PARISH SUPPORT MINISTRIES

URBAN AND HISPANIC SUBSIDY PROGRAM

MISSION STATEMENT

PREAMBLE:

We rejoice that our eternal God finds us worthy to call us to the service of ensuring that all share in the Gospel promise to salvation (Mark 1:14-15), and liberation (Matthew 25:31-46).

The theology of Paul in I Corinthians (12:4-11), speaking specifically of the giftedness of individuals and of the Spirit working for the common good, is also applicable to the broader and local parishes.  Therefore, we affirm that these parishes must work in solidarity through communication and consensus.  The Spirit of God will be better heard in this atmosphere of solidarity; and the prophetic voice, whether emanating from within or from without the local parish will have its influence.

On the foundation of these scriptural principles, we, the Urban and Hispanic Subsidy Committee, seek to complete our task.

STATEMENT OF MISSION:

The goal of the Urban and Hispanic Subsidy Program is to recognize and subsidize programs responding to needs so as to strengthen and develop Urban and Hispanic ministries.  The Urban and Hispanic Subsidy Program Committee will review proposals from, and distribute funds to Urban and Hispanic ministries within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester.

The funding of this program is rooted in the long-standing recognition by the Diocesan Church that the Urban and Hispanic ministries have special needs and very limited resources.  Through effective distribution of these funds, we intend to develop leadership potential and encourage supportive networking among those called to Urban and Hispanic ministries.

Parish Support Ministries will establish a year-long relationship with the participating local ministry in order to more fully understand and more readily recognize its special needs; thus, achieving a responsible allocation of resources.  Participants will be accountable for stewardship, attaining objectives and theological reflection.

The revenue of the Urban and Hispanic Subsidy Program is available to Urban and Hispanic Ministries.  Participants must understand that the Urban and Hispanic Subsidy Committee will fund proposals that offer the greatest potential for meeting clearly demonstrated human needs, which are unable to be met through other resources or programs.

Special preference will be given to those applications which propose developing new rather than existing ministry within the Urban and Cultural Communities and which demonstrate collaboration by or among parishes within the same or neighboring Pastoral Planning Groups or which demonstrate Ecumenical or Interfaith collaboration.

The Urban and Hispanic Subsidy Program Committee membership represents a cross-section of Urban and Hispanic Ministries and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester through the Department of Parish Support Ministries.  Its funding source is the annual Diocesan Catholic Ministries Appeal.