Role of the Synod Implementation Commission

The Commission’s responsibility is:

to assess the current resources in the Diocese which will make available means to address each of the objectives of the Synod Pastoral Initiatives
to identify specific programs/best practices already in use in parishes, which could be useful in other parishes of the diocese, in order to address Synod initiatives
to identify programs, currently not in use, which would be useful in the implementation of the Synod Initiatives
to propose a structure/process which would ensure the continuity and momentum of Synod implementation into the future
to recommend methods that the Diocese might employ to assist deaneries and clusters of parishes to successfully implement programs and activities to meet Synod initiatives/objectives
to identify potential obstacles to successful implementation of the Synod initiatives and to recommend appropriate steps to address these

The Commission is not responsible for:

creating or modifying programs, activities, or ministries needed to implement Synod Initiatives
implementing programs for use in addressing Synod Initiatives
the permanent responsibility for implementation/monitoring of the Synod Initiatives

The work of the Commission is finished
when it completes the stated responsibilities.

The work of the Commission is organized into the following phases:

Collect and Assess Phase

Collect data regarding readiness of diocesan resources to implement actions addressing each objective of the Synod iitiatives.
Organize and systematize data so that an up-dateable data base can be created that identifies the resources, the programs, the initiatives/objectives, and the progress on implementation.
Assess the data to determine the availability of resources, programs/initiatives that can be used on a diocesan-wide basis to help parishes implement initiative responses.
Assess the data to identify resource/program voids or deficiencies that are needed to provide a quality diocesan-wide response to specific Synod initiatives/objectives.

Long Term — Identify models/obstacles

Develop and recommend a model for organizational continuity of Synod implementation responsibility. (How will Diocese sustain momentum?)
Develop a model of deanery or cluster collaboration to leverage resources focused on implementation of Synod initiatives/objectives. (Design a model for deaneries.)
Recommend a pastoral planning process/model designed around implementation of Synod initiatives. (Identify this)
Develop an assessment of potential obstances to successful implementation of Synod initiatives.

Report and Recommend

Develop a presentation that describes the work of the Commission, the recommendations of the Commission, and the availability of resources, programs, and processes for implementation of Synod initiatives/objectives.
Develop a ‘user guide’ for pastors, deans and parishes that instructs them on resources/programs available for implementation support.