March 2026

1.     Introduction: The Together As One (TAO) Area Catholic Community (ACC) developed and submitted a plan under the guidance of the All Things New (ATN) Pastoral Planning Process. The plan recommended three potential courses of action, based on analysis of data and input from members of the parish. The diocesan review committee selected Course of Action (COA) 2 as the preferred approach.

2.     Mission and Vision: The following Mission and Vision were formed after reading many of the e-mails submitted and then applying the guiding principles as well. They were adopted regardless of the COA.

a.     Mission: To grow as one unified Catholic parish, centered on the Eucharist, inviting to all, honoring our heritage, and serving the spiritual, cultural, and pastoral needs of our community. We Strive to:

i.     Worship with reverence and joy.

ii.     Evangelize with love and courage.

iii.     Form disciples of all ages.

iv.     Secure a future rooted in faith, service, good stewardship, and unity in Christ.

v.     Pray, listen, and discern the will of God.

b.  Vision: Rooted in Faith, Growing in Unity, Serving with Purpose: We unite as one parish community guided by the Holy Spirit, moving forward with hope, courage, humility and commitment. With an openness to God’s plan as Christ’s people, we boldly move forward creating the necessary new home for our spiritual rebirth and revival. We strive to honor the past while inspiring the future.

3.     Course of Action: COA2 establishes St. Paul as the primary church and St. Michael will remain a partner church. The St. Michael facility would take on all faith formation in order not to conflict with the ASA school at the St. Paul site. St. Joseph and St. Peter would be closed and sold. This has the added advantage of giving the ACC two worship areas if it is thought that TAO would still support the Latin or Spanish Mass. The new parish ordinary income is estimated to sufficient for operational and maintenance costs with a surplus after expenses to provide for future building needs. The existing infrastructure has required maintenance needs so that a good sum of funds will still be needed for infrastructure improvement.

4.     Goals for COA2: St Paul Primary Church with St. Michael Partner Church:  Below are listed the first level of SMART goals that would be needed for COA2. The goals and actions will be expanded upon per the Parish Mergers & Church Closings Guide published by the diocese. The times on the goals are based from when the plan is approved and are stated as the maximum time from day zero. Some of the actions will be worked on concurrently.

5.     Summary: While this plan is not outlined down to the detail of specific Mass times, the TAO committee believes the key issues have been addressed. This plan enables the TAO ACC to start a transition for the better, while staying flexible to adjust as assumptions are proven or disproven. Through feedback from the parishioners, we have confirmed concerns and sensitivities that will help us target other listening sessions and adjust nuances of the transition. Ultimately, this plan enables a more vibrant and growing Catholic community. The goal of which is to not only build up our world, but the kingdom of God as we journey toward Salvation