OLGOur Lady of the Greenwood

by Dayana Romero

Providing Help and Creating Hope

CONTENT

1. Introduction

2. Mission Statement

3. Overview

M What Is A Parish?

M Structure

M Our Audience

M S.W.O.T.

4. Principal Weaknesses

M The Greenwood Community Growth

M Commissions have not Evolved

M History

M Technology

5. Improvement Opportunities

M No Shelter in the City

M Increase of Population

M Better Customer Services

6. Recommendations

M Creation of a Shelter

M Creation of an Adult Learning Center

M Improving Customer Services

7. Statement

Bibliography

“The Church’s deepest nature is expressed in her three-fold responsibility: of proclaiming the word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and exercising the ministry of charity. These duties presuppose each other and are inseparable.

~Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est “ “

Our Lady of the Greenwood OLG serves any person in need of their services, regardless of their religious, social or economic backgrounds.

The Mission Continues On““Providing Help and Creating Hope.” Such simple words, yet so much meaning.”

~Mark Casper.

Those are fitting words to describe OLG. The programs, employees and volunteers are dedicated to providing the clients with the help that is needed today and creating the hope that leads to enhanced dignity and improvement in quality of life of its members and whoever is in need.

This report describes the services offered to those in need and what the future of OLG can be, the people that could be helped, how it can be possible and why it is necessary.

What a report cannot do is convey the changes in people’s lives. This is a presentation in numbers of people in need and that could be ministered, but let us remember that each number is a person, and each picture represent someone who could be help.

Introduction1

Our Lady of the Greenwood Founded in 1948 “The Mission of Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish is to make Jesus Christ relevant in our everyday lives as a community of believers witnessing the gospel. We celebrate our salvation through worship, education, outreach, and evangelization, and by calling forth the time, talents, and treasure of our members. We are committed to the service of our brothers and sisters in Christ through the tradition of our Catholic faith. By our celebration of the sacraments,

Mission Statement

we continue God’s

p

resence i

n the world”.2

Our Lady of the Greenwood believes that fund-raisers are an important part of active church life, providing opportunities for their members to strengthen their commitment and contribution to the Church as well as providing funds for the Church, its groups and programs, and pre-approved charitable causes [1].

we continue God’s

p

resence i

n the world”.

Overview

What is a Parish

3

A Parish is a territorial unit that was usually historically served by a local church. It refers to a local, ecclesiastical community or territory, including its main church building, perhaps one or more chapels of ease and other property. The word “parish” is also used more generally to refer to the collection of people who attend a particular church. In this usage, a parish minister is one who serves a congregation.In the Roman Catholic Church, each parish has at least one parish priest, who has responsibility and canonical authority over the parish (the Latin for this post is parochus) [2].

Struc

ture

Our MinistriesOur Lady of

the Greenwood offers over

sixty ministries in which our

parishioners can become involved.

Each ministry is grouped into one

of the following seven categories.

Parish Pastoral Council

The Mission of the Parish Pastoral Council is to assist the Pastor in the

decisions that affect the parish in: finance, building, ministry and education.

Spiritual Life Commission

The mission of the Spiritual Life Commission is to provide liturgical

support for the Parish liturgies, which include Mass, communion to the sick, Divine Mercy, Our of

Guadalupe and perpetual adoration.

Faith Formation Commission

The mission of the Faith Formation Commission is to oversee the

committees/programs that lead the parishioners in educational and

spiritual growth.

School CommissionThe mission of the School

Commission is to assist the pastor and principal in the oversight of the Our Lady of the Greenwood School.

Social/Family Life Commission

The mission of the Social/Family Life Commission is to offer support to the

ministries within the commission and act as a conduit to the Parish Council [1].

Christian Service Commission

The Mission of the Christian Service Commission is to

provide outreach services to those in need.

Parish Office Work

M Collection CountersM Phone Committee

M Receptionist

1. Collection of souvenirs from different cities and countries: Show the family who lives in this house enjoy traveling to different places. It also show the interest for other cultures.2. Madonna: Have figurines of their religion, showing their believes and religion.3. Plant: Love for nature, give a fresh look to the house.4. Figurines: It shows the interest for art, handmade pieces made from wood, ceramic, glass, metal, etc. 5. Glass and metal table is a modern and elegant design. It makes the place look modern, clean, organized and “transparent”.6. Leather black furniture. Gives contrast to the house, show the taste for modern and contrast.7. Candles, it makes an ambiance of comfort, romantic and welcoming.8. Family Pictures. Shows the family connection. The pieces help them remember moments of life. 9. Modern vase with flowers, it seems as it is always nice to see a modern decoration with natural mix, as it seems the concept of the house. The love of modern with nature. 10. Landscape Paintings, there are different colony time (1500’s) architecture paintings. These paintings say that this family loves color and appreciate art and the heritage from the people who was before them.

Our AudienceInside one of our members house.

Our AudienceInside one of our members house.

11. Wall painted in different colors, shows the love for colors, giving the house contrast, making more interesting to the viewer. 12. Figurines, those are ceramic figures in different positions, kneeing, offering, standing. It seems as welcome figures to people who enter this house.13. Modern creme lamps with glass, it seems as this family not only love modern pieces, they like strong and long-lasting stuff.14. Modern clock, it is a large clock, showing the interest for time, that way they can have control of their lives.15. Last Supper small sculpture, it is art related and religious related, since it seems like a original piece, 3-D carvings, but with a religious message.16. Illustration of a child cartoon, he is making bubble and he himself is inside one. It seem some sense of humor, and at the same time it looks cute.17. Fall flowers and candles, give a romantic appearance.18. Table set and decorated with candles and flowers. It gives the idea of a table ready, it seems as community and opening.19. Modern dinning room, mix of metal, glass and letter.20. White door and entrance, seems very clear, lots of light.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Easy AccessOpen to Everybody

Big, holds many peopleLocation, close to “clients“

OrganizedCommitted

Believe in the products, the mission and goalsWork around the hours, 24/7

Everybody shares the same philosophyVision is clear

There is always to helpMarketing done by clients

Myopia MarketingPromotions old and use always the same

No innovationNo promotion

It is assume everybody knows about OrganizationMinistries are not prioritized according to the needs of the

communityNo shelter in the city

Increase of the number of people in needIncrease of the expectations of the clients

S.W.O.T.

Opportunities

ThreatsOther Churches

Lack of information to the public, information such as ads.Christian Groups

Science and new discoversHistory, about times when the Catholic Church sold the

forgiveness of sinsScandals that involve priests and other church representatives.

Lost of faithUncleared organization’s messages

Lack of theory support

New and improved promotionCreate a shelter

Create a learning center for adultsNew business to sell the students products

Improve customer serviceCollaborate with other organizations that offer the same ser-

vices, in order to benefit more people and in a better way.

As simple as it sounds, we all must try to be the best person we can: by making the best choices, by making the most of the talents we’ve been given.-Mary Lou Retton

Principal Weaknesses4

The Greenwood community growthGreenwood community has grown 25% in the last nine years. The people in need of help increased by 27% in the last year. (City of Greenwood and Salvation Army Data)

> ≈ 25%MFMFMFMFM

> ≈ 25%Commissions have not evolvedCommissions have not evolved to support the present reality of the community. According to interviews with the commission’s members, they still work the same way they used to do several years ago. For example, there had been an increase of single mothers and there is not an specific ministry just to reach this group.

History: what people remembers about the Catholic Church?

The Roman Catholic Church had its own version 500 years ago when a church reformer named Martin Luther indicted church leaders for selling indulgences – a spiritual benefit by which Catholics believe they can reduce their punishment for sin in purgatory. The scandal spawned the Protestant Reformation and, though the church outlawed the exchange of money for mercy in 1567, indulgences fell off the radar for many Catholics. Now five centuries later, the proverbial pardons from purgatory have made a comeback [3].

Pope Benedict XVI has authorized bishops to offer plenary indulgences at least nine times during his papacy. “It is one of a number of ways that Pope Benedict is helping Catholics rediscover some practices that have been neglected over the last few decades,” said Edward Peters, author of “A Practical Guide to Indulgences.” The most recent window of opportunity closes when the 2,000th anniversary celebration of the birth of St. Paul ended on Monday June, 29. To qualify for the special indulgence, a Catholic must make confession, receive Communion, offer prayers for the pope and take part in a devotional celebration of the saint.

Technology discoveries challenge Catholics faith.According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man’s dominion over creation. Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. However, the Catholic church cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. Science and technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and development; hence they find in the person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose and awareness of their limits.

It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications. On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from simple technical efficiency, or from the usefulness accruing to some at the expense of others or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies.

Science and technology by their very nature require unconditional respect for fundamental moral criteria. They must be at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and the will of God.But at the same time, there are some parts of technological advances that make us wish the technology would stop. Advances such as, guns, bombs, or devices that attempt against any life form [4].

Cruelty kills, not technology.

Now, we can conclude that:

If you see ten troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine will run into the ditch before they reach you. - Calvin Coolidge

Improvement Opportunities5

There is not a shelter for the homeless in the Johnson County. About 60% of the homeless population are single mothers and young kids. (Salvation Army Data)

Everybody has right to receive safe shelter, food, support services, and an avenue to self-sufficiency especially in our community. The church believes that all people deserve the basic necessities of life, and the community in which we live is called to serve this purpose. It is known as a place to go to get help. What could be better than offer this essential needs to those who are homeless?A place that not only offers people basic needs, but also treat all with dignity, offers support and opportunity while practicing responsible stewardship through competence and creativity [5,7].

No Shelter in the City

Increase of about 27% in unemployed or low-income people in the last year. (Salvation Army Data)Increase in unemployment rate until January 2009The unemployment rate continued to trend upward during this year for adult men (7.6 percent), adult women (6.2 percent), whites (6.9 percent), blacks (12.6 percent), and Hispanics (9.7 percent). The jobless rate for teenagers was unchanged at 20.8 percent [6][8].

Increase of Population

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN

8.0

7.5

7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0

4.5

4.0

%Unemployment rate January 2008 - January 2009

Prioritization of services is necessary to address community needs. Better customer support from the church services. The needs of the local community are always changing. The programs offered must also change and grow to meet these needs.

It wouldn’t be possible to all that OLG does without the support of donors and volunteers, and the leadership of the advisory council. But it is time to think that working in new and existing projects with other churches and organizations could bring more benefits to the community.

Better customer support from the church services/volunteers. Talking to some volunteers and members is notorious that the church is resistant to change. Things in the church seem like they were moving in slow motion. It comes from tradition; even if leaders want to make a change, they are slow down by members that need time to assimilate the idea of the change and get familiarized with it.

Better Customer Services

Balance to not fall into lack of patience.Most of the volunteers or church workers are constantly dealing with tension, starting to not caring enough. After some time volunteers start to be task driven, what results on impatience. Seven of ten volunteers showed impatient serving people. Usually people in need feel uncomfortable in asking for help, that prevents them to be direct, consequently, volunteers start to get impatient and in some cases even impolite.

“There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being to help someone succeed.-- Alan Loy McGinnis

Enabling people in need

to sustain themselves.

Enabling people in need

to sustain themselves.

Our Future

Recommendations6

To affirm the dignity and respect for all human life by assisting individuals

and families in need to achieve empowerment and self-sufficiency.

Professional case management and counseling services could be

provided to single mothers, where they can

reside for up to two years while living semi-

independently.

Mother and child could live in a safe

environment while learning positive life skills

to become self-sufficient and successful

for a lifetime. They also could have full-time

employment and/or attendance in a learning

center, especially if this were part of OLG.

They should follow group home rules, help in

maintaining the house and share in household

needs. These mothers could receive weekly counseling, peer support and help gaining access to assistance programs in the security of a structured environment. The counselors, and volunteers could be always

ready to help with the best disposition thanks to

continuous preparation. These services should

expand in the future to any homeless or low

income person in need.

Creat ion of a S

helter

Work together with churches and other organizations to open and run a shelter.

I based this recommendation in the fact that the purpose of a church is not only maintain the faith of the people, but also help people in need, homeless. Homeless is a growing group, especially single mothers with small children. There were two churches that pay hotels for homeless to spare them of expending the night on the streets. I also found out, that there are several projects supported by the united churches and organizations. They gather together to offer a service to the community, like food pantry.

According to interviews done between September and October 2009 to 18 churches in the Greenwood area, all of them make donations to Salvation Army, help homeless people, especially single mothers, give some kind of counseling.

If all churches I interviewed give very similar kind of services, it takes just one to organize a big project, that could be beneficial to more people, in a more organize and centralized place.

A shelter would be one of the most beneficial services to our community.

Teach skills needed to improve the possibilities of finding better jobs. Create a center where unemployed or people in need can work creating goods to be sold. This project could sustain itself, if the people who work there also run it and pay all the bills.

This programs or skill classes could help low-income households, not only, to learn more skills that would help them to find a job or increase their income, but also, It could help to unite the community. Moreover, the products created in those shops could be sell and turn into other way to sustain the program.

In my research I found out that the Dioceses gives grants to parishes for education, Last year OLG school received around hundred fifty thousand dollars, with a well proposed project, it is probable to get some economical support from the Diocese, organizations such as United way also offer grants for projects that will impact in a positively way the community. But not only that, as in my first recommendation, it could be a project founded by a United community, what I mean is by working together with other churches.

Part of the funds designate to give away to help people in need could be designated to teach them new skills that will help them the rest of their lives to sustain themselves.

Creat ion of an Adult Learning Center

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a

lifetime”—Author unknown

Improving Customer Services

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. -Mother Teresa-

Volunteers should rotate between commissions in order to avoid loss of empathy for the people in need. There should be quarterly retreats for volunteers for continuous preparation.

Create a group to support people with emotional need in a

personal level.

OLG serve any person in need of their services, regardless of their religious, social or economic backgrounds.

This report describes the services offered to those in need. The pictures reflect a sequence or story of what the future of OLG can be, the people that could be helped, how it can be possible and why is necessary.

After this research, it is conclude that the reorganization of commissions is necessary.

The services could be improved by creating a shelter, an education center and a small business that would support people in need. Customer service and emotional support could be reevaluated and volunteers could be remained continuously that help is more valuable if it is made with love allowing people in need to maintain their dignity.

Statem

ent

7

Let’s say hello tomorrow by

assisting people to achieve empowerment and self-sufficiency.

1. <www.olgreenwood.org>

2. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parish>

3. Brachear, Manya. “Catholics hope to cleanse indulgences of their bad reputation”, June 29, 2009, <http://archives.chicagotribune.com>.

4. “Science and Technology in the Catechism of the Catholic Church”, <http://www.its.caltech.edu>

5. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelter>

6. <http://quickfacts.census.gov>

7. <http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/LeadershipIndiana.asp?ID=108&Detail=True>

8. <http://realestate.yahoo.com/Indiana/Greenwood/neighborhoods>

9. <www.archindy.org/cc/newalbany>

Bibliography

The purpose of life is to discover your gift.The meaning of life is to give your gift away.- David Viscott