Charting the Della Strada’s Organizational Structure Organizational Structure

The Della Strada Organizational Structure is composed of three major councils: (1) Implementing and Coordinating (2) Planning and (3) Finance. Subsumed under Implementing and Coordinating Council are the 7 Parish Ministries.

Parish Planning Council:

Basis for Establishment

The establishment of the Parish Planning Council is based on the Canon Law of 1983, Pope Paul VI’s Ecclesiae Sanctae, and the Decree on the Pastoral Office of the Bishops in the Church (Christus Dominus).

Role and Mission

The Parish Planning Council is the pastoral arm of the parish with the mandate of “fostering pastoral activity.” It is responsible for planning and policy-formulation, as well as for providing broad guidance and direction to the structures in the parish. It deals with issues and concerns affecting the Church and the world in general, and concentrates on developing priorities and overall resolutions with regard to issues and concerns identified. It also deals with long-range and short-range goals and objectives, and designs those procedures and processes by which the pastoral work of the Church is to be accomplished.

The Parish Planning Council is involved in the implementation only of its own specific tasks so as to provide broad guidance and direction to parish activities and to strengthen the PPC. It devotes its time to discern the parish needs and aspirations, and to deepen its understanding of the broad issues which cause undesirable conditions obstructing the parish vision and mission. It explores possibilities as well as options to build up the faith community.

The PPC mission is to facilitate a process of discovering, identifying and promulgating the parish vision and mission statement in line with the direction and priorities of the Diocese, of the universal church and in response to the signs of the times.

The PPC sets pastoral priorities by continually discerning the changing quality of life surrounding the parish and the world and by evaluating the implementation of the parish pastoral programs and projects with respect to the prioritized goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

With the Parish Priest, the Parish Planning Council:

• Guides the formation of the vision and mission of the parish, as well as its annual goals and terminal performance objectives;

• Undertakes continuing study of the people’s concerns and aspirations for a better life with a view to ensuring that the activities being carried out by the various groups in the parish are relevant and responsive to the needs and requirements of the parishioners;

• Assists in the definition of the role and functions, as well as the composition, organization, duties and responsibilities of the different structures in the parish, and clarifies their relationship with each other;

• Takes the lead in the annual planning of parish pastoral activities and in the conduct of the periodic review and evaluation of the implementation of parish plans and programs;

• Coordinates the resolution of priorities for the programs and projects of the different groups in the parish especially when the expected resources will not be adequate to meet the needs of the entire Parish Pastoral Plan;

• Formulates the broad policies and procedures that will govern the activities of the different structures in the parish; and

• Performs such other tasks as may be assigned to it from time to time.

Composition and Organization

The members of the Parish Planning Council shall be appointed by the Parish Priest and should:

• Have sufficient intellectual and psychological abilities;

• Have the desire, interest and the time for the fulfillment of the functions or duties or the office;

• Have a basic knowledge of Christian doctrine;

• Be a responsible and practicing Catholic;

• Be open to orientation and formation;

It shall be led by the Parish Planning Council head, who:

• Presides over all meetings of the Parish Planning Council;

• Appoints such member-volunteers as are necessary for the administration of the Parish Planning Council;

• Checks minutes of meetings of Parish Planning Council and the Joint Pastoral Councils meetings

• Sets, with the Parish Priest and Tri-Council Heads, the schedules for the Joint Pastoral Council meetings and the General Assembly meetings.

The members of the Parish Planning Council will be composed of parishioners who bring unique and special skills to the work of the Planning Council—in organizational development, facilitating, planning, evaluating, in organizing and in communicating. Together with the Planning Council head, the different members will task themselves with the different activities and responsibilities of the Council, whether it is in facilitating the Strategic Planning Process of the parish, in helping the other Councils and their ministries with developing objectives and indicators, evaluating and assessing their ministry performance, in publishing the regular newsletters of the parish or in setting up, developing the agenda or in running the meetings related to the Parish pastoral programs.

Tenure of Officers and Members

The officers and members of the Parish Planning Council shall serve for a term of two years unless they resign or are removed. They are subject to extension for another two years, but in no case shall they serve for more than four consecutive years.

Meetings

The Parish Planning Council shall have monthly regular meetings and special meetings as the need arises upon the call of the Parish Priest or the Chairperson.

Relationship with Other Councils and Entities

While the Parish Planning Council is co-equal with the Parish Implementation and Coordinating Council and the Parish Finance Council, it is crucial that it works in close coordination with both of them in the performance of its tasks, as well as supports them whenever necessary in the performance of their tasks.

• It works with both the Parish Implementing and Coordinating Council (PICC) and the Parish Finance Council (PFC) in defining the mission and tasks, composition and organization, and working relationships of the different structures in the parish.

• It works with the PICC and the PFC in periodically conducting a “reality assessment” of the parish to ensure that parish programs are relevant and responsive to the people’s needs

• It works with the PICC and the PFC in monitoring, evaluating and planning the activities of the parish.

• It works with the PICC and the PFC in formulating policies and procedures to govern the different activities of the different structures in the parish.

• It works with the PFC and the PICC in prioritizing the specific activities in the annual Parish Pastoral Plan and in evaluating the amount of funds requested for their implementation.

• It depends on the PFC for funding its activities for the year.

Parish Finance Council:

Role and Mission

The Parish Finance Council likewise is included in the Canon Law 537. It is expected “to help the parish priests in the administration of the goods of the parish”. Its role and mission, therefore, is to assist and advise the Parish Priest in the development, maintenance and administration of financial and material resources of the Parish.

PFC oversees the SMDSP Foundation Fund and the Columbarium fund.

Duties and Responsibilities

PFC allocates, upon availability of funds budget for each ministries for their particular activity/ies or programs. Budget proposals should be signed/approved/endorsed by the ministry’s head, by the PICC Head, upon approval of the PFC and the Parish Priest.

Funds for different ministries pastoral programs were separated from the Foundation Fund to be able to monitor and administer accordingly.

Parish Implementing and Coordinating Council

Role and Mission

Is based on the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (Apostolican Actousitatem). Its mission is to implement and coordinate, either body or through its component groups, all parish pastoral programs, as well those initiated at the vicariate and diocesan level. Parish Pastoral Program are effected thourgh various ministries and apostolate.

Roles of the Ministries and Parish Organizations

Every service that is rooted in a gift of spirit and that responds to the demands of the mission of the Church is called a ‘ministry’. The use of the gift to advance the life and mission of the church is done through the ministry. Put in a personal-communal context, the ministry is the actualization of “what-I-am-for-others”.

WORSHIP Ministry

Liturgy is the “summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time, it is the foundation from which her power flows. It is in the Liturgy that we celebrate who we are and what we believe as a Christian community.”

Vatican II Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

PURPOSE

The Worship Committee plans and provides for the spiritual needs and growth of parishioners through liturgical celebrations, prayer experiences, devotional practices, and programs for spiritual enrichment. The committee also coordinates activities and programs of the parish organizations under its responsibility.

FUNCTIONS

• To assess the effectiveness of all present programs and organizations involved in the spiritual development of members of the parish.

• To provide assistance and direction to parish organizations under its wing.

• To pray together, share faith, and educate self to fulfill the responsibilities of this committee

• To analyze and identify developing liturgical needs of the parish.

• To work in close coordination and collaboration with the parish priest and all liturgical ministers.

• To present an annual budget to the Parish Pastoral Council

RELATIONSHIPS

The Worship and Spiritual Life Committee always serves the Parish Pastoral Council as do all other committees. It does not function in isolation from the council and other committees as all are bonded together in the Body of Christ. Constantly aware of the parish mission statement and the goals of the council, this committee proposes to the council what it believes will help the parish move toward living the mission and vision statements.

The Worship and Spiritual Life Committee cooperates with all other ministries of the Parish Pastoral Council when planning in areas that overlap.

ORGANIZATIONS UNDER WORSHIP

Apostleship of Prayer

Mission: To encourage Christians to make a daily offering of themselves to the Lord for the coming of God’s Kingdom and for the monthly intentions of the Pope in Eucharistic solidarity with the Body of Christ and loving service to others. Nourishing this spiritual program is the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Devotional Practices:

• Daily Offering of “all prayers, works, joys and sufferings” for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary; for the salvation of souls and reparation for sins; and for the specific monthly intentions of the Holy Father.

• The frequent (daily, if possible) reception of the Eucharist in mass, and visits to the Blessed Sacrament, including the participation in the Holy Hour every Friday, especially during First Fridays.

• Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Propagation of this devotion is also integral to the functions of the members.

• Devotion to the Blessed Mother through the daily praying of the rosary and participation in other Marian devotional practices.

Area Chapel Coordinators

The area chapels provide for the spiritual needs of parish communities located at a distance from the main parish church. Liturgical celebrations, prayers and devotions are held here. They are also used for vigils for the deceased and other needs of residents in the immediate vicinity. Chapel coordinators are appointed to serve as caretakers of the chapels and to liaise with the parish offices.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)

According to Redemptionis Sacramentum #154-156, an EMHC is a layperson formally instituted to assist the priest in the distribution of the Christ’s Body and Blood to the Faithful during the Roman Catholic Mass, and to bring Christ’s gift of Himself, the Eucharist, to those who are unable to physically attend mass: the sick and incapacitated. Held in high regard by the community, EMHCs are expected to always comport themselves beyond reproach.

Family Rosary Crusade (FRC)

Mission: to evangelize the family and promote devotion of family members to the Blessed Mother through praying the Rosary together. Members of FRC join, often take the lead, in Marian devotions and processions in the parish.

Greeters and Collectors Group (GCG)

Called the ministers of hospitality, Greeters and Collectors welcome mass-goers, usher them to their seats, perform collection services, and ensure orderly reception of Communion, all these to impress upon the parishioners that they are important, being participants in the mass. They are also relied upon to serve during important liturgical celebrations i.e., during Advent, Christmas and Lenten Seasons, and Parish Fiesta Mass and procession.

Healing Ministry

Mission: to bring fullness of health in body, mind, emotions and spirit to SMDS parishioners and friends through Prayer, Counseling and Outreach Activities.

Specific Objectives and Goals

• To provide healing services to members, parishioners and others who may wish to avail of such services.

• To establish continuous intercessory prayers and services for ministry and CFC FFL activities, and for the petitions of members and other supplicants.

• To provide home and hospital visitations to sick members and others who are sick and suffering.

• To conduct continuous formation and training of members through teachings, seminars and retreats.

Programs

• Quarterly Healing Masses

• Weekly Home and Hospital Pray-over Visitations

• Annual Retreats and Meditation exercises

• Formation Talks and Teachings for Spiritual Growth

Knights of the Altar

• Composed of the youth, altar servers assist the priest at mass and other liturgical services. They also help in various tasks at the altar, and lead in processions with the cross, candles and/or thurible.

Lectors and Commentators Group (LCG)

“The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” Isaiah 50:4.

Members of LCG proclaim the word of God in Sacred Scripture during mass whereby the printed word becomes a form of spoken music (powerful or gentle, but always respectful); as a living, dynamic and timeless message of God to His people (From catholiclector.com); in a “tone of voice that corresponds to the genre of the text itself.” (GIRM #38) They hone up their skills and deepen their spirituality through regular formation programs. They are called to be persons of prayer and role models to the parish community.

Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary is an association of practicing Catholics who serve God under the banner of Mary by practicing the Spiritual Works of Mercy, rather than works of material aid. Their main apostolate is directed to all men and women, young and old, rich or poor, as well as the marginalized sectors of society, and towards non-Catholics (From Wikipedia.org). Currently the group needs the infusion of new blood to bring it back into the mainstream life of the parish.

Mga Marshals ni Santa Maria della Strada

The “muscles” of parish worship activities, the marshals are relied upon to carry out the physical aspects of the liturgical celebrations. They are most active during the Holy Week when they prepare for, and participate in the “washing of the feet” on Holy Thursday, procession of the Holy Images on Good Friday and the Salubong on Easter Sunday. They hold weekly Sunday meetings for spiritual growth and nourishment, and for fellowship.

Mother Butlers Guild

Mother Butlers prepare the altar and materials for the celebration of the Eucharist. They do the flower and/or plant arrangements that decorate the sanctuary; they sew and launder altar linen and vestments.

Music Ministry

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) #39 states, “The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46)…There is also the ancient proverb: ‘One who sings well prays twice’.”

The choirs belonging to the parish Music Ministry are tasked to lead the songs of worship during mass and other liturgical celebrations. They set the joyful mood and expression of faith, praise, and thanksgiving of the people.

Perpetual Eucharistic Guardians

Seeking to cultivate a deep sense of spirituality centered on the Eucharist, the Eucharistic Guardians faithfully keep vigil for at least one hour in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, ideally on a 24/7 basis. This practice is in response to Jesus’ instructions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque to keep a Holy Hour with the Lord. This devotion is currently in doldrums. Plans are afoot to revive and invigorate this holy practice.

FORMATION MINISTRY

PURPOSE

The Formation Ministry seeks to integrate daily living with faith and social justice. It researches, develops and provides the spiritual and pastoral tools for the growth of parish leaders and workers in such areas as, but not limited to:

• Creating awareness among the laity on their responsibility to share in the mission of the Philippine Church.

• Setting short and long range goals and programs for the pastoral and spiritual development of parish leaders and workers.

• Assisting in the formation needs of other parish ministries and organizations.

• Attending diocesan and vicariate formation assemblies.

RELATIONSHIPS

• The Formation Ministry does not operate in a vacuum apart from the Parish Council and other parish ministries. Rather, it serves the Council and proposes what it believes will help the parish move toward becoming the faith community that is envisioned in its mission statement.

• The Formation Ministry cooperates and collaborates with other ministries when their areas of planning and/or activities overlap.

SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY

• implement community service and development programs;

• promote the general well-being and improve the quality of life in the parish especially among the marginalized;

• promote social awareness through conscientization activities on current social concerns;

• maintain continuous and effective liaison with the public and private organizations involved in community service.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS MINISTRY

This Ministry is tasked to Implement and promote advocacy programs concerning life issues which border on government policies and principles.

It also communicate the social doctrines and other teachings of the Church as way of concretizing the integration of faith and justice

YOUTH MINISTRY

• Provide organization and formation amongst youth in realizing their potentials and charisms, elicit an active participation in parish activities and programs; further prepare them as future servant leaders in the parish and community.

• Mobilize the youth as an agent/instrument of evangelization and promotion of true Christian community among the youth and for others

• Implement programs that will address youth’s special needs and help build enthusiasm and good will among them.

Catechetical Ministry

Family Life Ministry