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 committedSpiritually committed people are much more likely to

exhibit the outcomes of inviting, serving, giving and life satisfaction

Three Types of Parishioners

EngagedNot EngagedActively Disengaged

Principle 1: BelongingExtend a bigger welcomeMake hospitality your first ruleWiden the circlesFocus on newcomersKeep the door openDo great things with great carePlay 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 TransformationLet the catechumenate

be your inspirationTake time for renewal

Retreat, renewal processForm your leadersCreate small groupsWitness 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 lifeOffer liturgical catechesis

Create time to gatherSocial, 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 involvedDevelop and implement a

pastoral planCommunicationCoordination

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 formsBulletin, handouts, gatherings

Gratitude and generosityA 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

DiscernmentFeature ministry

opportunitiesBe 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)

Leisa@thegenerousheart.comwww.Catholicstrengths.comwww.pastoralplanning.comGrowing an Engaged Church, Living Your Strengths

(Winseman, Gallup Press)

“With glad and generous hearts”