Long Range Plan

Pastoral Council

1. To promote ownership and responsibility for our Parish through effective communication and consultation.
   1. To establish an ad hoc committee on communication.
   2. To have the Aisle Talk as one of our primary means of communicating to the parishioners.
   3. The Weekly Bulletin will provide the main source of effective communication to the parish community.
2. To monitor the overall progress on implementation of the Long-Range Plan.
   1. Monthly report at Council meetings of each Committee's progress on implementing the plan.
   2. Quarterly report in the Aisle Talk from each Committee on its progress on implementing the plan.
   3. To develop the Prison Ministry both at the James River Correctional Center and the Stutsman County Corrections Center.
3. To develop a ministry to the group homes for the developmentally handicapped.
4. To develop a ministry to the group homes for those suffering from mental illness.
5. To develop our ministry to the Anne Carlsen Center for Children.

People Promoting  Harmony Committee

1. To deal with the past hurts and conflicts of parishioners, staff and priests.
2. To implement an appropriate process and procedure to deal with these.
3. To establish a committee of 5 people to assist in this process.

Liturgy and Spiritual Life

1. To create an environment within the Church that enhances for full, active, vibrant participation.
1. To maintain and update worship environment
1. Organ
1. Raise parish awareness of substantial funds needed for repair and maintenance of organ.
2. Establish an organ committee by November 1, 2004 that will bring the project to fruition. 
3. Long range plan developed by the Organ Committee by March 1, 2005 including estimates and details for planning.
4. Promote use of organ with additional instruments.
2. Consideration for disabled, elderly, visually impaired, hearing impaired.
3. Promote building a gathering space to provide hospitality, familiarity, and unity which enhances celebration of Eucharist and sacraments.
1. Eucharistic celebration times
1. When setting Eucharist times we will keep in mind:
1. Keep Saturday evenings available for weddings
2. Keep Eucharist times on Sunday at least 2 hours apart to provide time for hospitality and community building
2. Homilies/Preaching
1. Form a committee to provide support and encouragement to the homilists.
3. Sacrament of Reconciliation
1. Do an accurate count of people who avail themselves of this sacrament for 2 years
2. Give information to liturgy and faith formation committees.
4. Provide trained and qualified personnel to meet the needs of our Liturgies.
1. Re-create a staff position for Liturgy/Music Director in order to develop consistent quality in Liturgical celebrations and spirituality for the domestic church.
1. Develop job description
2. Coordinate different music groups, schedules and styles.
3. Integrate college and high school students as music ministers.
2. Train Communion Ministers, Sacristans, Proclaimers, Servers, Musicians, Ushers and Greeters.
1. Train new members as needed
2. Provide general training for all on a yearly basis
3. Balance the number of males and females
4. Involve people of all ages with particular gifts and capabilities.
3. Revive the Liturgy Committee
1. Expand to include people from the State Hospital, Fried, etc.
4. Provide musical/liturgical educational opportunities
5. To provide opportunities for spiritual growth
1. To encourage spirituality in the domestic church
2. Programs for non-active Catholics and bringing the non-attending Catholics into active participation
1. Designate significant staff time to deal with the divorced, separated and annulments.
2. Parish will provide funding for the cost of annulments.
3. Develop the Retrouvaille Program (for couples who are struggling in their marriage)
4. Encourage the development of sacred performance opportunities
1. Prayer services, mimes, community concerts, etc.
5. To provide a variety of programs and learning styles for scripture: for example, home study or videos.
6. To promote Vatican II's call for praying the Liturgy of the Hours.
1. Create a bulletin filler
2. Frequently advertise the web pages
3. Start meetings with Liturgy of the Hours
7. Prayers of Faithful should reflect needs of
1. Pope/Church/Parish
2. World/Nation
3. Missionaries - Tim & Cecelia Marcy
4. Youth
5. Farmers
2. Create genuine Community by attending to the needs of:
1. Hospitalized
2. Sick
3. Terminally ill
4. Death of spouse, parent, child
5. Caregivers
6. Divorced/Separated
7. Collegians
8. Disabled/Elderly
1. Develop bus tours
3. Priests accessible
1. Evaluate use of cell phone, voice mail, e-mail
4. Incorporate new Parishes into Liturgy and Spiritual Life
5. Keep youth actively involved
6. Socialize
1. "Dinner for Eight"
2. Coffee-Rolls
3. Work projects
4. Sit somewhere different in church
5. Make Funeral and Wedding guideline helps accessible.
6. Develop the Parish Nurse concept in our parish with a strong connection to liturgy.
7. To develop effective means of communication
1. Use technology
2. Pertinent information is shared and delivered to all liturgical ministers

Administration and Finance

1. Communicate to the St. James Community the need for Stewardship in our Church
1. Educate parishioners in the "ways of stewardship"
2. Communicate to the Diocese our sense of need to financially support those involved in attempting to receive Annulments
3. Publicize the availability of Memorials
4. Add a full range development program to St. James Church parish
2. Develop an on-going financial system for an effective and balanced budget for the Parish Community
1. Have a reserve of $100,000 annually and review annually
2. Bring to completion the Special Funds Projects that have existing monies already set aside
1. Heating and Air Conditioning
2. Organ repair
3. Gathering space/Office space
3. To create a fair and equitable pay-scale  for our parish employees
3. To develop an open line of communication with all parishioners
1. When staffing needs arise - make that need known to all by using the Bulletin and Aisle Talk
2. Publish in the Aisle Talk the completion of any and all parish projects
3. Include the Job description of Department Heads the requirement for a monthly article for the parish bulletin and quarterly Aisle Talk
4. Maintain the Parish facilities and the Academy facilities
1. Incorporate the existing Building and Grounds Committees from the parish and Academy into one Committee and have both custodians serve as ad hoc members.

Faith Formation

1. Whole community Catechesis
1. Implement Generations of Faith
1. Familiarize board members with the program to do things on an intergenerational basis
2. Gradual implementation with an annual board evaluation of the program
3. Implement Lent and Advent portions for the 2004-2005 school year - train through workshops & in-services
2. Adult Catechesis
1. Develop Domestic Church
1. Baptism
2. RCIA/RCIC
3. Marriage prep
4. Annulments/Second marriages
5. Bereavement, anointing, funerals
6. College outreach
7. Correctional facilities (state & county)
8. Strengthen and evaluate ongoing programs i.e. Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist
9. Developmentally challenged
2. Nurture Domestic Church
1. Scripture studies
2. Retreats
3. Youth Outreach
1. Senior High discussion group
2. Camps
3. Personal Contact i.e. - Youth Minister, Peers, Pastoral
2. Whole Community Service
1. Implement generations of Faith - do things on an intergenerational basis
2. Peer Groups Ministries
1. Community projects
2. Parish projects
3. Outreach Ministries based on database of needs kept at the Parish Office
1. Emergency needs
2. Ongoing needs
3. Whole Community Spirituality
1. Implement generations of Faith - do things on an intergenerational basis.
2. Intercessory Prayers
3. Outreach based on database of needs (Parish office)
4. Fostering different forms of prayer to suit different personalities
1. In the Domestic Church
2. Within the Parish
3. For each individual

Human Concerns

1. To attend to the needs of:
1. hospitalized
2. sick
3. death of a spouse, parent or child
4. caregivers
5. divorced/separated
6. disabled
7. elderly
8. collegians
9. terminally ill
10. single parents
11. those serving in the military and their loved ones
2. To assist those in the workings of receiving annulments
3. To encourage the Diocese so that Marriage Tribunal doesn't have to have fees for annulments
4. To assist financially those going thru the annulment procedure

Tabernacle

To establish activities and guidelines to more closely follow our Tabernacle Objective:

• To bring the ladies of the Parish together in an effort:
• to foster personal sanctification
• to improve family life
• to promote Spiritual and social welfare of the women of the Parish
• as well as maintain financial solvency of our Society through our programs and projects
1. To Grow spiritually we will...
1. Emphasize spirituality at our monthly Tabernacle activities by using the Resources available to us (Priests, Sister, Support staff, Library, etc.)
2. Continue with and expand upon the Mom's Bible Study Program that was Implemented in 2004
3. Continue our annual October Spiritual Appetizer and November Memorial Mass, as well as our Spring Social.  In the fall of 2004, the Mass will be in remembrance of  deceased members of our parish community for the year. This can include family members of other practicing faiths as requested by their loved ones.
4. Beginning in 2005, sometime during the Lenten Season (March), hold a 1- day retreat for the ladies of the Parish and possibly include neighboring parishes. 
5. Continue to sponsor TV and Special Mass Offerings.  Call for and serve the funerals of our parish community, and provide for the Altar and Sacramental needs by the fund raisers already in place (Spring and Fall rummage sales and the Fall fundraiser).
6. Encourage and work with the circles to promote Spiritual growth during their monthly meetings.
2. To Grow in number we need...
   The Tabernacle has 9 active circles compared to 23 at one time.  There are 199 Tabernacle members and approximately 845 ladies belonging to our church.
1. All ladies of the Basilica to be automatically considered a member of the Tabernacle Society and would not charge membership dues.  The Tabernacle Society will nurture and tend to the needs of the woman of the Church encouraging their taking an active role in existing circles or in new circles.  We are striving for a goal of at least 2 new circles by the fall 2005.
2. Do a welcome luncheon on a quarterly or annual basis for new church members.  Display what we have to offer through our Society and our Circles.
3. Our Membership Committee to continue their endeavors of welcoming newcomers and inviting them to our functions, as well as introducing them to the circles.
4. To advertise by informing our Parish of the opportunities available to them as a result of our Society (funeral luncheons, TV Masses, etc.) through the Aisle Talk, Sunday Bulletin and Bulletin Board Displays.
3. Strengthen and Grow within our Church and Community.....
1. Tabernacle assists in the Human Concerns area by contributing financially on a monthly basis.  We would like to form a group to help assist in other areas as needed.  We will act on the information presented by the Pastoral Council.
2. We will aid in the Prison Ministry in areas determined necessary by the Pastoral Council.
3. We will again provide seasonal treats such as fruit baskets (Easter) and visits to the shut-ins of our parish.
4. We plan to have a Family Fun Night (Cards, Games, Socializing) that can be enjoyed by all members of our faith community.
5. We want everyone in attendance at our meetings and gatherings to leave feeling they have gained something special from the occasion.  Whether it be growing spiritually within, being of service to those in need, or just meeting someone new and sharing the enjoyment of the occasion.
4. We need to ensure that...
1. The main purpose of our circles will be to develop and foster a sense of  Community among its members.  These Circles may have a variety of membership-with some being as they are now consisting of ladies groups or consisting of households or families, assuring that all households be included in this concept.
2. The Circles now is existence as well as all newly formed circles have a formal line of communication, as well as uniform guidelines to follow.
3. Uniform guidelines and job descriptions are established for all Tabernacle Offices and Committee Persons.

St. John's Academy

Staffing.
Goal 1:	Maintain an average student/teacher ratio of: No more that 25:1, and strive towards 18-20:1
	Objectives:	Appropriate staff/student ratio
	Strategies:	Review current staffing needs based on yearly enrollment numbers
	Timeline:	Annually
	By Whom:	Administration, Faculty and School Board
Goal 2:	Maintain State and Diocesan approved teacher accreditation
	Objectives:	Faculty to remain accredited
	Strategies:	Verfication of attendance of Continuing Education for credentialing. Provide resources and flexibility to ensure education requirements are met. Review Policy & Procedures yearly with input from contract and non-contract employees. Arrange for staff development in religion according to Diocese Policy.
	Timeline:	1, 2, 3.Annually
		4. Workshops - 32 hours per three years
	By Whom:	Teacher responsibility to maintain accreditation credentials. Administration, Faculty & School Board Policy & Procedures Committee Administration, Faculty & School Board Policy & Procedures Committee Administration
Goal 3:	Maintain effective distribution of grade level assignments
	Objectives:	Best utilization of personnel to grade levelassignment
	Strategies:	Solicit input from teaching staff and use team approach on classroom assignments
	Timeline:	Annually
	By Whom:	Administration & Faculty
Goal 4:	Increase Professional Development supported bythe school
	Objectives:	Increase funds for staff development
	Strategies:	Seek out sources for revenue
	Timeline:	Annually
	By Whom:	Administration, Faculty and School Board
Enrollment
Goal 1:	Increase enrollment in Grades K-6 to 175 by 2008
	Objectives:	Increase enrollment starting with Kindergarten Increase Market share by 3% over five years
	Strategies:	Look at historical data of students coming out of Kids Kingdom entering SJA   Contact all kindergarten parents - Catholic and non-Catholic Birthday program for the Basilica members Review current % of market share at entry level
	Timeline:	Jan-May annually
	By Whom:	Recruitment committee
Goal 2:	Increase percentage of the Basilica families served
	Objectives:	Increase the Basilica members children attending SJA over next 5 Years
	Strategies:	Encouragement from pastors at church Continue this recruitment with more emphasis     Increase SJA visibility at the Basilica Kids mass onSunday by SJA students Brochures of SJA at mass 2 times a year with pulpit talk SJA do more visible things at the Basilica Donuts at Mass Kids art in entry way Each class adopt the Basilica for a month Post SJA Happenings in the Basilica at back entry Announce school sports church/bulletin Inserts into bulletins
	Timeline:	Sept - May(on-going)
	By Whom:	Administration, Development Office & Recruitment Committee SJA Administration, Faculty and Staff
Goal 3:	Maintain retention level at an overall average of 100%
	Objectives:	Develop and maintain database regarding reasons children leave SJA before completing 6th grade  Increase family feeling of "belonging to" school Keep tuition as low as possible
	Strategies:	Trends to be reported to Administration and School Board All valid concerns to be addressed by Administration and reported to the School Board. Institute family friendly activities without fundraising attach to event. Continue with current family activities Administration and School Board need to operate the school as efficiently as possible.
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom:	Administration and School Board Administration Administration and School Board
Finance.
Goal 1:	Continue to work with the Basilica Committee for ongoing stable support of the Academy
	Objectives:	Improve communication between SJA and the Basilica Finance Committee Meet budget established without tuition increase Explore option of SJA coordinating the rental of Zebedee Center with subsequent rental fees kept by SJA
	Strategies:	Continue with the Basilica representative on the board SJA Finance Committee to meet with the Basilica Finance Committee to improve understanding SJA Finance Committee needs to meet with the Basilica Budget Manager SJA Finance Committee needs to be present at the Basilica Board meeting during budget review, at year end and when special needs arise Continue with or increase current % of subsidy Finance Committee of SJA to discuss and if feasible present idea to the Basilica Board
	Timeline:	Ongoing Annually 2004-2005 school year
	By Whom:	Administration, SJA Finance Committee, The Basilica Finance Board and the Basilica Budget Manager Administration, SJA Finance Committee, The Basilica Finance Board and the Basilica Budget Manager Administration, SJA Finance Committee and the Basilica Board
Goal 2:	Development of Long-range Financial Budget for SJA
	Objectives:	SJA Finance committee to consider past experience and project long-range Financial Budget Review current fundraising program Strive for fiscal responsibility Explore financial impact of 6th Grade Middle School Establish a plan to reach parity with the Jamestown Public School for staff Evaluate the feasibility of allowing a tuition break for parents with children at Kid's Kingdom
	Strategies:	Review historical data Review anticipated enrollment Work closely with SJA Buildings and Grounds Committee to assess long-term needs Establish committee to do this Evaluate budget annually Review fixed costs Administration to educate parents on Middle School; technology issues, classroom arrangements, etc. Develop a plan to reach a 75% parity for certified staff Develop a plan to reach an equitable parity for non-certified staff Evaluate this as an option to help retain Kid's Kingdom children
	Timeline:	Annually
	By Whom:	Administration, SJA Finance  Committee and School Board
Goal 3:	Establish an operational reserve fund to provide for better cash flow management
	Objectives:	Goal should be 3-6 month operating reserve
	Strategies:	Budget for a "maintenance reserve" amount as a line item in the budget
	Timeline	Annually
	By Whom:	Administration, SJA Finance Committee, SJA Development and School Board
Goal 4:	Review the tuition structure of SJA
	Objectives:	Maintain "break-even" tuition guidelines Consider alternative to current tuition structure
	Strategies:	Establish a student to teacher ratio to strive for fiscal Responsibility Evaluate methods being used by other private schools Sliding scale tuition paid upon a % of income earned Tax deductions Etc, Review current structure for the Basilica and non-parish tuition payment methodology
	Timeline:	Fall 2006
	By Whom:	SJA Finance Committee and Administration
Goal 5:	Promote other funding for private education
	Objectives:	Work with FACE to evaluate alternative uses of their contributions Promote voucher system at National/State level
	Strategies:	Define intent of FACE contributions: are the funds restricted or Unrestricted Continue to work with "SANS" (State Assessment Nonprofit Schools) to support Legislation Educate parents regarding this initiative Form parent group to contact representatives.
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom:	Administration and SJA Finance Committee
Facilities.
Goal 1:	Development of comprehensive Facility Plan
	Objectives:	Buildings and Grounds Committee to work with the Basilica Facilities Committee to develop short term and long range plan
	Strategies:	Work with the basilica on plan Annual evaluation of plan with reprioritizing of short-term needs
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom:	Facilities and SJA Buildings & Grounds Committee, Administration and the Basilica Parish Council
Goal 2:	Provide appropriate space for present student body (SJA & Faith Formation
	Objectives:	Pursue the adding of the chapel
	Strategies:	Coordinate with the Basilica
	Timeline:	2006
	By Whom:	SJA Building and Grounds Committee, Facilities and Administration
Goal 3:	Provide for maintenance and improvement of current facilities
	Objectives:	Repainting of hallways and also lockers on the 2nd floor Better drainage of west side: slopping of ground Rotate carpet replacement Hang cork bar: this will be used in place of sticky tack for student picture displays Water fountain and plumbing
	Strategies:	Contact professional painters to see if they would donate time. Consider asking parents if they would be willing to purchase various supplies (ea. Family buy a gallon of paint or several paint brushes, etc.) Obtain estimate for leveling, sidewalk removal and sidewalk replacement Continue to work with PTO for ongoing carpet replacement Needs to occur after walls have been painted Obtain bids for project
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom	SJA Buildings and Grounds Committee, Administration andSchool Board
Goal 4:	Build or renovate to provide for technologies and technology capabilities
	Objectives:	Enhance and maintain computer lab
	Strategies:	Re-wire and enhance electrical system Hardware Networking capabilities
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom	Administration
Curriculum.
Goal 1:	Continue ongoing curriculum assessment
	Objectives:	Curriculum assessment/Textbook rotation Align curriculum with State standards and benchmarks
	Strategies:	Develop textbook rotation plan Review copyright dates - place textbooks on an eight-ten year rotation Line item in annual school budget for textbooks Develop a committee in each subject area to align to benchmarks
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom:	Administration, Faculty and School Board
Goal 2:	Enhance school-wide learning environment
	Objectives:	Incorporate Hands-on Learning Academic field trips Internal & External Curriculum Expansion
	Strategies:	Research and pursue current and alternative teaching Techniques Develop external contacts in appropriate subject matter Mentor Program Professionals in specific subject areas Limitations due to state accreditation requirements Offer non-traditional educational programs (utilize educators talents in community)
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom:	Faculty, Administration and School Board
Goal 3:	Provide appropriate opportunities for students in the use and application of technology
	Objectives:	\Update hardware and software Provide resources for technology: hardware and software Technology Coordinator
	Strategies:	Private grants for technology Continuing education for faculty Develop a hardware and software rotation plan Inquire about contract staff, approach public school to coordinate service or utilize outside resource.
	Timeline:	Ongoing Annually 2006
	By Whom:	Administration & Faculty Faculty Administration, School Board and Faculty Administration and School Board
Goal 4:	School curriculum and programs remain accredited
	Objectives:	Course schedule and timeframes remain in compliance with Accreditation requirements Performance improvement- three target goals
	Strategies:	Ensure appropriate allocation of academic school day meets State standards Objective: Academic Spelling/Writing Subjective: Staff Development: Educational workshops/classes Subjective: Student Ownership
	Timeline:	Annually 2004/2008 School year
	By Whom:	Faculty, Administration and School Board Administration and Faculty
Development.
Goal 1:	Establish a formal development office, possibly in conjunction with The Basilica
	Objectives:	Formation of Development Office
	Strategies:	Hire Development Director: Possible to be shared position between SJA and the Basilica Development Office needs to set some goals and objectives and work to meet them Development Director needs to formulate programs on deferred annuities, memorials, endowments, etc.
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom:	Pastoral Council ,Basilica Finance Board, School Administration and School Board
Goal 2:	Explore alternative funding options for SJA
	Objectives:	Fundraising and SJA Community events Foundation Grants Endowments and memorials Explore Charitable Gifting (i.e. "Adopt a Student programs")
	Strategies:	Continue with current fundraisers: Annual Fund HOPE dinner Spaghetti Supper Sunday Social (Open house- all ages) Create new high-return fund-raisers Provide training and resources necessary for grant writing Explore grant options Have Development Director coordinate Need to investigate IRS rules and regulations regarding this Share information with parents
	Timeline:	Ongoing 2004-2005 School year In review In review
	By Whom:	Administration, Principal, Fund Development Coordinator and School Board
Goal 3:	Explore new methods of securing endowment/subsidies
	Objectives:	KC, The Basilica, FACE
	Strategies:	Find ways to improve relationship and security of funds from three listed entities
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom:	Administration, School Board, Fund Development Coordinator and Development Director
Goal 4:	Form a development committee that will help advise and assist various areas of development (Annual Fund, Building Campaigns, etc.)
	Objectives:	Revive Development Committee Enhance annual fund/building campaign drives
	Strategies:	Identify key community and the Basilica members for Development committee Development Committee to have its function/role by Diocese (Fargo) Members to serve on various committees and assist as required Seek ways to help find funding for Chapel
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom:	Development Director, School Board and Administration
Marketing.
Goal 1:	Initiate a formal marketing program
	Objectives:	Establish an active Marketing Committee Develop a written Marketing Plan Expand Recruitment Committee
	Strategies:	Identify persons with interest and background in marketing: i.e. SJA parents & The Basilica parents Encourage working with Recruitment Committee Review/revise Plan and promotional materials yearly Include school mission Promote SJA and Kids Kingdom at the Basilica Develop program for Kids Kingdom retention Use results from Jan 2003 Parental Survey Need to survey the Basilica Parents as to "why" they do not send their children to SJA Make recruitment and public relations a top priority Continue with Kindergarten Recruitment committee Implement new committee for grades 1-6
	Timeline:	Ongoing
	By Whom:	Administration and School Board Administration and Marketing/Recruitment Committee Marketing/Recruitment Committee and Administration

© 2010 St. James Basilica