Parish Pastoral Council
Holy Infancy Parish Pastoral Plan 2026 – 2027 / Year 2 of our Three-Year Plan
*Special Eucharistic and Marian Jubilee Year for the 65th Anniversary of our Diocese – Focus: Vocation Ministry and Drawing back those who have drifted from the faith.
The Pastoral Plan is an evolving, three-year plan developed by the Pastor, based on the Catholic Leadership Survey results, and with input from the Parish’s Pastoral Council. It is intended to promote the development of the Strengths and Opportunities for Growth as a healthy Catholic Parish Family.
Strength – Belief: Eucharist is Body/Blood of Christ. 95% of respondents strongly agree/agree that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ
Opportunity for Growth – Conversations: Confidence in Church’s Teachings: 74% of respondents stated they strongly agree/agree that my parish equips me to have conversations about my faith with family and friends by growing my confidence in the Church’s teachings so I can answer other’s questions.
Praying for Vocations – It is everyone’s responsibility to pray for and promote all vocations for the good of the global and local church.
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First Thursday of the Month 6:30 pm Eucharistic Holy Hour praying for Vocations in Spanish and Portuguese. (Note: During Lent, the adoration from 6-7 PM and ends before Stations of the Cross in Portuguese)
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Pilgrim Chalice at all Masses: First Sunday of the Month at all Masses a symbol of a chalice and prayer booklet given to a family to pray for vocations in the family for that month.
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Prayers for Vocations: Priest prays at the end of the Petitions
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Consecration to the Holy Eucharist: May 5th – June 7th
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Implement a) Social, b) Sharing, c) Adoration, d) Clean up
Strength – Frequency: Individual Prayer Time. 87% of respondents stated that they participated in individual prayer time with God daily or weekly.
Opportunity for Growth – Forming as a Disciple: 85% of respondents stated they strongly agree/agree that my parish helps me grow spiritually by forming me as a disciple of Jesus Christ
Adult/Parent meeting 6:30-8 PM – during PREP every other week starting in the fall, alternating one per month
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Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Incarnation church
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Teaching on how to pray: Personal Relational Prayer and Family Prayer, Confessions
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Meetings in School Cafeteria with adults/ parents with Priests/Deacons/members of Parish Council
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Conversation Nights about the Faith and discipleship – reflecting upcoming Sunday Gospel
Altar Server Youth Group:
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Adoration, Hikes, Cook out, Pilgrimages, Game days, Fishing and special trainings Local Pilgrimages:
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Memorial Day, May 25th to the Blue Army Shrine – NJ with Portuguese Speakers
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Miraculous Medal Shrine, Philadelphia (Saturday, September 12th)
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Padre Pio Shrine, Barto and Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally (TBA)
Strength – Frequency: Social event. 83% of respondents participated in or attended a parish social event monthly, quarterly or once or twice a year.
Opportunity for Growth – Music deepens participation: 67% of respondents stated they strongly agree/agree that my parish Offering music that deepens my desire to participate more fully in the Sunday liturgy.
Social events:
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Theology on Tap: Younger adults – (Johnathan Boksan) FALL
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Movies in Butler Hall – Sunday Saint/Inspirational Movies in English, Spanish, Portuguese [Spring, Summer, Fall] The lives of the Saints teach and inspire the faith! (Hector Lopez – Wednesday evenings during the summer)
Checking in on Parishioners – Calls and Letters:
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Hospitality Ministry Outreach – especially newly married and families of the newly baptized.
Strengthen the First Sunday of the Month Social experience
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Focus more on getting to know each other better – rather than faith sharing
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Special Parish Breakfasts after all the Sunday Masses – two or three this year organized and run by different parish groups along with Hospitality Servers (Sept. 13th at School run by staff in Butler hall) (D. Tony – OCIA new members Breakfast)
Continued discussion and formation with all parish Choirs
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Priests, Deacons, and particular members of Parish Council continue to meet with all the Choirs
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Continued formation and discussion on how to improve Sacred Music for the Liturgy
If anyone has questions, they can ask a member of the council:
Chair:
Members:
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Prayer for All Vocations
Lord Jesus, grant the young people of our Diocese, the generosity
to follow your call to Marriage, Priesthood, Diaconate, Religious Life
or service as a single man or woman.
May the good example of parents inspire them to be open to service
in the Church.
Mother Mary and Saint Joseph, help all to follow God’s holy plan for their lives. Amen.
Prayer for Marriage Vocations
Heavenly Father, through the intercession of the Holy Family, help us
treasure the gift of marriage that reflects the love of Christ for the Church.
Guide young men and women in their discernment of this noble vocation.
Mother Mary and St. Joseph, intercede for couples to grow in holiness. Amen.
Prayer for Priestly, Deacons, and Religious Vocations
O Father, grant many men and women the generosity to give their lives
in response to your love in the service of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
May more men go forth as priests, deacons, brothers and more women as
religious sisters, to bring the truths of our Catholic Faith to the world. Amen.
Prayer for the Vocations of those who are single
Lord Jesus, help all who serve your church as single men
or women as their path to holiness.
Keep them faithful to Your will, and fill them with faith, courage, and love.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all
the Saints, may they always serve You joyfully. Amen.
