The Beacon

Meet the Team Helping SJN Move from Maintenance to Mission

Written by Karen May

Did you know that we have three teams supporting our pastor, Father Dean, as he leads our parish and implements Divine Renovation, a program designed to help parishes move from maintenance to mission and invigorate our parish? As you may have seen in the bulletin, the parish leadership team, servant leadership team, and finance

council complement each other in service to the mission of St. John Neumann Catholic Church 

Today, we’re going to focus on the role of the newest group, the Parish Leadership Team. Formed four years ago, the Parish Leadership Team helps SJN concentrate strategically on building our parish community in a way that encourages and equips us to reach out beyond our pews and bring the Good News of the Gospel to the world. To do this well, there are many key features that need to be in place when people arrive: a welcoming environment, a stellar Sunday experience, and opportunities to grow in faith no matter where they are in their spiritual journey.  

As we’ve implemented Divine Renovation’s strategies, the Parish Leadership Team has done a great deal of work behind the scenes to prepare the way – restructuring staff and roles, implementing processes and procedures, gathering and responding to parishioner feedback through regular surveys, and aligning and supporting our programs and ministries. Most recently, a parish strategic plan has begun to help shape the future of SJN. These are just a few of the ways that the team has helped shape the environment now growing throughout our parish.  

Do you feel it? 

There is an energy here that is palpable. People are coming to SJN because of the way we worship, the opportunities we have to connect with God and with a faith-filled community, and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that greets them when they arrive. The beauty of our church runs far deeper than the mosaics and imagery in our dome. It comes from deep within each of us, and it is spilling over into the world. Our parish is truly a beacon of light drawing people home, and the PLT has been crucial in helping that light to shine brightly. 

Please join me in thanking the current members of the PLT: 

Father Dean Wilhelm - Pastor 

Father Luan Pho – Associate Pastor 

Sandy Wells – Parish Leadership Team Chair (parishioner) 

Rhonda Dirvin – Ministry Platform Lead (staff) 

Amy Allert – Director of Disciple Development (staff) 

Neal McMaster – Director of Business Operations (staff) 

Christina Moore – Parish Leadership Team Member (parishioner) 

Bobbi Dangerfield – Parish Leadership Team Member (parishioner) 

Kevin Dwyer 

Pat Flathouse 

Toni Henley 

Karen May 

Cathy McGuiness 

Liz White