Revitalization ideas for a parish

  • Thread starter Thread starter exiled
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
E

exiled

Guest
Does anyone have any ideas for revitalizing a parish community, and bringing others back? What I mean by that is, events that would draw from the community at large, which would include people who are, presumably, fallen away Catholics, and baby step them back into full communion.
Some ideas I’ve had are these:
-Parents’ night-my children and other volunteers provide babysitting for a nominal fee. The funds would go to the parish. We would have fun with the kids (good fun), and perhaps offer a sense of welcome and community that would draw parents back.
-Family Night- families come together once a month at the parish for board games, faith/apologetic talks, activities for the kids. Pot luck, primarily provided by families already part of the parish to, once again, foster a sense of welcome.
-Sending out Cards/Invites- for young and middle age CCD kids to write cards to members who are registered but who do not come regularly. Letting them know we are thinking of them and praying for them. Invites to events like those mentioned above.

Desperately seeking other (preferably tried and successful) ideas!

Thanks!
 
Love your ideas! Especially the last one. I would be moved by that.
 
There’s three things that can help I think
Reinforcing the religious vigor of the church-going parishioners by having a reverent and solid liturgy, starting Eucharistic adoration, advocating daily mass, maybe communal LOTH-praying, bible-studies, etc. Reinforcing the knowledge of the faith by cathechesis for children and young people, reading theological books together for older people, etc.
Making sure that visitors feel welcome, have coffee after mass, have parish feastdays, your great ideas, etc. I think the first category is the most urgent as anything should flow from Christ through prayer.
Just my two cents
 
You have great ideas, and I especially like the cards also.

I went to a (sspx) chapel where there was a visitor’s book to sign in the vestibule, and many folks there smiled and said hello to me. In a larger church you could have the welcome folks keep an eye on the book for newcomers. Welcoming strangers is so important imho. It leaves a lasting favorable impression. Years ago at a Presbyterian church a man actually followed me out the door and said he’d be looking for me to come back! 😃
 
You could have a really comprehensive “parish library” somewhere central where people can check out lots of great books, DVDs, etc. on the Catholic Faith. Also, a wide variety of free tracts can help people learn about various aspects of their faith.
 
First I’d want to gather the motivated Catholics in your parish into a cooperating group who know each other and can generate some energy among themselves. They’re probably in the choir, catechists, Knights of Columbus, altar guild, etc. The parish staff would know who a lot of them are.
 
The means are always the same, aren’t they? Prayer and sacrifice.

Specifics: Eucharistic Adoration, Eucharistic Processions, well done and frequent Confession. Marian devotions. Fasting, acts of charity.
 
Our parish (St. Andrew the Apostle) has a reputation as a conservative parish in a conservative diocese (Arlington, VA). Word gets around. For those interested in a conservative, traditional or orthodox approach to Catholicism, they know they can seek out St. Andrew’s. On the other hand, guitar Mass folks may wish to attend services at the parish down the road. I’m not sure how many parishes are one-size-fits-all, which inevitably affects the type of parishioner you draw.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top