At the end of August I attended a three day conference in Denver titled Amazing Parish. 500 people from 150 parishes all across the U.S. came together to pray, share ideas and learn best practices. I was encouraged and energized by the all presentations and conversations. The organizers presented a list of 7 traits that all exceptional parishes share: a reliance on prayer (obvious, but something that can get overlooked if a parish focuses its energy on maintaining the status quo), a real leadership team (the pastor can't run the parish by himself), a clear vision (having both a goal and a plan to make disciples), a focus on the Sunday experience (making the weekend matter has to be a parish's main goal), faith formation (parishioners at every age must be formed as students of Christ and members of the Church), small groups (this is where fellowship and discipleship happens best) and missionary zeal (an amazing parish is committed to going out to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and serve others). I came away from this conference convinced that our parish is on the right path. Over the past year through our Restore plan we have built a solid framework to create parish renewal. As we celebrate the one year anniversary of Restore this Fall, I encourage you to take your next step in faith. When our members make a commitment to discipleship we truly become the amazing parish Christ calls us to be. |