Parish Leaders are SPIRITUAL LEADERS – providing a good example of Christian living. Their vision is formed by prayerful reflection. Leaders need to pray, both individually and collectively, about their decisions for the parish. Prayer at meetings needs to be viewed as an important responsibility of every member. Being a member of PPC or a Commission should develop the faith life of every individual member.

Parish Leaders are SERVANT LEADERS – offering their gifts to the community not from a sense of power and control, but rather from an attitude of shared responsibility. This attitude leads them to seek the will of God through open minds and hearts. Parish leaders share the responsibility of witnessing to the Gospel in their community.

Parish Leaders are APPROACHABLE – they are known by parishioners and are accessible and available to them. Visibility is the key to parish awareness and good is the key to parish awareness and good communication. Leaders use the bulletin, the web site, the newsletter, emails, etc. to maintain on-going communication. Names, phone numbers and email addresses should be published. Displays of photographs of parish leadership are also helpful.

Parish Leaders are GOOD LISTENERS – seeking the input of parishioners concerns in order to identify the direction of the parish/commission. Listening also helps people identify the gifts and talents of others. Dialogue and openness to various opinions provides for the best input when making decisions.

Parish Leaders are CHANGE AGENTS – they help to create the vision of the parish, or the commission as it relates to the vision of the parish. They set direction and look for ways to improve how thing are currently being done. Leaders need to be aware of church teachings, traditions and experiences in their particular area, i.e. Liturgy, education, social justice, stewardship, etc. documents. The question becomes – How do we related this material to the life of our parish as we seek to make God's kingdom move visible in our world? Leaders need to be willing to deal with difficult issues in a Christian manner and to reflect on the consequences of their decisions. Leaders have the ability to discern where change is appropriate and the courage to implement changes to make the parish vision a reality.

Parish Leaders are ENABLERS – making opportunities available for all parishioners to becomes involved in the life of the parish community. Leaders encourage others to participate and affirm the gifts and abilities of individuals.

Parish Leaders have a SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION – understanding that the Church/Parish is broader than any one person or commission. We are the PEOPLE OF GOD working together, sharing our gifts, inviting others to share their gifts and working for a common vision.