To Seek & To Serve

2026–2030 Parish Pastoral Plan

What is a pastoral plan?

It is a prayerful and methodical process that helps establish the vision for our Parish – a set of objectives and intentions that help guide the pastoral activities and decisions of St. Raphael parish, school, ministries & services in response to the spiritual needs of our community.

The PPC prayerfully discerned, in alignment with priorities established by the Diocese of St. Petersburg, to establish parish priorities that nurture the essential elements of parish life by valuing God above all else. There are three central priorities to honor the Trinity and twelve objectives. Each objective has defined action items with target dates.

Parish Priorities

These priorities provide a roadmap to the parish vision, with objectives serving as key milestones.

I. NextGen Deepened Engagement

To deepen engagement in formation programs for all ages, starting with youth and young adults, and develop authentic connections with Christ and each other.

  • Objective 1:  Define and integrate a Youth Discipleship Pathway from CGS through Young Adult

  • Objective 2:  Fortify Confirmation Preparation – Youth Discipleship from CGS through young adult

  • Objective 3:  Grow the parish EDGE and LifeTeen programs

  • Objective 4:  Establish a parish Young Adult Ministry with connections to adult faith formation

II. Inspire Worship & Engagement

To ensure that St. Raphael Parish becomes a place of liturgical excellence through high quality music and liturgical ministries that inspire worship and foster full, active, conscious participation bringing those present closer to Christ.

  • Objective 1:  Enhance liturgical operations, focusing on communication, scheduling and formation.

  • Objective 2:  Strengthen the foundation for ministry growth and encourage congregational participation.

  • Objective 3:  Establish a bridge between the school’s Music Department and the parish’s Music Ministry.

  • Objective 4:  Build capacity for on-site music formation.

III. Form a Vibrant Community

To develop the parish into a vibrant center of Catholic community life where all grow in their faith and feel deeply connected and cared for.

  • Objective 1:  Define and Implement a Parish‑Wide Discipleship Pathway and start a Welcome Ministry

  • Objective 2:  Establish a Communications Ministry to strengthen parish-wide communications

  • Objective 3:  Onboard and implement Ministry Platform across all ministries (school where appropriate)

  • Objective 4:  Foster a culture of invitation and nomination to ensure sustainable leadership, community-wide outreach, service and evangelization.

Mission Statement

To see the whole parish through Christ’s eyes, drawing all souls into a deeper relationship with God by listening intently, serving compassionately, and connecting our community across all ministries.

Links

Parish Pastoral Council Members:

Brittany Yeager

Roy Binger

Michael Broadus

Dr. James Connors

Michael Fay

Courtney

DeCosmo-DePrieto

Tara Searles