CONNECTING A GLOBAL PARISH
The mission of The Connected Parish is to help priests and their staff build more vibrant parishes that aim to bring people one step closer to Christ no matter where they are on their spiritual journey.
What is a Connected Parish?
Connect to a Simple Mission as a parish
Bring people closer to Jesus no matter where they are in their spiritual journey.
Connect to “what works elsewhere"
Talk to different ministries, ask priests outside of our diocese, research and avoid the “re-inventing the wheel” temptation.
What does it mean to be vibrant?
This is a tough question and one that many others like Dynamic Catholic, The Amazing Parish, Catholic Leadership The Augustine Institue, and ACTSXXIX have begun to answer. We are in agreement with them. However, staying true to our DNA, we at The Connected Parish push into the depths to find the roots for the "why". Our goal is to share our findings, strategically encourage and invite others into the adventure of solving The Parish Conundrum.
First of all, what is it NOT?
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Having a “Personality Priest” is not the same as a vibrant parish. They move on. Often with limited lasting impact.
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Growing numbers of parishioners is not the same as a vibrant parish. Fewer parishes or economic development will cause growth without vibrancy.
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Young congregations are not the same as a vibrant parish. That can be due to demographics or the association with a pre-school/school.
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Being busy with many activities is not the same as a vibrant parish. It just means people are busy doing what they want.
What then is vibrancy?
If we go back to basics (why does a parish even exist?) then we see that it is designed to support individuals to grow closer to Jesus through the power of community and the beautiful teachings of the Catholic Church. The community and the Catholic Church are a means to an end. They are there to help me, you, and others to stay close to and get closer to Jesus so we can - in turn - through the difference He makes in our lives - attract others to Him. Simple.
Boiled down to the bare bones here is how we define vibrancy:
Vibrancy exists when there are intentionality and commitment to supporting the spiritual growth of all kinds of parishioners that is shared by the clergy and the majority of the staff and volunteers.
If the intentionality is there and is shared, the fruits will follow. They will also last when a priest leaves. It becomes the DNA of the parish. What those fruits, activities, ministries look like will depend on the parish-profile as well as other factors.