Seven Principles of Parish Life

1. Seven Principles of Parish Life

2. What do you hope and pray for when you think of your parish?

3. 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?

4. Principle 1: Belonging “Reaching Out and Drawing In” • 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.

5. The Importance of Belonging • Engagement is a deep emotional connection to the parish • People who are engaged are vastly more likely to be spiritually committed • Spiritually committed people are much more likely to exhibit the outcomes of inviting, serving, giving and life satisfaction

6. Three Types of Parishioners • Engaged • Not Engaged • Actively Disengaged

7. Extend a bigger welcome Make hospitality your first rule Widen the circles Focus on newcomers Keep the door open Do great things with great care Play together! Principle 1: Belonging

8. Principle 2: Lifelong Transformation “They shall bear fruit, always vigorous and sturdy.” • 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.

9. Principle 2: Lifelong Transformation “They shall bear fruit, always vigorous and sturdy.” • “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)

10. Let the catechumenate be your inspiration Take time for renewal Retreat, renewal process Form your leaders Create small groups Witness talks Principle 2: Lifelong Transformation

11. Principle 3: Faith Meets Life “Fulfillment of mission and personal fulfillment as one.” • 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.

12. Principle 3: Faith Meets Life “Fulfillment of mission and personal fulfillment as one.” • 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)

13. Principle 3: Faith Meets Life • Bring the liturgy to life • Offer liturgical catechesis • Create time to gather • Social, life-stage groups • Use the tools of the day

14. Principle 4: Full, Conscious and Active Participation “A sign of transformation, a sign of newness of life.” • Form people to fully, consciously, and actively participate in all of parish life, as a sign and witness of Christ’s presence.

15. Principle 4: Full, Conscious and Active Participation “A sign of transformation, a sign of newness of life.” • “The parish is, without doubt, the most important locus in which the Christian community is formed and expressed.” (OHWB, p.117)

16. Principle 4: Full, Conscious and Active Participation • Allow people to get involved • Develop and implement a pastoral plan • Communication • Coordination • Connect the dots! • Collaboration • Entrust ministry to parishioners • Equip those who minister

17. Principle 5: Discipleship and Stewardship “Committing one’s very self to the Lord.” • Challenge parishioners to live gospel values as disciples of Jesus Christ and stewards of all they are, have, and will be.

18. Principle 5: Discipleship and Stewardship “Committing one’s very self to the Lord.” • “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)

19. Principle 5: Discipleship and Stewardship • Formation takes many forms • Bulletin, handouts, gatherings • Gratitude and generosity • A covenant • Ministry renewal, financial commitment • “What do you give your parish? What does your parish give in return?”

20. Principle 6: Meaningful Service “Holiness and justice, spirituality and peace.” • 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.

21. Principle 6: Meaningful Service “Holiness and justice, spirituality and peace.” • “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)

22. Principle 6: Meaningful Service • Discover and develop gifts • Discernment • Feature ministry opportunities • Be thankful

23. Principle 7: Caring Community “Our lives in relation to God’s larger purposes” • Create a community in which parishioners care for one another and for those in need in the community and the world.

24. Principle 7: Caring Community “Our lives in relation to God’s larger purposes” • “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)

25. Principle 7: Caring Community “Our lives in relation to God’s larger purposes” • Discern needs within the parish • Discern needs beyond you

26. Resources to Help You “With glad and generous hearts” • Forming Generous Hearts: Stewardship Planning for Lifelong Faith Formation (Anslinger/Shepp, Twenty-third Publications) • Leisa@thegenerousheart.com • www.Catholicstrengths.com • www.pastoralplanning.com • Growing an Engaged Church, Living Your Strengths (Winseman, Gallup Press)