Seven Principles of Parish Life. What do you hope and pray for when you think of your parish?
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Transcript of Seven Principles of Parish Life. What do you hope and pray for when you think of your parish?
Mark’s Story
Mark found that he truly belonged in his parish, and that
made all the difference!
When have you experienced a deep sense of belonging
to a faith community?
Principle 1: Belonging
Foster a deep sense of belonging among all who come to
the parish, and develop that sense among members
throughout the moments of their lives and stages of their
faith.
“Reaching Out and Drawing In”
The Importance of Belonging
Engagement is a deep emotional connection to the parish
People who are engaged are vastly more likely to be spiritually committedSpiritually committed people are much more likely to
exhibit the outcomes of inviting, serving, giving and life satisfaction
Three Types of Parishioners
EngagedNot EngagedActively Disengaged
Principle 1: BelongingExtend a bigger welcomeMake hospitality your first ruleWiden the circlesFocus on newcomersKeep the door openDo great things with great carePlay together!
Principle 2: Lifelong Transformation
Experience deep conversion to Christ and create a
climate in which everyone is given the opportunity to
encounter and be drawn into life in Christ.
“They shall bear fruit, always vigorous and sturdy.”
Principle 2: Lifelong Transformation
“The gospel speaks across time and space to each human
being, each mind, each heart. It asks us what we think
about our lives, how we hope, whom we love, and what
we live for. If faith is not transforming each heart and life,
it is dead.” (Go and Make Disciples, p. 9)
“They shall bear fruit, always vigorous and sturdy.”
Principle 2: Lifelong TransformationLet the catechumenate
be your inspirationTake time for renewal
Retreat, renewal processForm your leadersCreate small groupsWitness talks
Principle 3: Faith Meets Life
Faith meets life as the parish helps to equip people to
live as disciples in the whole of their lives, in their homes,
workplaces, neighborhoods, and world.
“Fulfillment of mission and personal fulfillment as one.”
Principle 3: Faith Meets Life
Faith formation “aims to bring about in the believer
an ever more mature faith in Jesus Christ, a deeper
knowledge and love of his person and message, and a
firm commitment to follow him.” (NDC, 19A)
“Fulfillment of mission and personal fulfillment as one.”
Principle 3: Faith Meets Life
Bring the liturgy to lifeOffer liturgical catechesis
Create time to gatherSocial, life-stage groups
Use the tools of the day
Principle 4: Full, Conscious and Active Participation
Form people to fully, consciously, and actively participate
in all of parish life, as a sign and witness of Christ’s
presence.
“A sign of transformation, a sign of newness of life.”
Principle 4: Full, Conscious and Active Participation
“The parish is, without doubt, the most important locus
in which the Christian community is formed and
expressed.” (OHWB, p.117)
“A sign of transformation, a sign of newness of life.”
Principle 4: Full, Conscious and Active Participation
Allow people to get involvedDevelop and implement a
pastoral planCommunicationCoordination
Connect the dots!Collaboration
Entrust ministry to parishioners
Equip those who minister
Principle 5: Discipleship and Stewardship
Challenge parishioners to live gospel values as disciples
of Jesus Christ and stewards of all they are, have, and will
be.
“Committing one’s very self to the Lord.”
Principle 5: Discipleship and Stewardship
“Mature disciples make a conscious, firm decision
carried out in action, to be followers of Jesus Christ
no matter the cost to themselves. Stewardship is an
expression of discipleship, with the power to
change how we understand and live out our lives.” (SDR, introduction)
“Committing one’s very self to the Lord.”
Principle 5: Discipleship and Stewardship
Formation takes many formsBulletin, handouts, gatherings
Gratitude and generosityA covenant
Ministry renewal, financial commitment
“What do you give your parish? What does your parish give in return?”
Principle 6: Meaningful Service
Become a parish in which every person is invited,
encouraged, and expected to offer meaningful service
within the parish and in their lives, and which
acknowledges the ways in which ministry is given.
“Holiness and justice, spirituality and peace.”
Principle 6: Meaningful Service
“The Holy Spirit is the protagonist, the principal agent of
the whole of the Church’s mission. …the Church, urged
on by the Spirit of Christ, must walk the road Christ
himself walked, a way of poverty and obedience, of
service and self-sacrifice.” (CCC #852)
“Holiness and justice, spirituality and peace.”
Principle 6: Meaningful Service
Discover and develop gifts
DiscernmentFeature ministry
opportunitiesBe thankful
Principle 7: Caring Community
Create a community in which parishioners care for one
another and for those in need in the community and the
world.
“Our lives in relation to God’s larger purposes”
Principle 7: Caring Community
“As all this suggests, our individual lives as disciples and
stewards must be seen in relation to God’s larger
purposes. …They find their hearts and minds expanding
to embrace all men and women, especially those in need,
in a communion of mercy and love.” (SDR, p.37)
“Our lives in relation to God’s larger purposes”
Principle 7: Caring Community
Discern needs within the parish
Discern needs beyond you
“Our lives in relation to God’s larger purposes”
Resources to Help You
Forming Generous Hearts: Stewardship Planning for Lifelong Faith Formation (Anslinger/Shepp, Twenty-third Publications)
Leisa@thegenerousheart.comwww.Catholicstrengths.comwww.pastoralplanning.comGrowing an Engaged Church, Living Your Strengths
(Winseman, Gallup Press)
“With glad and generous hearts”