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
“Reaching Out and Drawing In”
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.
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
“They shall bear fruit, always vigorous and sturdy.”
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.
Principle 2: Lifelong
Transformation
“They shall bear fruit, always vigorous and sturdy.”
“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)
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
“Fulfillment of mission and personal fulfillment as one.”
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.
Principle 3: Faith Meets Life
“Fulfillment of mission and personal fulfillment as one.”
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)
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
“A sign of transformation, a sign of newness of life.”
Form people to fully, consciously, and actively participate
in all of parish life, as a sign and witness of Christ’s
presence.
Principle 4: Full, Conscious and
Active Participation
“A sign of transformation, a sign of newness of life.”
“The parish is, without doubt, the most important locus
in which the Christian community is formed and
expressed.” (OHWB, p.117)
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
“Committing one’s very self to the Lord.”
Challenge parishioners to live gospel values as disciples of
Jesus Christ and stewards of all they are, have, and will
be.
Principle 5: Discipleship
and Stewardship
“Committing one’s very self to the Lord.”
“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)
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
“Holiness and justice, spirituality and peace.”
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.
Principle 6: Meaningful Service
“Holiness and justice, spirituality and peace.”
“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)
Principle 6: Meaningful Service
Discover and develop
gifts
Discernment
Feature ministry
opportunities
Be thankful
Principle 7: Caring Community
“Our lives in relation to God’s larger purposes”
Create a community in which parishioners care for one
another and for those in need in the community and the
world.
Principle 7: Caring Community
“Our lives in relation to God’s larger purposes”
“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)
Principle 7: Caring Community
“Our lives in relation to God’s larger purposes”
Discern needs within the
parish
Discern needs beyond
you
Resources to Help You
“With glad and generous hearts”
Forming Generous Hearts: Stewardship Planning for
Lifelong Faith Formation (Anslinger/Shepp, Twenty-third Publications)
Leisa@thegenerousheart.com
www.Catholicstrengths.com
www.pastoralplanning.com
Growing an Engaged Church, Living Your Strengths
(Winseman, Gallup Press)