Vision Statement

 

The heart of Saint Bernard’s pastoral vision is the altar table and the Eucharist we celebrate through Word and Sacrament. Christ is present and establishes our primary identity with each other as Church. As believers in this Good News, we embrace responsibility for announcing the Good News to others.

 

Saint Bernard’s Parish Community seeks to be more lay responsible, more vital, and more visibly committed through increased emphasis on stewardship and shared responsibility for the care of parishioners. The dream is to have all parishioners growing in faith and serving the Lord in the North End community in which it exists. The pastoral work is managed by ordained priests, lay pastoral staff, and lay volunteer leaders. All are mutually responsible and sensitive to each other’s gifts in developing and implementing the pastoral ministry of the parish.

 

Evangelization and support for the faith journey of adults of every age and at every stage of the journey is a parish commitment.  New emphasis is placed on programs and experiences which help adults take a new look at the Church, the scriptures, and the Christian life. Because Saint Bernard’s has a large faithful and committed elderly membership, there is a special focus on networks of support, information, and referral for seniors. The youth of the parish are called to this vital pastoral center of life to meet their personal, spiritual, and social needs so that their talents and energy will be shared as gifts to the parish.

 

Funding for the pastoral vision will be expanded as committed members give more on a regular basis, support capital investment for the future, and initiate a deferred giving program. Increased giving and working together in ministry testify to the fact that Jesus is indeed the Lord of our personal lives and that of the whole faith community.