• Set the goal for implementing change.
• Outline the steps needed to reach this goal.
• Identify resources for each step.
• Identify obstacles for each step.
• Identify solutions for the obstacles.
• Establish timeframes for each step.
• Assess progress and set dates for review.

• Goal. What do you want to accomplish?

  The goal you set should be attainable. In relation to a three hour movie, the goal should be equivalent to one scene. Your goal must be realistic. It is not realistic to plan to implement a Lenten reflection program if the program has yet to be developed and Ash Wednesday is next week.

  Your goal should be specific. Reading it, a person should know exactly what you want to accomplish.
  
  The goal should be specific enough to be measured, even though the measurement may be subjective. For example, if a priest asks a group of parishioners to critique his homilies, the information he receives may be colored by opinion. However, he can offer the people some guidelines to help them focus on particular areas.
  
  Your goal should incorporate a time element. When do you want to reach this goal?
  
  Example: For Lent of next year the parish will have a small group faith sharing program with a target participation of two hundred people.

• Steps. What steps must be taken to attain this goal?

  List all the steps you think are needed to achieve your goal. Each step should be as specific as possible. You should describe the activity required, identify the person responsible for the activity, establish when the activity will be accomplished, and explain how the accomplishment of each step can be measured.

  Once you complete the list, number the items according to their sequence in time.

• Resources. Who can help you? What material can you use?

  Who are the people who can help you achieve this goal? Do these people have the knowledge and skills required to accomplish the tasks? If not, what type of development do they need?

  What are the physical resources that are needed to achieve this goal? These may include material such as The Priest as Empowerer of Catechetical Ministry, equipment, expenses, programs, and outside assistance.

• Obstacles. What obstacles may you encounter as you implement your plans? How can you avoid or overcome these obstacles?

  Think of the obstacles that may hinder the accomplishment of each step. These may include time, the availability of people, a specific situation, or the philosophical or catechetical outlook of the parish.

  What internal obstacles may be present? For example, there may be something you have wanted to achieve, but over the years you have put off action because of a personal reluctance.

• Solutions. For each of the obstacles listed, think of ways in which you can address them so they are no longer obstacles.
  
  
• Timeframes. How much time will be required to implement your plan?

  How long will it take between the initiation of the plan and its completion? Each step should have approximate timeframes.

• Assessment. How will you assess your progress? What checkpoints or measures should you use?

  Establish dates and measurements to review progress.

For Lent of next year the parish will have a small group faith sharing program with participation of 200 people.

1. DRE and pastor to identify and invite people to be responsible for program.

2. Committee to decide to: a. acquire and use existing program, or b. develop a new program Some areas of consideration include approach, topics, structure, material needed, personnel required, cost and budget.

3. If decision is to develop a new program, interim development deadlines must be established.

4. The program must be ready by December 1. Begin plans for promotion and recruiting volunteers and participants.

5. Begin to promote program in early January.

6. Plans for training small group leaders should be completed during January.

7. People needed to lead small groups. Solicit volunteers in early January. All positions should be filled by the end of January.

8. Recruit and register participants at the end of January.

9. Begin training for small group leaders at the beginning of February.

10. Inaugurate program the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.

People

• potential committee members: Jim and Gloria Mullen, Hank Garcia, Mary Nicholas, Lee Maxon, Grace Edwards . . . Brainstorm with DRE to think of people who are not too involved in other activities at present.
• Speak with Pat Trager in the diocesan office.

  
  Material

• diocesan office
• Review program used by St. John's parish.

Obstacles:	Solutions:
First time small group sharing in parish
Unfamiliarity	familiarize through homily, bulletin, handouts' catechetical programs, etc.
people don't think they need it	stress ongoing development
people lack time	stress limited time required
coordinators lack time	material should require minimal preparation; limit time requirements for training, etc.

• Form committee by July 1.
• Select approach by September 1.
• Have program ready by December 1.
• Complete training plans for small group leaders by January 1.
• Have promotion plans ready by January 1.
• Begin to promote second Sunday in January.
• All group leaders in place by January 31.
• Group leader training during first week in February.
• Inaugurate program the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.

• Committee will monitor timeframes.
• Identify people who can review the material as it is developed (for training, program, etc.)
• Ask participants and group leaders for their evaluation and suggestions at the end of the program.

Obstacles:

Solutions:

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