To Members of Groups within Our Lady of Kapiti Parish
We’ve been on quite a journey. We’ve come together – in small groups and large – we’ve prayed, we’ve planned, we’ve prepared. Aspirations and concerns alike have been shared and discussed.
What was two worked to become one – united in worship and fellowship on the lawns at Southwards on Sunday 13 October 2013. Our ideals have been framed in the Mission Statement set out below which summarises the values so clearly reflected in the consultation process with parishioners earlier this year:
We, the parishioners of Our Lady of Kapiti Parish, centred in the Gospel of Christ, contribute to the Mission of the Archdiocese of Wellington, through our commitment to the following values:
- Worship: We celebrate God in our lives by being a faithful and prayerful people centred in the Eucharist and Sacramental life.
- Hospitality: We commit to being a parish, which welcomes, accommodates and nurtures people at all stages of their faith journey
- Community: We commit to being an inclusive, caring, community of love, understanding and acceptance and to supporting each other in our lives and ministries
- Justice: We seek the common good, especially the right of all individuals to have their basic needs met.
- Service: We seek to share our living faith by being compassionate in response to the needs around us.
We’ve achieved so much – but it’s a continuing journey. As a Parish Pastoral Council we’re required to seek the way ahead. When we, at the forum facilitated by the Cenacle Sisters, asked,
If our new parish exemplified the essentials of our Catholic faith, what would it look like?
When we have created such a parish, what would a new parishioner see, hear and experience?
You told us very clearly. Your answers can be summarised like this:
- Meet regularly for prayer, worship and the Eucharist
- Call, form and support leaders within the ministries of the parish
- Encourage a sense of community and personal growth through a range of small groups
- Foster growth in an adult understanding of our faith
- Educate our children both within our parish school and by making provision for those who attend other schools
- Encourage the meaningful participation of our young people, respecting their talents and gifts
- Encourage the celebration of the various cultures within our parish
- Continue to grow in our use of te reo in the liturgy
- Educate and challenge ourselves about Catholic teaching on Social Justice and carry this teaching into practical action
- Develop relationships with other Christian churches in the area
- Witness Christian values to members of our wider community, especially the
- marginalised and bereaved
- Ensure that, in collaboration with the Parish Finance Committee, our facilities and resources support these pastoral initiatives.
In order for the Parish Council to develop a Pastoral Plan that makes wise use of our human, physical and financial resources we are asking for your further input.
What are the top three priorities for your group over the next 3-5 years and which of the values in the mission statement do they exemplify?
What are your group's views on the priorities for the wider parish?
Your thoughts will greatly assist us in planning our parish’s future and in further fostering the unity already so evident. To ensure that your contribution is taken into account, would you please let us have your response to the parish office - by email ourladyofkapiti@paradise.net.nz or in writing by the end of February.
With every blessing for the work that you do to build up the Body of Christ on the Kapiti Coast.
John Butterfield
Chair - Parish Pastoral Council