This is a major goal of Synod Implementation, since these plans are supposed to provide guidance for all pastoral activities of the Church in 2010.

The Synod Implementation Team (SIT) is in the final stages of formulating a template for the plan, in an effort to make completion of the plans as easy as possible for all. This template should have already reached those concerned.

According to SIT officials the Appreciative Inquiry (SOAR):(Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results) will be used to do the process since this builds on strengths, as opposed to (SWOT), which focusses more on weaknesses.

To ensure the process is completed in the projected timeframe, a training session is being held this weekend at the St Charles Parish Hall. Expected at the session will be three representatives from each vicariate and it will be conducted by Ramona Khan and Ruby Allen.

Following this, subsequent sessions are being arranged, all within October. As of press time only two have been confirmed: The Southern Vicariate on October 10 and the Eastern Vicariate on October 24.

The plans should encompass all the aspirations of the parish and the specific actions planned to implement Synod and achieve the Mission – “Building a Civilisation of Love”.

The second part of the process will see the training of persons in the parish, including members of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), Parish Implementation Team (PIT) and the heads and/or representatives of the Parish Finance Council.

Focus of the Pastoral Plan will be in order of priority – 1) theme for the year; 2) Synod resolutions (particularly New Evangelisation) and mission of the Archdiocese.

The question may be asked. Why do we need a plan? The answer is simple; to ensure focussed action to Synod and Mission; to review performances and achievements and if necessary to make adjustments.

Meanwhile, following a successful launch in early September of the “Called to be Catholic” campaign with an advertising blitz and banners for all parishes proclaiming the slogan, the Implementation Committee, during the next two weeks has planned a series of radio and television interviews to keep the momentum created by the launch, moving forward.