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 committed Spiritually committed people are much more likely to exhibit the outcomes of inviting, serving, giving and life satisfaction

Three Types of Parishioners Engaged Not Engaged Actively Disengaged

Principle 1: Belonging 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 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 Transformation Let the catechumenate be your inspiration Take time for renewal Retreat, renewal process Form your leaders Create small groups Witness 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 life Offer liturgical catechesis Create time to gather Social, 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 involved Develop and implement a pastoral plan Communication Coordination 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 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?”

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 Discernment Feature ministry opportunities Be 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) Growing an Engaged Church, Living Your Strengths (Winseman, Gallup Press) “With glad and generous hearts”