Endorsements
There clear pathways to parish vitality. Thriving parishes consider the strategic questions regarding identity, capacity and purpose. To thrive, and not merely survive in the years ahead, vital parishe must remain true to identity, leverage capacity and communicate a compelling sense of purpose. These parishes will revitalize the congregations and mobilize people around an urgent and evangelizing plan of action. This conviction is at the heart of the Pathways to Parish Vitality project. Consider the resources provided at:
to obtain resources, best practices and practical strategies for: equipping leaders building organizational capacity for growth connecting, welcoming and engaging spiritual seekers fostering spiritual growth in all generations.
"Real effectiveness... less from doing more things and more from doing the right things."
"This is a great program as a follow up to Journey in Faith and Grace. A couple of us will attend in March... Thanks for your work." - Father Yetter, St. Mary Church, Swormville, NY
"With the Journey in Faith & Grace as a primer to breaking new ground, the Pathways Project is the breath of fresh air that drives us forward with new tools for planting and reaping Gospel possibilities. Through Pathways, the Church of Buffalo moves from latent to blatant, from imagination to transformation and new life!" - Rev. Bob Gebhard, Christ the King Seminary
"Pathways to Parish Vitality is an exciting project and exactly what our Church communities need at this time. Whether they are a returning Catholic or a new member, individuals want to be engaged spiritually and socially. They want to contribute their talents in service to others. We are grateful to the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo for this opportunity for our parishes to discover new approaches designed for their specific community.” - Carol Kostyniak, Secretary for Catholic Education, Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
"The faith community at the Buffalo State College Newman Center is eager to begin its participation in the PATHWAYS TO PARISH VITALITY Project. We know the need to see beyond the present moment, to examine the core of what is desirable as well as doable when it comes to creating faith experiences that are transforming... that bring hope and love alive." - Rev. Patrick Zengierski, Episcopal Vicar for Campus Ministry
"Our team is excited about Pathways to Parish Vitality because as a small, central city parish, with parishioners coming from many closed parishes coming from many closed parishes, we want to grow in spiritual unity, grow in commitment to mission and outreach, grow in empowering our young adults especially to use technology in mission. Having a creative, trained diocesan team focused on helping achieve these goals is a fantastic and much-needed gift!" - Deacon Paul and Mary Weisenberger, Pastoral Administrators, St. Lawrence Church, Buffalo, N.Y.
"Our Parish has truly benefited by the projects and initiatives that the Diocese has offered, such as the Adventures Program and the Millennial Milestones. The diocese is our partner in building up the life of our parish AND THE PATHWAYS PROJECT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PARISHES TO STRENGTHEN THIS PARTNERSHIP." - Denise Spadaccia, Youth Minister and Business Manager, Our Lady of Mercy, Leroy, NY
"Even the best parishes need to refocus on what makes them strong. Through Pathways to Parish Vitality, we hope to gain greater insight into how to use the gifts of our people to continue to build a vibrant church." Renee Villa, Pastoral Associate, Christ the King Parish, Snyder, NY
"We are very much in favor of your effort to evangelize our faith. We want to see our faith alive, vital and growing. There are generations coming up who want to know our church but don't yet feel a part of the flock. They are looking for a church who speaks their language and helps them navigate their social, family, and work landscapes. These young people have energy and their zeal is palpable. It is our job to include them in what we know is real and good about Catholicism. They need a home...let's be there for them! - Katie and Jake Schneider, Members of the Bishop's Council of the Laity and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Lakeview, NY
"Thank you for taking the time to speak on the Pathways to Parish Vitality Program. I think the timing is "superb" as we are still rebuilding parishes. I remain optimistic... You hit home." - Robert Ballard, Diocesan Pastoral Council and Parishioner at Holy Family, Albion, N.Y.
"...No one could have explained it as clearly as you did. As Bob said we are still rebuilding our Parishes and this program will be very helpful. It does give us hope for the future. Look forward to seeing you at the Seminary in March." - Barbara Felix, All Saints Parish Lockport
"I appreciate this opportunity to endorse the Pathways to Parish Vitality Project Your presentation to the Bishop's Committee of the Laity was inspiring and encouraging." - Marilyn Neil, Member of Bishop's Council of the Laity
If you would like to add your endorsement to this initiative please send it to Dennis Mahaney or call 716-847-8393.
There are clear pathways to parish vitality. To thrive and not merely survive in the years ahead, vital parishes will learn to be strategic and responsive to the signs of the times. This conviction is at the heart of the Pathways to Parish Vitality project. To obtain the necessary information and take action you only need to view the project proposal and attend a free conference at Banchetti Restaurant, 550 North French Rd., E. Amherst, NY 14228 on May 20 or 21, 2011. To register call 716-847-5501 or email esantini@buffalodiocese.org.
Planning Conference - May 20 or 21, 2011
The planning conference will equip parishes to transform parish priorities into a plan of action. Participants will follow a strategic process for pastoral planning, and answer the issues arising from a mission-centered approach to parish vitality. Interested parishes will be instructed on the steps of the grant writing process. In preparation for the planning conference:
- review conference materials
- consider the most significant implications - what challenges your notion of parish purpose and what gives you hope
- assemble the parish team and invite them to view the materials and videos from the last conference at this website
- choose either Friday, May 20st or Saturday, May 21st to attend the planning conference
- discuss ways to enrich parish programs to reach beyond those already engaged and address young families, Millennials and iGeneration?
- use tools in the conference materials to consider particular parish needs, culture and purpose
- assess your capacity for innovation
This initiative is made possible by a generous grant from the Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.
Contact:
Office of Parish Life - Dennis Mahaney
795 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-847-5531
Fax: 716-847-2206
Department of Lifelong Faith Formation - Mary Beth Coates
795 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-847-5505
Fax: 716-847-5593