our purpose
We, the people of Mother of God Church, aspire to be instruments of the peace of Jesus Christ by:
- Worshipping God with joy and reverence
- Welcoming the stranger with love and compassion
- Serving those in need with humility and respect.
our Vision
We envision a parish where each person is on a mission to live a life of discipleship, seeking to encounter the risen Lord and each other. As a Catholic faith community, we will foster deepened relationships with Jesus through our joyful worship, compassionate love, and evangelizing witness.
our values
Faith
“Faith is the realization of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Definition: We trust in God’s providence and believe that God will provide for our community’s needs through our prayer and work.
Definition: We trust in God’s providence and believe that God will provide for our community’s needs through our prayer and work.
Community
Definition: A home where everyone belongs and is accepted for who and where they are on the journey and where we share accountability for helping each other grow in faith.
Love
Definition: Because we are loved by God, we demonstrate care and concern for others.
our priorities and goals
Sustainability
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
Definition:
Rationale: We want Mother of God to continue to be a beacon of faith for future generations and an important anchor not only for the surrounding neighborhood but for all seekers looking for a spiritual home.
Goals:
- Financial stability that can support the ministerial and operational needs of the parish, as well as future growth.
- Development of lay leadership, both paid and volunteer, so they can be prepared to support our current and future pastors and/or parish administrators.
Rationale: We want Mother of God to continue to be a beacon of faith for future generations and an important anchor not only for the surrounding neighborhood but for all seekers looking for a spiritual home.
Goals:
- Develop a robust sustainability plan to ensure the perpetual life of the parish based on sound financial processes, optimal personnel structure, and strategic use of campus resources by March 2025.
- In collaboration with the pastor, staff, and key volunteers, create a parish operations manual outlining standard operating procedures by March 2025.
Faith Formation
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Definition: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops defines the Church’s mission as “[to] help the faithful of all ages to grow in both human and Christian maturity, enriching the whole of life with the leaven of the Gospel. Consequently, appropriate goals and content will embrace all faith dimensions of an adult life—for example, understanding and communicating the faith, skills for personal growth, the experience of family life, relationships, public service, and concern for the common good.”
Rationale: We need to invite and enable conversion to Jesus in Holiness of Life, promote and support active membership in the Christian community, and call and prepare adults to act as disciples in mission to the world.
Goals:
Rationale: We need to invite and enable conversion to Jesus in Holiness of Life, promote and support active membership in the Christian community, and call and prepare adults to act as disciples in mission to the world.
Goals:
- 75% of people attending Mother of God parish will be engaged in at least one faith formation opportunity annually by March 2025.
- 90% of people attending Mother of God will indicate that they are growing in their relationship with Jesus by March 2025.
Engagement
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day drawing nearer.” Hebrews 10:24–25
Definition: Engagement in a faith community fosters a sense of ownership and belonging to something that is larger than ourselves. Within this connection there is a desire and a responsibility to personally invest—spiritually, emotionally and financially—in the mission and vision of the Church and the good of its people.
Rationale: When we work alongside one another for a common cause, we are more likely to build connections, strengthen our community, and deepen our faith. At a time when individuals in our society are increasingly isolated, it is important to encourage others to share their unique gifts as best they can and to understand that each of us has something of value to contribute to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.
Goals:
Rationale: When we work alongside one another for a common cause, we are more likely to build connections, strengthen our community, and deepen our faith. At a time when individuals in our society are increasingly isolated, it is important to encourage others to share their unique gifts as best they can and to understand that each of us has something of value to contribute to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.
Goals:
- 75-80% of registered parishioners will be meaningfully engaged in at least one parish ministry or organization by March 2025.
- 90% of people in the parish will invite someone to at least 1 parish event annually by April 2025.