRE Program Manager to administrate and facilitate the pastoral connection of the family to their home parish. 1.3.2 Seek out those who might otherwise "fall through the cracks." 1.3.3 Improve the line and timeliness of communication to the home parish, ministry committees, organizations and all persons who need to be aware of inviting and including these families in both invitation and participation. 1.3.4 Resolve all miscommunication promptly. 1.3.5 Identify and work toward full inclusion, outreach and invitation into all areas of parish life with a spirit of Christian love, unity and integrity. 1.3.6 Create a specialized InterParish Data Base to support the maintenance, growth and development of the program. 1.3.7 Create an InterParish website and utilize the technology to become cost efficient, information efficient, and as paperless as possible. OBJECTIVE 1.4 Nurture a healthy peer community - "a place to belong and connect." ACTION STEPS 1.4.1 Establish a personal relationship with students and their families. 1.4.2 Invite the families to fellowship with each other through liturgical events, home meals together, and other relational vehicles. 1.4.3 Work with the Catholic Family Center to offer a lifeline connection to pastoral care, counseling and support services available in the Archdiocesan network. 1.4.4 Utilize technological advances such as web sties, e-mail, voice mail, cell phone, etc., to facilitate efficient and accessible information and communication. 1.4.5 Provide liturgical and seasonal materials, personal greetings, expressions of prayerful sympathy, and heartfelt congratulations as appropriate. OBJECTIVE 1.5 Assure the leadership structure is in place and functioning with clarity in understanding its role. ACTION STEPS 1.5.1 Continue to form and inform the InterParish CRE Parent Board in prayer, discernment, and planning methodology. 1.5.2 Foster clear channel of communication and assure an audible CRE voice at the decision tables of appropriate parish structures. 1.5.3 Engage the parents/guardians in supporting classroom and special event roles. 1.5.4 Enable a just process and collaborative spirit through clear boundaries and effective planning. 1.5.5 Update and provide student-family handbooks and catechist-faculty handbooks. 1.5.6 Assure that all legal forms, behavioral conduct code, and permission slips are current and on file. 1.5.7 Ensure that CRE is visible and present to the parishes at large.