St. Tom's Pastorate Plan 2021-2024

• Our Uniting in Heart Plan (the tabs on this page - Introduction, Mission Pillar, Community Pillar, Witness Pillar) 
• The Pastorate Planning Team “Updates” section at the top of this page
• The Pathways web page for our intentional ministry approach

Uniting in Heart is a shared commitment across the entire Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana (DOL) to be one in the heart of Jesus Christ and to embrace His call for us to be His disciples. In union with the living universal Church, we, as a Diocese, do His work under the three pillars of Mission, Community, and Witness. A healthy spiritual renewal must address one or more of these essential pillars for our walk with Christ.

All DOL pastorates are undergoing a renewal process to ensure what parishioners want and need and, just as importantly, what the Church expects from its parishes. Based on an assessment of our parish, insights from a general and a more targeted survey, and group feedback at an open all-parish meeting, our efforts within the pillars of the Uniting in Heart Diocesan plan will:

• give our parishioners* opportunities to encounter Christ (Mission pillar )

• create an environment of hospitality (Community )

• model the example of Christ to others (Witness)

Note: This direction is not at the expense of current ministries but the means to become a more cohesive and stronger faith community that emulates Christ’s love for all.

*All references to “parishioners” within the plan are inclusive of St. Tom’s student-parishioners and resident-parishioners. All “teams” named and referenced in bold type throughout this document will be structured with a lead, a pastoral council liaison, and a staff liaison.

Our Sacred Mission 

St. Thomas Aquinas serves as the Catholic Center at Purdue University. Our parish engages the youthful energy of all its members to nurture their faith journey across all generations through liturgy, spiritual and intellectual formation, stewardship, and justice with peace. We joyfully welcome all who wish to meet life’s challenges through lived faith in Jesus Christ. 

Our Sacred Vision 

St. Thomas Aquinas is a vibrant and diverse community of student and resident parishioners. We are welcoming to all, a beacon of peace and God’s love, and a model of Jesus Christ to the local community at Purdue University, the Greater Lafayette area, and the world. We value spiritual and intellectual formation and act to be a source of church leadership.

The Values that Guide our Pastorate Vision Plan:   

In order to respond to God's call to Mission, Community, and Witness, WE WILL... 

Mission: 

• focus on a culture of prayer, in which people encounter Christ in the Liturgy, Scriptures, and community.
• encourage a personal relationship with Christ through intentional times of prayer each day.
• accompany our parish’s youth and young adults in following the Holy Spirit and establishing deep roots of faith.
• engage and equip missionary disciples by providing a variety of opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ that leads to conversion and inspires action.
• strive to create a culture of vocational discernment where all are encouraged and accompanied in prayer and pastoral care as they seek to follow God’s will in their lives.

Community: 

• foster a “Culture of Belonging” where those in our parish family, all newcomers, all who visit our church, and all who just inquire about our parish will know of our hospitality and that we are a parish family that cares enough to invite them to  conversion of heart.
• be recognized as a Christ-centered, continuously growing, and loving community dedicated to compassionate outreach to anyone in need of spiritual, physical, and emotional comfort while sharing the riches of our Catholic spiritual, sacramental, and intellectual tradition.
• seek means to ensure that the pathway from inquiry to discipleship is more apparent to our faithful so that they may be called and guided by the Holy Spirit to conversion.

Witness: 

• collectively continue to learn, grow, and teach each other the wisdom of the Gospel and celebrate our faith with joy.
• witness to our personal relationship with Jesus Christ with all those we meet.
• strive to serve all those in need in our parish, community, and world.
• develop outreach to others, especially Catholics who are not active in a faith community.

Create viable avenues of faith formation, helping all parishioners to respond to the Holy Spirit by becoming disciples of Jesus Christ and live their life of discipleship more deeply.

[A disciple is defined as an individual who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, intentional and lived amid the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church.]

DEVELOP A PASTORATE CULTURE OF EVANGELIZATION & PROMOTE COMMITTED DISCIPLESHIP IN RESPONSE TO THE SPIRIT THROUGH ADULT FORMATION  by engaging parishioners in all stages of faith development in evangelization and faith formation programs. 

• Commission a Formation Leadership Team (FLT) to build upon our small faith-sharing groups through expanded offerings so that all parishioners can grow as missionary disciples.
• Train the FLT, employing The Evangelical Catholic Intentional Ministry Model and Sherry Weddell’s Intentional Discipleship program by Winter 2021.
• Identify and recommend new evangelization/discipleship programs, Bible studies, retreats, and other activities to be implemented beginning Spring 2022.

FOSTER AWARENESS OF THE LITURGY AS THE SOURCE AND SUMMIT of our faith by promoting full, conscious, and active participation in the Mass that appropriately reflects the demographics of our university parish. 

• Establish, equip, and train a Liturgy Advisory Team (LAT) to study liturgical traditions and expressions of piety among our parishioners so as to educate them about these expressions in relation to liturgical practice by Winter 2021.
• Working with the Staff liturgy liaison and the Missionary Pastor, the LAT will begin making recommendations for Sunday liturgies and train liturgical ministers by Spring 2022.
• Consciously incorporate discipleship strategies from our formation models into Sunday liturgies based on stages of discipleship by Fall 2021.

STRENGTHEN FAMILIES AS THE FIRST COMMUNITIES OF LOVE AND LIFE through catechetical offerings that present the Catholic vision of the human person.

• Strengthen our Theology of the Body studies for both resident- and student-parishioners by Fall 2022.
• Establish and equip leaders of small faith-sharing and study groups, beginning with female resident- and student-parishioners, by Fall 2021.

LEARN ABOUT A TEAM: St. Tom’s will establish the above-mentioned Formation Leadership and Liturgy Advisory teams to achieve the goals of the Mission pillar. To learn more about these staff/clergy/parishioner teams and be considered for membership, click on the "Pastorate Teams- Descriptions" and "APPLY" tabs on this page. 

It starts with YOU!

"He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and the power to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. " Luke 9:1-2 

Create structures within the parish to support inclusion and a sense of welcoming and belonging, especially for under-represented groups. 

DEVELOP EFFECTIVE PASTORATE COMMUNICATION PRACTICES that help parishioners feel connected to the St. Tom’s community and grow in their faith. 

• Campus Ministry and Family Life departments will establish and equip a St. Tom’s Ambassadors Team to develop pew resources, establish practices, and provide opportunities for personal interaction that help individuals respond to the Holy Spirit to move them from the stage of feeling welcomed to belonging by Winter 2022.
• St. Tom’s Office of Communications will develop public relations materials that represent our parish community’s diverse cultural, racial, and language backgrounds by Spring 2022. 

FACILITATE PASTORATE VITALITY AND VIBRANCY primarily through small Christian groups where parishioners can feel supported and valued by our larger faith community. 

• Establish and equip Ignite Small Christian Groups Team to gather and train parishioners who are willing to integrate new parishioners into the parish by helping establish and grow small faith-sharing groups by Fall 2021. 
• The team will assess how to improve outreach to student and resident parishioners and incorporate new parishioners into Ignite groups by Spring-Summer 2022.
• Grow participation in Ignite groups, establishing at least five new student- and resident-parishioner groups each year by Fall 2024.

STRENGTHEN OUR OUTREACH TO PURDUE AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES  through excellent communication, invitation, and hospitality. Special emphasis will be placed on engaging and drawing in new and returning parishioners, especially from underrepresented groups at the parish. 

• The Office of Communications will research, analyze, develop, and implement clear and engaging brand messages that reflect our parish’s welcoming and inclusive culture by Winter 2021.
• Plan and execute creative approaches for re-engagement of those who have been physically unable to be present in the parish throughout the pandemic by offering prayer opportunities, hospitality, and for all parishioners with follow-up by Fall 2021-Spring 2022.
• Continue to engage appropriately gifted parishioners in facilities, IT, front-desk receptionists, hospitality, St. Tom’s Ambassadors, and other initiatives where they can encounter Christ and be an example of Christ for others by Fall 2021.

LEARN ABOUT A TEAM:  St. Tom’s will establish the above-mentioned St. Tom’s Ambassadors and Ignite Small Christian Groups teams as a means to achieve the goals of the UiH Community pillar. To learn more about these staff/clergy/parishioner teams and to be considered for membership, click on the "Pastorate Teams- Descriptions" and "APPLY" tabs on this page. 

It starts with YOU!

"Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 

Inspire our parishioners to desire an encounter with Christ and model His example to others by offering our time, talent, and treasure. 

IDENTIFY MISSION ADVANCEMENT LEADERSHIP by re-establishing a development program that includes a Director of Development, Development Team, and Development Council to provide mission advancement among St. Tom's alumni and friends within and beyond the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. 

• The Missionary Pastor will develop a job description for the Director of Development, publicize the position, and hire a Director by January 1, 2022. The Missionary Pastor will arrange for orienting and training the Director of Development by Spring 2022.
• The Missionary Pastor and Development Director will establish and equip a Development Team and Development Council to maintain a robust cycle of giving and support for the parish.
• The Development Director will make known to the Development Team and Development Council their roles and responsibilities in the context of the spirituality of stewardship by Winter 2022.
• The Development Director will create a plan to align St. Tom’s development efforts with the broader Uniting in Heart Diocese of Lafayette Plan for a consolidated business office for Lafayette parishes and schools as that plan becomes available.

IMPROVE DISCIPLESHIP AND WITNESS THROUGH WORKS OF MERCY within our local community and beyond through the education and action of all parishioners. 

• Establish and equip a Justice with Peace (JwP) Team to foster a “culture of ministry,” which encourages the participation of all parishioners in mission trips, social events, outreach to the local community, and other short-term opportunities by Spring 2022.
• JwP Team will build upon our existing justice with peace initiatives, strengthening a culture of faith that inspires works by training members in Catholic Social Teaching. These works include: Lafayette Urban Ministry, Hunger Hike, Haiti Ministry, Never Alone Ministry to the Elderly (NAME), Mentoring At-Risk Kids (MARK), Kid’s Hope, Jubilee Christmas, ACE Food Pantry, Racial Equality & Justice, and Family Promise by Fall 2022.

LEARN ABOUT A TEAM: St. Tom’s will establish the above-mentioned Justice with Peace (JwP) team to set forth activities in the UiH Witness pillar. Following the appointment of a Director of Development, a Development Team and Development Council will be established to support parish Advancement initiatives. To learn more about these teams, click on the "Pastorate Teams- Descriptions" and "Apply" tabs on this page. 

It starts with YOU!

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are not meant to keep our love for him to ourselves. On the contrary, we are called to “go …and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). 

Note: Below is a general description of each Pastoral Plan Team and their roles.

MISSION 

• Formation Leadership Team: Will address the formation of disciples in Adult Faith Formation,  Life, and Campus Ministry so that all parishioners can grow as missionary disciples.    

  • ·Adult Faith, Family Life, and Campus Ministry staff will recruit at least nine parishioners for the Formation Leadership Team and train the members on their role and the faith formation models embraced by St. Tom’s (Sherry Weddell’s steps to become an intentional disciple, The Evangelical Catholic Intentional Ministry Model) and Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana (DOL) Evangelization recommended resources by Winter 2021.  
  • Formation Leadership Team will study and recommend programs, bible studies, retreats, and other activities to facilitate the faith development of parishioners to become missionary disciples by Spring 2022.  
  • Oversee the implementation of the programs, bible studies, retreats, and other activities by Fall 2022.  
  • Ongoing review and assessment of implemented programs, retreats, and other activities and identify and implement new programs as appropriate by Fall 2023.  
     

• Liturgy Advisory Team: Will provide insight and recommendations to the missionary pastor on liturgy, art, environment, and music so that the diversity of religious practice among our parishioners can be honored and respected.  

  • Staff liturgy liaison will recruit a diverse group of parishioners for the Liturgy Advisory Team, train the members on their role, and educate them on the diversity of religious liturgy, art, environment, and music in the Church, traditions at St. Tom’s, and the DOL recommended resources by Winter 2021.  
  • Liturgy Advisory Team will study and make recommendations on Sunday liturgies, including music, environment, and art, by Spring 2022.   
  • In concert with the Liturgy Advisory Team, the missionary pastor will oversee the implementation and assess if the diversity of religious practice among our parishioners is being honored and respected by Spring 2023.  
     

COMMUNITY 

• St. Tom's Ambassadors Team: Will develop pew resources, establish practices, and provide opportunities for personal interaction that help move individuals from 'welcome' to 'belonging. '     

  • Family Life and Campus Ministry staff will recruit parishioners for the St. Tom’s Ambassadors Team and train the members on helping individuals to move from welcomed to belonging, utilizing current practices at St. Tom’s and the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana (DOL) Evangelization recommended resources by Fall 2021.  
  • The St. Tom’s Ambassadors Team will study and recommend a comprehensive approach to develop personal interactions that move individuals from welcomed to belonging by Winter 2021 in collaboration and coordination with St. Tom’s Marketing Communications office.   
  • All staff will work to recruit, orient, and train parishioners for welcoming ministries identified by the Ambassadors Team and modify them as needed to ensure they are meeting the needs of current and new parishioners by Spring 2023.
     

• Ignite Small Christian Groups Team: Will gather and train parishioners who are willing to integrate new parishioners, helping establish and grow small faith-sharing groups.  

  • Adult Faith staff will recruit a diverse group of parishioners for the Ignite Small Christian Groups Team (ISCGT), train the members on their role, and educate them on the importance and purpose of small groups and the DOL recommended resources by Fall 2021.  
  • ISCGTwill assess how to improve outreach to student-, graduate student-, and resident-parishioners, implementing selected approaches by Spring 2022.  
  • ISCGT will develop and implement the plan to incorporate new parishioners into small groups by Summer 2022.  
  • ISCGT, with appropriate staff, will grow participation in Ignite, establishing at least five new student and resident parishioner groups each year by Fall 2024.  

• Development Team & Development Council: Will maintain a robust cycle of giving and financial support for the parish.  

  • The Missionary Pastor, in consultation with the Development Director (DD), will define the purpose and roles, and responsibilities of the Development Team and Development Council and recruit members. The Development Team will include local community leaders and parishioners, and the Development Council will have high-profile supporters, major donors, and potential major donors, paying particular attention to Purdue alumni by Fall 2022.  
  • DD will orient Development Team and Development Council on their roles and responsibilities, educate on Stewardship and DOL Stewardship recommended resources by Winter 2022. 
  • DD will prepare a three-year plan to improve giving and support for the parish and implement a plan for the Development Team and Development Council by Winter 2022.  
     

• Justice with Peace (JwP) Team: Will create a “culture of ministry,” which encourages the participation of all parishioners in mission trips, social events, outreach to the local community, and other short-term opportunities.  

  • JwP Team will identify a team of parishioners to develop and implement a “culture of ministry,” invite them to participate in the effort and orient them on their roles and responsibilities, education on issues, and potential approaches by Winter 2022. 
  • JwP liaison will continue to train members on Catholic Social Teaching and orient them to opportunities in the Greater Lafayette area and Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana by Spring 2022.  

Prayer 

• Prayer Team: will keep our St. Tom's parishioners and ministries in prayer - so that all we do grows from the grace of God's will for us. ALL are invited and needed to join the team!  To learn about the ongoing prayer needs of our St. Tom's community, please join the Intercessory Prayer Flocknote communication. 

Father of Mercy, through the gift of your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, you promise to make all things new. Open our hearts and minds during this time of diocesan and parish renewal, and endow us with your gifts … 

• of Grace………………………………… We pray O Lord 
• of Wisdom…………………………….. We pray O Lord 
• of Courage………………………………We pray O Lord 

Show us the way… 

• to Discernment……………………… Help us O Lord 
• to Unity…………………………………. Help us O Lord 
• to Hospitality…………………….…… Help us O Lord 
• to Loving Kindness…………………. Help us O Lord 
• to Serve Others…………………….. Help us O Lord 
• to Proclaim Your Holy Word…..Help us O Lord  

Let us pray: Help us all to respond to our baptismal grace to make disciples of all people. Help us, O Lord, to learn, love, and live Christ’s mission so we can hand on your gifts to future generations. Send out your Spirit and renew your Church.  

Uniting in Heart, and through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Joseph, the Apostles, and the Saints, we ask you to hear our prayer and grant us your graces through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Amen. 

St. Tom's Pastoral Plan and all of the plans for the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana are available on the Diocese website.