By Marie Powers

More than two dozen ministry leaders at Holy Trinity parish in Peachtree City recently met for a day of reflection to discuss the topic, “The First Steps Toward Building a Parish Vision,”

The nine steps, which focus on community, commitment and communicating through prayer, were developed over the past six months by Holy Trinity’s Pastoral Council.

Among the “first steps” proposed by the Council were:

creation of a Leaders Council to increase communications and plan more effectively for parish activities;

development of a yearly parish theme;

support for continuing education of parish leaders through annual workshops; creation of a long-term parish calendar and organizational directory; annual parish-wide assessments of effectiveness and direction; and

an annual year-end celebration highlighting the accomplishments of Holy Trinity’s parish family.

“The task for our ministry leaders during the day of reflection was to provide concrete feedback on these steps,” explained parishioner Debby Giusti, who chairs the Pastoral Council. “We wanted to hear what they thought would work, and what wouldn’t work. We were especially interested in their ideas on improving communications throughout our parish community, both laterally and vertically.”

The morning session was conducted by Pastoral Council member Mike Midas, president of The Leadership Institute, an Atlanta-based consulting firm that provides leadership training on competitiveness in the global economic arena. Using group exercises, Midas covered such topics as teamwork among interdependent groups, the power of effective listening, and consensus decision-making.

During the afternoon, Ms. Giusti presented the nine steps and asked participants to discuss them in small groups. The entire group then reconvened to present their recommendations to the Pastoral Council members.

The plan was overwhelmingly endorsed, and an open meeting to discuss the creation of a Leaders Council for the parish has been set for Mon., April 19, at 7:30 p.m. In addition to enhancing communications and planning parish activities, the Leaders Council will be used to develop a spirit of cooperation and oneness within the parish and enable all parishioners to learn about the “good news" happening at Holy Trinity.

“I commend the Pastoral Council and all the ministry leaders for their continued participation and constancy of purpose,” said Holy Trinity pastor, Father Edward O’Connor, at the close of the day of reflection. “Their teamwork is helping to make Holy Trinity a close-knit family.”

Since it was founded 20 years ago as a weekend mission, Holy Trinity has grown into the largest church community in Peachtree City and now numbers 1,200 families.