Let the spirit come through
St. John XXIII Vision Statement
We make the Kingdom of God present in our world by loving God, welcoming all, serving humanity, and caring for creation.
Creating a Pastoral Plan
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In the summer of 2023, Fr. Jean-Philippe encouraged the newly formed St. John XXIII Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) to create a pastoral plan to guide and focus the work of the parish for the next three years. With the active involvement of the Parish Finance Council, the PPC organized a nine-month process to assess the parish’s strengths and challenges and to discern priorities for the coming years. This process consisted of three phases: the learning phase, the planning phase, and the implementation phase.
During the Fall 2023 learning phase, parishioners participated in 44 listening sessions. Approximately 500 hours of meaningful conversation, plus additional feedback submitted by individuals online, yielded more than 1200 recorded comments, which were analyzed and grouped into five key themes. Using data from the Disciple Maker Index Survey, the listening sessions, and the Parish Annual Report, in the Spring of 2024 the Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council identified seven possible priorities to guide our parish. Feedback on these draft priorities, as well as options for a new parish vision statement, was gathered through a survey in late April, to which nearly 250 parishioners responded. The final pastoral plan was released on Pentecost (May 19, 2024) after three days of community prayer. We are now in the implementation phase. This webpage is the home for pastoral plan resources and updates as well as information on how to get involved. |
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Prayer for the Pastoral Plan
Heavenly Father, we thank you for calling our faith family into existence as St. John XXIII Parish. Thank you for our brothers and sisters who constitute this beautiful community as it is today. Thank you for helping us make the Kingdom of God present in our world by loving You, welcoming all, serving humanity, and caring for creation.
Lord Jesus, you are the source of all things new. With boldness and hope we pray for a greater future. We entrust to you our new Parish Pastoral Plan. Give us the grace to be faithful servants of your love and guide us with wisdom and discernment for the vitality of our community.
Holy Spirit, instill in us the generosity to readily share our gifts, talents, time, and financial resources, so as to further the mission you entrust to us. Bless us and the work of our hands.
Amen.
Lord Jesus, you are the source of all things new. With boldness and hope we pray for a greater future. We entrust to you our new Parish Pastoral Plan. Give us the grace to be faithful servants of your love and guide us with wisdom and discernment for the vitality of our community.
Holy Spirit, instill in us the generosity to readily share our gifts, talents, time, and financial resources, so as to further the mission you entrust to us. Bless us and the work of our hands.
Amen.
Priorities of the 2024-2027 Pastoral Plan
Culture of Stewardship
PRIORITY DEFINITION: A culture of stewardship at St. John XXIII Parish means recognizing that we are the Church and that each of us has God-given gifts of time, talent, and treasure. We receive these gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in solidarity with others, and return them generously to our faith community.
The Goal
Our goal is to instill a spirit of care, support, and welcome within our parish with the intention of (1) helping people of all ages feel more welcomed and involved in parish life, (2) growing the Sunday collection to meet the parish’s ministerial and financial needs, and (3) achieving a balanced budget by fiscal year 2026-2027.
The Plan
1. FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP. Beginning this fall, we’ll launch an annual financial stewardship campaign, offering a heartfelt invitation to reflect on the gifts we have been given and how we can, in gratitude to God, support the Sunday offertory as our financial resources (treasure) allow..
2. TIME, TALENT, AND BELONGING. Next Easter season, we will initiate a program to invite individuals and families who have not yet registered to do so and to invite all parishioners to offer their time and talents in service of the parish. Then, we will celebrate these gifts of time and talent at our annual volunteer celebration!
3. STRENGTHENING THE SCHOOL-PARISH CONNECTION. We plan to assemble a working group of school and parish stakeholders to draft a new operating agreement between the school and the parish that will identify a shared vision of support and integration into the life of St. John XXIII.
The Team
Brian Bigelow, Christie Klimas, Mary Erickson , Suzanne Lefevre (Chair), Thom Clark, Charles Loiseau (PPC), Krista Simons Gilva (PPC), Art Roggow (Staff)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for parishioners who are passionate about responsibly cultivating and lovingly sharing God’s gifts of time, talent, and treasure to join us as we work to build a Culture of Stewardship in our parish. For more information, contact Suzanne Lefevre at 847.644.9348 or [email protected].
The Goal
Our goal is to instill a spirit of care, support, and welcome within our parish with the intention of (1) helping people of all ages feel more welcomed and involved in parish life, (2) growing the Sunday collection to meet the parish’s ministerial and financial needs, and (3) achieving a balanced budget by fiscal year 2026-2027.
The Plan
1. FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP. Beginning this fall, we’ll launch an annual financial stewardship campaign, offering a heartfelt invitation to reflect on the gifts we have been given and how we can, in gratitude to God, support the Sunday offertory as our financial resources (treasure) allow..
2. TIME, TALENT, AND BELONGING. Next Easter season, we will initiate a program to invite individuals and families who have not yet registered to do so and to invite all parishioners to offer their time and talents in service of the parish. Then, we will celebrate these gifts of time and talent at our annual volunteer celebration!
3. STRENGTHENING THE SCHOOL-PARISH CONNECTION. We plan to assemble a working group of school and parish stakeholders to draft a new operating agreement between the school and the parish that will identify a shared vision of support and integration into the life of St. John XXIII.
The Team
Brian Bigelow, Christie Klimas, Mary Erickson , Suzanne Lefevre (Chair), Thom Clark, Charles Loiseau (PPC), Krista Simons Gilva (PPC), Art Roggow (Staff)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for parishioners who are passionate about responsibly cultivating and lovingly sharing God’s gifts of time, talent, and treasure to join us as we work to build a Culture of Stewardship in our parish. For more information, contact Suzanne Lefevre at 847.644.9348 or [email protected].
Discipleship and Evangelization
PRIORITY DEFINITION: In Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we find the fullness of life and salvation. Discipleship and evangelization at St. John XXIII Parish mean growing our knowledge of and love for Christ so that we may bear witness to the Good News and make the Kingdom of God present in our world.
The Goal
Our goal is to increase the number of parishioners who believe that the parish equips them to have conversations about their faith and to increase the frequency with which parishioners share that faith with others.
The Plan
1. DISCIPLESHIP AND EVANGELIZATION EXPERIENCES. We’ll provide parishioners with opportunities for impactful experiences, like the Alpha program and accompaniment training for lay leaders, where they can encounter Christ and learn to share their faith with others.
2. MINISTRY OF INTERCESSION. Building on our successful Lenten Prayer Trees, we plan to develop a “ministry of intercession” to encourage a strong sense of belonging and care for one another.
3. SERVICE, ENCOUNTER, AND COMMUNITY BUILDING. Through theological reflection, dramatic productions, and faith in action, we’ll help parishioners discern God’s presence in their lives, proclaim the gospel, and serve others.
The Team
Carolina Renteria, Barbara Soricelli, Peg Hanrahan, Melanie O’Callahan, Karie Farrell (Staff), Raul Marrero Rosa, Cliff Barber (PPC)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for five new members to join the steering team and for many parishioners to join us in the upcoming Discipleship and Evangelization implementation efforts. For more information, contact Melanie O’Callahan at 847.987.6871 or [email protected].
The Goal
Our goal is to increase the number of parishioners who believe that the parish equips them to have conversations about their faith and to increase the frequency with which parishioners share that faith with others.
The Plan
1. DISCIPLESHIP AND EVANGELIZATION EXPERIENCES. We’ll provide parishioners with opportunities for impactful experiences, like the Alpha program and accompaniment training for lay leaders, where they can encounter Christ and learn to share their faith with others.
2. MINISTRY OF INTERCESSION. Building on our successful Lenten Prayer Trees, we plan to develop a “ministry of intercession” to encourage a strong sense of belonging and care for one another.
3. SERVICE, ENCOUNTER, AND COMMUNITY BUILDING. Through theological reflection, dramatic productions, and faith in action, we’ll help parishioners discern God’s presence in their lives, proclaim the gospel, and serve others.
The Team
Carolina Renteria, Barbara Soricelli, Peg Hanrahan, Melanie O’Callahan, Karie Farrell (Staff), Raul Marrero Rosa, Cliff Barber (PPC)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for five new members to join the steering team and for many parishioners to join us in the upcoming Discipleship and Evangelization implementation efforts. For more information, contact Melanie O’Callahan at 847.987.6871 or [email protected].
Faith Formation for Adults
PRIORITY DEFINITION: Faith formation invites parishioners of all ages into a deeper relationship with Jesus, promotes active participation in our Christian community, and helps us live out our baptismal call to spread the Good News and to work for justice in the world.
The Goal
Our goal is to increase the number of people, particularly young adults, who participate regularly in classes or workshops on the Catholic faith.
The Plan
1. PARISH-WIDE SURVEY. We want to capture what offerings or ministries at St. John XXIII are nurturing parishioners’ faith, what parishioners are seeking in their spiritual journeys, and what parishioners might want to learn about the Catholic faith.
2. ONGOING FAITH FORMATION RESOURCES. We plan to create an online resource for faith-formation via a page on the parish website to provide resources and connections for those seeking to grow in their faith.
3. FAITH FORMATION EVENTS. We will hold parish-wide faith formation events and hope to ensure various ministries’ offerings are known across campuses.
The Team
Pat Tomich, Katie Dorner (Co-Chair), Maria Senecal (Co-Chair), Robert Eme, Susan Ross, Matt Brands, Genevieve O’Toole, Karie Farrell (Staff)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for parishioners interest in expanding the faith formation offerings of the parish. For more information contact: Katie Dorner at 773.420.6241 and [email protected] or Maria Senecal at 847.401.2675 and [email protected].
The Goal
Our goal is to increase the number of people, particularly young adults, who participate regularly in classes or workshops on the Catholic faith.
The Plan
1. PARISH-WIDE SURVEY. We want to capture what offerings or ministries at St. John XXIII are nurturing parishioners’ faith, what parishioners are seeking in their spiritual journeys, and what parishioners might want to learn about the Catholic faith.
2. ONGOING FAITH FORMATION RESOURCES. We plan to create an online resource for faith-formation via a page on the parish website to provide resources and connections for those seeking to grow in their faith.
3. FAITH FORMATION EVENTS. We will hold parish-wide faith formation events and hope to ensure various ministries’ offerings are known across campuses.
The Team
Pat Tomich, Katie Dorner (Co-Chair), Maria Senecal (Co-Chair), Robert Eme, Susan Ross, Matt Brands, Genevieve O’Toole, Karie Farrell (Staff)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for parishioners interest in expanding the faith formation offerings of the parish. For more information contact: Katie Dorner at 773.420.6241 and [email protected] or Maria Senecal at 847.401.2675 and [email protected].
Fostering Parish Unity
PRIORITY DEFINITION: Recognizing that we are stronger together and building upon the legacy of our pasts, we strive to nurture a vibrant parish community with meaningful relationships. As one body in Christ, we recognize and honor our differences while fostering a unified sense of belonging and shared purpose.
The Goal
Our goals are to help cultivate more relationships between members of the two legacy parishes, to increase the number of parishioners who attend liturgies and events at their non-legacy parish, and to create new activities and traditions that engage parishioners from both legacy parishes.
The Plan
1. MINISTRY CONVERSATIONS. We’ll continue to our conversations with ministry groups and parishioners to discover ways to build relationships and learn what unity looks like for our parish.
2. PARISH UNITY EVENTS. By hosting facilitated gatherings and events, we’ll intentionally create spaces to share our common and distinct histories, honor our diversity, recognize and celebrate our various gifts, and foster a sense of belonging across the parish.
3. MULTILINGUAL MASSES. Working with the Liturgy Commission, we plan to increase the number of multilingual Masses to create more opportunities for our multilingual parish to worship together as one faith community.
The Team
Tim Schmitt (PPC), June Melchior, Mayra Salazar, Michael Ward (Co-Chair), Tom Horne (Co-Chair), Tony Quintanilla, Sara Delva (PPC), Carolina Rentaria (PPC), Wendy Rodas-Villegas (Staff)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for parishioners who are committed to strengthening the bonds between our two legacy parishes to join us as we work together to Foster Parish Unity. For more information, contact June Melchior at 510.301.5773 or [email protected].
The Goal
Our goals are to help cultivate more relationships between members of the two legacy parishes, to increase the number of parishioners who attend liturgies and events at their non-legacy parish, and to create new activities and traditions that engage parishioners from both legacy parishes.
The Plan
1. MINISTRY CONVERSATIONS. We’ll continue to our conversations with ministry groups and parishioners to discover ways to build relationships and learn what unity looks like for our parish.
2. PARISH UNITY EVENTS. By hosting facilitated gatherings and events, we’ll intentionally create spaces to share our common and distinct histories, honor our diversity, recognize and celebrate our various gifts, and foster a sense of belonging across the parish.
3. MULTILINGUAL MASSES. Working with the Liturgy Commission, we plan to increase the number of multilingual Masses to create more opportunities for our multilingual parish to worship together as one faith community.
The Team
Tim Schmitt (PPC), June Melchior, Mayra Salazar, Michael Ward (Co-Chair), Tom Horne (Co-Chair), Tony Quintanilla, Sara Delva (PPC), Carolina Rentaria (PPC), Wendy Rodas-Villegas (Staff)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for parishioners who are committed to strengthening the bonds between our two legacy parishes to join us as we work together to Foster Parish Unity. For more information, contact June Melchior at 510.301.5773 or [email protected].
Liturgical Life
PRIORITY DEFINITION: Recognizing the Eucharist as the “source and summit of the Christian life” through which “the work of our redemption is accomplished,” we strive to celebrate vibrant, inclusive and life-giving liturgies that bring us closer to God, build community, and form us into missionary disciples of Christ.
The Goal
Our goal is to increase the number of people (particularly young adults) who attend Mass,
participate in liturgical ministries, and believe that the Eucharist is the Real Presence of the body
and blood of Christ.
The Plan
1. CELEBRATING THE VARIETY OF PARISH LITURGIES. We are working on creating a “marketing capsule” for each parish liturgy, including a description, photos, and short video interviews, to help current and prospective parishioners find a liturgy that speaks to them.
2. CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT OF PARISH LITURGIES. While intentionally maintaining liturgies where “all are welcome,” we’re drawing on feedback from parishioners and researching best practices in Catholic liturgy to improve the liturgical experience at all parish Masses.
3. LITURGICAL FAITH FORMATION. We plan to develop and host biannual faith formation workshops to provide our liturgical ministers with ongoing support, training, and education.
The Team
Angela Stramaglia, Andrea Infante-Martinez (Co-Chair), Dianne Fox (Staff), Fr. Jean-Philippe, John Schuchert (Co-Chair), Fr Jose Ortiz, Kathy Benn (Co-Chair), Katie Padley Bolo, Mike Borman, Jim Burke (PPC)
GET INVOLVED!
Come work with us as we continue to share, create, and present meaningful liturgical experiences that nourish our souls! We’re especially looking for parishioners to help spread awareness about the diversity of our liturgies and to help enhance faith formation opportunities for our liturgical ministers. For more information, contact Kathy Benn at 224.531.1907 or [email protected].
The Goal
Our goal is to increase the number of people (particularly young adults) who attend Mass,
participate in liturgical ministries, and believe that the Eucharist is the Real Presence of the body
and blood of Christ.
The Plan
1. CELEBRATING THE VARIETY OF PARISH LITURGIES. We are working on creating a “marketing capsule” for each parish liturgy, including a description, photos, and short video interviews, to help current and prospective parishioners find a liturgy that speaks to them.
2. CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT OF PARISH LITURGIES. While intentionally maintaining liturgies where “all are welcome,” we’re drawing on feedback from parishioners and researching best practices in Catholic liturgy to improve the liturgical experience at all parish Masses.
3. LITURGICAL FAITH FORMATION. We plan to develop and host biannual faith formation workshops to provide our liturgical ministers with ongoing support, training, and education.
The Team
Angela Stramaglia, Andrea Infante-Martinez (Co-Chair), Dianne Fox (Staff), Fr. Jean-Philippe, John Schuchert (Co-Chair), Fr Jose Ortiz, Kathy Benn (Co-Chair), Katie Padley Bolo, Mike Borman, Jim Burke (PPC)
GET INVOLVED!
Come work with us as we continue to share, create, and present meaningful liturgical experiences that nourish our souls! We’re especially looking for parishioners to help spread awareness about the diversity of our liturgies and to help enhance faith formation opportunities for our liturgical ministers. For more information, contact Kathy Benn at 224.531.1907 or [email protected].
Youth Engagement
PRIORITY DEFINITION: Youth engagement nurtures our parish youth (grades 6-12) to grow as Catholics beyond Confirmation by practicing discipleship through witness, service, ministry, and leadership, while deepening their relationship with Christ and their identities as parishioners.
The Goal
Our goals are to increase the number of young people who play active roles in parish liturgy, ministries, and leadership and increase the number of young people who strongly recommend the parish.
The Plan
1. VIBRANT, MEANINGFUL YOUTH MINISTRY. Create an engaging, welcoming, and impactful faith-formation experience for parish youth through a well-trained youth minister and committed, trained adult mentors.
2. EXPANDED YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN PARISH MINISTRIES. Provide meaningful roles for youth in St. John XXIII ministries where they can grow in faith and build a community in which young people belong to the parish and the parish belongs to them.
3. COORDINATED AND INTEGRATED FAITH FORMATION. With the Catechetical Advisory Board, Adult Faith Formation Team, and others, create a unified, objective-driven vision of faith formation for parishioners, scaffolded to be age appropriate.
The Team
Alex Roman (Staff), Carla Orduno, David Heineman (Chair), Ifeanyi Beverly Chukwudozie, Nicole Duval, Pat Trafton (PPC)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for parishioners with a passion for youth engagement to become a part of our team. For more information contact: Nicole Duval at 847.529.7318 or [email protected]
The Goal
Our goals are to increase the number of young people who play active roles in parish liturgy, ministries, and leadership and increase the number of young people who strongly recommend the parish.
The Plan
1. VIBRANT, MEANINGFUL YOUTH MINISTRY. Create an engaging, welcoming, and impactful faith-formation experience for parish youth through a well-trained youth minister and committed, trained adult mentors.
2. EXPANDED YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN PARISH MINISTRIES. Provide meaningful roles for youth in St. John XXIII ministries where they can grow in faith and build a community in which young people belong to the parish and the parish belongs to them.
3. COORDINATED AND INTEGRATED FAITH FORMATION. With the Catechetical Advisory Board, Adult Faith Formation Team, and others, create a unified, objective-driven vision of faith formation for parishioners, scaffolded to be age appropriate.
The Team
Alex Roman (Staff), Carla Orduno, David Heineman (Chair), Ifeanyi Beverly Chukwudozie, Nicole Duval, Pat Trafton (PPC)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for parishioners with a passion for youth engagement to become a part of our team. For more information contact: Nicole Duval at 847.529.7318 or [email protected]
Catechetical Advisory Board
PRIORITY DEFINITION: The Catechetical Advisory Board was established to foster excellence in parish catechetical ministry for youth, pre-K through Confirmation, in St. John XXIII Parish. We advise and support parish leadership across both church campuses and our parish school.
The Goal
Our goal is to increase the number of people who strongly recommend the parish’s religious education programs.
The Plan
1. SUPPORT AND OPTIMIZE CURRENT FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS. Improve the processes, procedures, and policies of our current faith formation programs for children to ensure the experience is meaningful for students and families. This includes communications, documentation, curriculum, catechist support, family engagement, and service learning.
2. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE. Prepare for the future of our parish catechetical program, which honors the mission of providing a dynamic faith-formation experience and prepares students for lifelong discipleship through a combination of classroom learning, community service, and family engagement throughout their sacramental journey.
The Team
Edgar Vega, Carmel Medard, Karie Farrell (Staff), Julia Mendoza, Junette Moseley (Co-Chair), Kara Hoeger, Katie Padley, Maria Senecal (Secretary), Matt Brands, Nora Bondi (Chair), Jocelyn Herrera, Rob Sullivan (PPC)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for volunteers to help with English and Spanish religious education. For more information contact: Nora Bondi at 773.991.9184 and [email protected].
The Goal
Our goal is to increase the number of people who strongly recommend the parish’s religious education programs.
The Plan
1. SUPPORT AND OPTIMIZE CURRENT FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS. Improve the processes, procedures, and policies of our current faith formation programs for children to ensure the experience is meaningful for students and families. This includes communications, documentation, curriculum, catechist support, family engagement, and service learning.
2. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE. Prepare for the future of our parish catechetical program, which honors the mission of providing a dynamic faith-formation experience and prepares students for lifelong discipleship through a combination of classroom learning, community service, and family engagement throughout their sacramental journey.
The Team
Edgar Vega, Carmel Medard, Karie Farrell (Staff), Julia Mendoza, Junette Moseley (Co-Chair), Kara Hoeger, Katie Padley, Maria Senecal (Secretary), Matt Brands, Nora Bondi (Chair), Jocelyn Herrera, Rob Sullivan (PPC)
GET INVOLVED!
We’re looking for volunteers to help with English and Spanish religious education. For more information contact: Nora Bondi at 773.991.9184 and [email protected].
How to Get Involved
If you would like to get involved in implementing the pastoral plan, please reach out to these priority contact people:
- Culture of Stewardship – Suzanne Lefevre, 847.644.9348, [email protected]
- Discipleship and Evangelization – Melanie O’Callahan, 847.987.6871, c[email protected]
- Faith Formation for Adults – Katie Dorner, 773.420.6241, [email protected] and Maria Senecal, 847.401.2675, [email protected]
- Fostering Parish Unity – June Mechior, 510.301.5773, [email protected]
- Liturgy Commission – Kathy Benn, 224.531.1907, [email protected]
- Youth Engagement – Nicole Duval, 847.529.7318, [email protected]
- Catechetical Advisory Board – Nora Bondi, 773.991.9184, [email protected]
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