Parish Mission Statement

• Most parishes have a mission statement that probably needs to be re-examined.
• Parishes and communication change over time, make sure your mission statement is still relevant.
• A mission statement is usually a one-sentence statement defining your reason for existing and provides overall direction and the purpose of the parish.
• A mission statement should be clear, concise, understandable, memorable, and easy to explain.
• There are many ways to develop a mission statement.
• Some parishes develop a shorter tagline to use in parish marketing, communication, and fundraising.
• A strong mission statement can inspire a closer personal connection with the organization.
• The parish mission statement should be woven into the parish culture (everyone should know it by heart).
• Read prayers that honor your parish patron saint for inspirational phrases that can be incorporated into your parish mission statement.
• Parishes that are clear about their mission, identity, and purpose tend to have a healthier stewardship culture.
• You need to understand who you are (and who you are not).

Mission Statement Tips

Purpose:

• Mission statement defines the reason your parish exists - core objectives and values.
• It identifies the belief and attitude you live on a daily basis.
• Focuses your energy and clarifies your purpose.
• Motivates people.

Tips:

• Keep the mission statement short and simple; use as few words as possible.
• Remember – Clear, Concise, and Memorable.
• It should be clear to you, parishioners, and visitors.
• It should be something you are proud of.

• Do not use slang, jargon or expressions others are not familiar with.
• It should resonate with the parishioners.
• It should reflect your long-term goals and strategies.
• It should be actionable.
• It shouldn’t be too broad.
• Avoid overanalyzing the mission statement.
• Don’t confuse mission statement (why you exist) with vision statement (desired end state).
• Post the mission statement in high-visibility areas.

How to Write:

• Define your parish:
• What is the purpose (describe the work)?
• Who do you help?
• Where do you do the work?
• Collect ideas from many people
• Be open to new ideas
• What are you dedicated to?
• Use surveys, questionnaires, interviews to poll parishioners
• Have a committee sort through all the information
• Look at other mission statement examples
• Don’t rush the process
• Get help from a professional writer
• Avoid generalities (i.e. “saving the world”)
• Use an “active” voice versus “passive” voice (i.e. “helps educate children” vs. “an organization that helps educate children”)
• Avoid jargon
• Avoid “internal focus,” focus on people served
• Keep it short, use only the words needed
• Get feedback and revise if necessary

Quick Test

• Say the mission statement out loud, does it roll off the tongue?
• Ask someone to repeat it after a period of time, is it memorable?
• Ask people who are not part of the organization to evaluate it, does it make sense to them?

Saint Louis Parish Examples

• Assumption (O’Fallon): May You Find Christ Here…May You Bring Christ to the World.
• Assumption (South County): Worship God. Share the Good News of Jesus. Serve Christ in Others.
• Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: We are Carriers of God’s Love to One Another and the Greater Community.
• Christ, Prince of Peace: “For a Child is Born to us, a Son is Given to us…He Shall be Called the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
• Immacolata: Bringing People Together in Jesus Christ.
• Immaculate Conception (Arnold): Guiding People to Jesus Through the Sacraments
• Our Lady of Lourdes (University City): Pray, Teach, Serve
• St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock”: To Joyfully Preach, Teach, and Live the Word of God.
• St. Ann (Clover Bottom): Nurturing Disciples Through Hospitality, Prayer, and Service.
• St. Anselm: Our Mission is to Imitate Jesus Christ by Loving and Serving All People in and Outside of Our Community.
• St. Francis of Assisi (South County): Our Parish Exists to Give Glory to God.
• St. Gertrude: Welcoming Disciples Home, Forming Future Saints.
• St. Joseph (Manchester): A Christ-Centered Family Engaging, Connecting, and Empowering God’s people.
• St. Justin Martyr: Love God. Love Others. Make Disciples.
• Sts. Peter & Paul: Opening Our Hearts to Christ Through Prayer, Fellowship, and Service.
• St. Richard: Know Him More Clearly, Love Him More Dearly and Follow Him More Nearly, Day by Day
• Sts. Teresa & Bridget: Our Mission of Faith Development, Parish & Community Outreach, and Living the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.