As part of our parish strategic planning, I wanted to provide an update on the progress of our Facilities Pillar. We have decided to contract with a company, Encompass, to conduct a professional assessment of all of our parish buildings to help with the planning process for the next year, 5 years, 10 years, and beyond.
 
As part of this assessment, Encompass will perform an exterior envelop condition assessment of all buildings. They will review brick and stone masonry, other exterior cladding, exposed foundations, flashing, sealings, windows, and parapet caps. They will also inspect major mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, and air handling. Licensed engineers, a drone pilot, and technicians will conduct the inspections during the month of August.
 
Upon completion of the inspections, we will receive a written report that identifies immediate, mid-term, and long-term needs for all facilities. This report will assist us to prioritize building repairs and help with our budget process. Once the Facilities Committee has had the opportunity to review the report, we will share the information with the parish.
 
If you have any questions please contact Julie Bennett in the parish office.
 
Julie Bennett, Parish Business Administrator
952-445-1319  |  [email protected]
 
If you are interested in joining one of the strategic planning teams, please contact the parish office and we will connect you with the current pillar lead.

Since the last communication about the Strategic Planning process, the Steering Committee (a group formed to guide the initial steps of forming a strategic plan) has been working together to revise the governance structure of the Parish of Saints Joachim & Anne. The goal of the governance structure is to increase transparency while focusing on important questions and issues to be discussed as part of the development of the strategic plan. Unfortunately, the planning process was delayed with COVID-19 as attention had to be urgently focused on the plans for operations of the parish and school in the new reality.

The Steering Committee was introduced to the Archdiocesan Parish Planning (APP) Committee, which is composed of volunteers and Archdiocesan staff. They were recommended by Archbishop Hebda and requested by Father Erik to help evaluate and make recommendations on the planning process. The APP is an advisory group to the leadership of the parish and can offer insight and suggestions on the process.

The Steering Committee has used the feedback received from the 2019 Townhall meetings to facilitate discussion and to design a structure based on the many important insights and concerns that were generated. After much conversation, review, and prayer, the committee identified our parish values and created new mission and vision statements. These are published on the front of the bulletin each week.

As part of the process, areas for growth, improvement, and alignment were identified. We are calling these our “Pillars,” and they are Evangelization, Facilities, Finance, Governance, Marketing, School, and Stewardship/Unity.
The overall structure of the Parish Pastoral Council was redesigned around these pillars, and subcommittees within the Parish Pastoral Council were created. Responsibility for the design of each pillar’s long-term strategic plan will begin with each subcommittee, be reviewed by the Parish Pastoral Council, and be approved by the Pastor and the Trustees. Please note the Parish Finance Council, School Finance Council (a subcommittee of the Parish Finance Council), and School Advisory Committee are in place and will continue in their present form. In compliance with Archdiocesan guidelines, the existing Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council, and Board of Directors will continue to be the governing bodies of the parish.

The Parish Pastoral Council adopted this structure and named the chairs of the subcommittees. The Steering Committee will be transitioning the future development of the strategic plan to the Parish Pastoral Council and subcommittees. For the process to move forward, the Parish Pastoral Council is seeking interested volunteers with the skills and background to develop each pillar. For more information or to inquire about joining one of the Pillar Committees, please contact the chair of the committee or Julie Bennett ([email protected]) at the parish office.

• Evangelization: Yvonne Greenwald, [email protected]
• Facilities: Scott O’Brien, [email protected]
• Finance: Kelley Thomes Ries, [email protected]
• Governance: Kelley Gregory, [email protected]
• Marketing: Robb Whitcomb, [email protected]
• School: Katie Geske, [email protected]
• Stewardship/Unity: Jose Borbonio, [email protected]

More than 300 Saints Joachim & Anne parishioners attended our town hall open-house meetings. Thank you for your enthusiasm and passion for our parish! Your comments helped parish leadership learn what you think are the most important considerations for the future of the Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne. They will help to shape the plan for the future of our parish and our ministries, including our Shakopee Area Catholic School (SACS).
 
From the comments and notes at the town hall meetings, we have identified seven areas for growth, improvement, and alignment. We are calling these areas “PILLARS,” and they will form the basis for our future growth.
 
Parish UNITY will be strengthened if we articulate and solidify a single parish community identity.
 
Inspire more active participation by current parishioners and engaging the Shakopee faith community through evangelization and offering the Sacraments.
 
Lay-out of a short- and long-term range recommended plan for our facilities after identifying the purpose and viability of all properties.
 
Longevity depends on developing a financial viability through a model that can support the current needs of parishioners, is sustainable for the future and is imbued with a spirit of gratitude.
 
Alignment of expectations and processes in parish governance in order to clarify and optimize the role and scope of the parish pastoral & finance councils, trustees, and supporting advisory committees.
 
Reach the greater Shakopee community through marketing and communication to generate awareness and affinity that lead to engagement with SJA.
 
Support long term sustainability and growth of our Pre-K through 8th-grade Catholic school.
 
The outline of our strategic plan is beginning to take shape. As this happens, we will form committees based on these pillars, and we will look to you, our parishioners, to become engaged in the areas where you are most passionate. We ask for your continued prayers for our parish, and for yourselves. Please pray for guidance to know how Our Lord is calling you to become actively involved in the future of our Parish.