Dynamic and Vibrant Parishes
Definition of a Parish - Canon 515
"A parish is a definite community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis with a particular church; the astoral care of the parish is entrusted to a pastor as its own shepherd under the authority of the diocesan bishop."
Indicators of a Vibrant, Dynamic Parish
Multiple national studies in the last 25 years have found at least four common indicators of a vibrant parish: worship, community, formation and ministry.
A vibrant parish gathers weekly to worship and celebrates the sacraments.
- Eucharist is welcoming and inclusive and leads to full, active, and conscious participation of the assembly through well-preached homilies and quality music.
- Liturgical prayer leads to conversion of heart and growth in faith.
A vibrant parish becomes a faith community where people can find God, care for and support one another, and grow spiritually.
- Strengthens communal relationships within the parish, extends hospitality that reflects mutual respect, invites diversity and builds unity, while engaging in ecumenical and interfaith activities with other faith communities.
- Recognizes the giftedness of the community, invites ministry, demonstrates stewardship and collaborative parish leadership.
- Evidences transparency, promotes involvement and ownership by parishioners, maintains parish facilities, demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
A vibrant parish extends formation to all the members of the faith community.
- Promotes growth in the Christian life of all its members and manifests an enthusiastic understanding of the gospel through active participation of all ages, inclusive of families and youth.
- Utilizes contemporary means of communication, provides for ongoing training for ministry from qualified, competent, professional personnel.
- Is committed to evangelization, ongoing liturgical and sacramental catechesis.
A vibrant parish reaches out through ministry that is inspired by the gospel and the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
- Promotes consistent and compassionate outreach to the poor and those in need.
- Reaches out to inactive or alienated Catholics, the marginalized, divorced members, to other parishes and beyond to the needs of the global community.