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:

www.parishvitality.net

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." 

Preparation Materials

Parishes can obtain materials by contacting Dennis Mahaney at the Office of Parish Life or Mary Beth Coates at the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation (including dvd's of all conference sessions):

 

Part 1: Interpreting the Religious & Spiritual Needs of People Today

Handout

Powerpoints

 

Part 2: Exploring Parish Vitality & Expressing Parish Culture

Powerpoints

          Part I: Exploring Parish Vitality: Engagement as a Measure for a Vital Culture

         

 

Part 2: Exploring Parish Vitality:  A Story about Sustaining Mission through Culture

          

 

Part 3: Expressing Parish Vitality: Examples of Mission, Culture and Charism

Handout

Powerpoints

 

Part 3: Responding to the Religious & Spiritual Needs of People

           Part 1: Future Scenarios and the Audiences in a New Religious Landscape

           

 

Part 2: Effective Responses to New Audiences in a New Religious Landscape

Handout

Powerpoints

 

Part 4: Capacity Building for Parish Vitality

Capacity Building

Handout

Powerpoints

 

Part 5: Facilitating a Change Initiative

             Part 1: Facilitating Change Initiatives 

 

 

Part 2: Innovation Process and Examples     

        

Handout

Powerpoints

 

Facilitator: John Roberto, LifelongFaith Associates, Naugatuck, CT   Email: jroberto@lifelongfaith.com  Website: www.lifelongfaith.com; www.faithformation2020.net; www.faithformationlearningexchange.net

 

Other Referenced Videos:

The Social Media Revolution

If Starbucks Marketed Like a Church: A Parable

The Reasons (why people don't go to church)