PowerPoint Presentation

Connecting Your NetworksMelissa DuCharmeDiocese of RaleighOffice of Human Life and DignityHow do you assist those in need when resources are limited? By building connected networks. Learn more about the concepts behind and practical applications of developing connected networks: identifying available resources through developing connections with parishes and community organizations within your diocese, bolstering other community programs including local Catholic Charities agencies, and utilizing the extensive resources and knowledge base available through Catholic Charities USA.

1Communities of Salt & LightPrayer & WorshipEducationFamily, Work, CitizenshipOutreach & CharityLegislative ActionOrganizing for JusticeBuilding Solidarity

2We cant do this alone- at parishes or in the diocese We need to collaborate to be more effective and efficientCommunities of Salt & Light These committees and coordinators best serve parishes by facilitating and enabling the participation of the parish community, rather than simply doing the work on behalf of the parish.--p. 13

The role of parish social ministry leaders is to create the structures and programs that enable the entire parish to act on our social mission.

3Attract others to this work- we cant go it alone!What is the Reality for your parish/office?Who Are Your Key Constituencies?Parishioners/Co-workersPeople in need neighboring parishes/community partnersCurrent Ministries of Your ParishPastor/Parish Council

What Are Their Resources and Needs?

Strategies for ResearchingSurveysConversationsOne-on-ones

Always plan ahead. It wasnt raining when Noah built the ark.

Richard Cushing

A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there. H. Stanely Judd

Do the the fire drills of the day begin to sap your time? We need to plan. 80% planning/20% doing

We need to work smarter, not harder- and work smart on the right things--- like building your networks@5Organizing Model: USCCB

Relationships come first! Start with one on ones.6

Strategically plan your partners7National PartnersCatholic Charities USACatholic Relief ServicesCatholic Campaign for Human DevelopmentUnited States Conference of Catholic BishopsJust FaithMinistriesGovernment AgenciesTraining opportunities, resources

Dont underestimate what our national partners can offer you!

8Diocesan Staff PartnersCatholic CharitiesDioceseFormation DepartmentsDiversity Groups- Hispanic Ministry, African American, Native AmericanPro-Life Offices

Be invitational, identify leaders, step out of natural circles

They have different constituencies that can be part of our plan9Community PartnersCatholic CharitiesDioceseCatholic Campaign for Human Development Funded GroupCouncil of ChurchesArea churches- think ecumenicallyCommunity GroupsGovernment AgenciesWe want to avoid people interested in one item- we need to be visioning for our entire ministry, not one issue. We need idea people, but we need more doers- really engage and galvanize people

10Parish Ministry PartnersMens Group (TMIY)Bible Study GroupsWomen of Grace MinistryPreschoolSchool, PTORespect Life Ministry LeadersRCIAKnightsSister ParishSocial Action Ministry LeadersFaith FormationAAMENNew Parishioner EventsMerton GroupCentering Prayer GroupEucharistic MinistersMusic MinistryImmigration GroupStaffPastoral CouncilDeaconsWithin parish- who can be partners in ministry

Bring them in during planning phase- not as an afterthought11How do we invite people to be part of this work?

12Disciple Recruitment

PrayPurposely for visionSpecifically for peopleAsk other to intentionally pray for you

LearnWhat skills do you need? Have you analyzed?Love Languages- how do you make people feel valued?

ActCast out the vision given to you by GodInvite! Invite! Invite! Involve others in the asking. (One on Ones)

GiveGive away ownership of visionGive feedbackGive clear rolesWe want to avoid people interested in one item- we need to be visioning for our entire ministry, not one issue. We need idea people, but we need more doers- really engage and galvanize people

13One-on-Ones

Justice for Immigrants Manual- model for one on ones Parish Education and Organizing Manual page 38

relational visits

Divided communities that do not have strong relationships do not have the power to move from the world as it is toward the world as wed like it to be. ii. Communities in relationship with each other, who know each others stories, hopes and concerns, are better equipped to move from the world as it is to the world as wed like it to be. (Power is in the relationship) iii. We described an organizing model that has been used in thousands of congregations which begins with relationship building (or the one to one visit) as the essential first steps toward building community and working to address the issues you discussed last meeting.

One-to-One relational visits are the main way we can intentionally love thy neighbor and deeply listen to the community while getting people involved to address their concerns and hopes in the community.

Credential(Your right to call & visit):Your name, part of___________________Parish or Organizing Committee, 30to 45minutes to hear the hopes and concerns of our congregation, schooland/orcommunity, 2 sentences on why you are involved.2.Listen: Focus on the person you are with, their hopes and concerns; What concerns or issues affect you and your family, the church, the broader community? Do theyhave direct experience with these problems? Ask for a story to help you understand how the concern is affecting, them, their family or friends.Listen for their self-interest and values.3.Invite:How would you feel if our church members knew that others shared their common concerns and actively brought people together to do something about them? Thats what we are creatingwith this process...Invite them to attend the next meeting (Give the date.)4.Build: Ask for other names of people to visit withor who they would be willing to visit before the next meeting

14Building CommunityWe need to build communities of faith where our social teaching is central, not fringe; where social ministry is integral, not optional; where it is the work of every believer, not just the mission of a few committed people and committees.USCCB, Communities of Salt & Light, p. 4

We End Where We Began!

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.