Divine Renovation

1. Reclaim the Church's missionary identity to combat maintenance culture

The Church is an essentially missionary Church. I will be laying a theological foundation for this identity, and proposing a model for a renewed parish life.

Missionary essence: The Church's primary purpose is to make disciples and spread the Gospel. Many parishes have forgotten this, focusing instead on maintaining the status quo. To renew the Church, we must:

• Shift from inward-focused maintenance to outward-focused mission
• Prioritize evangelization and discipleship over mere attendance
• Embrace change and innovation to reach new people

This renewal requires a radical rethinking of parish life, structures, and priorities. It's not about preserving traditions, but about fulfilling Christ's Great Commission in today's world.

2. Address the pain and challenges within the Church honestly

From 2004 to 2010 I was pastor of a relatively well-to-do parish in the well-to-do part of town. It had traditionally been the jewel in the crown of the diocese and had always housed the Archdiocesan Vicar General and a gang of curates. Until very recently, it was still viewed by pre-retirement priests as the place to be before you hung up your hat. As a result, nothing new had really taken place there for 30 years.

Confront reality: The Church faces numerous challenges, including:

• Declining attendance and engagement, especially among youth
• Scandals and loss of credibility
• Aging infrastructure and financial struggles
• Resistance to change from long-time members

We must acknowledge these issues openly, allowing for honest lament and reflection. Only by confronting our pain and challenges can we begin to heal and move forward. This requires vulnerability from leaders and a willingness to listen to the experiences of all members.

3. Eliminate theological obstacles to renewal: Pelagianism and clericalism

Curiously, in the majority of cases, it has to do with a sinful complicity: the priest clericalizes the lay person and the lay person kindly asks to be clericalized, because deep down it is easier.

Remove barriers: Two major theological obstacles hinder renewal:

1. Pelagianism: The belief that we can earn salvation through our own efforts, leading to:

   • Minimalism in faith practice
   • Lack of emphasis on God's grace and mercy
   • Difficulty in experiencing the joy of the Gospel

2. Clericalism: The elevation of clergy above laity, resulting in:

   • Passive laity who don't embrace their baptismal calling
   • Overworked and isolated clergy
   • Lack of shared responsibility for the Church's mission

Overcoming these obstacles requires re-educating both clergy and laity about their roles and the true nature of grace and discipleship.

4. Prioritize weekend services and create a welcoming environment

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Transform Sundays: Weekend services are the primary point of contact for most parishioners. To maximize their impact:

• Invest time and resources in planning and executing quality liturgies
• Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both regulars and visitors
• Provide excellent music that engages the congregation
• Use technology (screens, sound systems) to enhance the experience

Remember that hospitality extends beyond a greeting team. Every aspect of the service should communicate that all are welcome and valued in the community.

5. Deliver powerful homilies centered on the kerygma

Every homily, no matter the setting – Sunday, weekday, wedding or funeral – ought to preach Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, and the new life found in him through a life of faith, hope and love.

Proclaim the Gospel: Effective preaching is crucial for parish renewal. Key elements include:

• Focusing on the kerygma (core Gospel message) in every homily
• Speaking to the whole person: mind, heart, conscience, and will
• Using storytelling, analogies, and personal vulnerability
• Connecting Scripture to everyday life
• Offering clear calls to action

Preachers should continually work on improving their skills, seeking feedback and studying effective communication techniques.

6. Foster meaningful community through small groups and shared experiences

The Church is a community of believers and not simply a collection of individuals who gather for one hour a week.

Build connections: Creating a sense of belonging is crucial for discipleship. Strategies include:

• Implementing a small group system (e.g., connect groups)
• Encouraging participation in faith formation programs
• Creating opportunities for shared meals and social events
• Fostering a culture of mutual care and support

Meaningful community helps people grow in faith, provides accountability, and creates a supportive environment for evangelization.

7. Encourage personal encounters with the Holy Spirit

To be Christian and "being Church" means being missionary; one is or is not. Loving one's faith implies bearing witness to it, bringing it to others and allowing others to participate in it.

Embrace the Spirit: Facilitating personal experiences of God's presence is vital. This can be achieved through:

• Teaching about the Holy Spirit's role in Christian life
• Providing opportunities for charismatic prayer and worship
• Encouraging testimonies of spiritual experiences
• Integrating prayer for the Holy Spirit into liturgies and programs

A renewed emphasis on the Holy Spirit's power can transform passive churchgoers into passionate disciples.

8. Develop a culture of invitation and evangelization

"Come and see." (John 1:39)

Share the faith: Creating an invitational culture is essential for church growth. This involves:

• Training parishioners in personal evangelization
• Regularly celebrating stories of life change
• Providing easily accessible entry points for newcomers (e.g., Alpha courses)
• Encouraging parishioners to invite friends and family to church events

Remember that invitation is everyone's responsibility, not just the clergy or staff.

9. Transform sacramental preparation into discipleship journeys

Baptism, for many, has become primarily a celebration of the biological family, a time of thanksgiving for the arrival of a child and an embrace, to some extent, of the faith as some kind of mysterious "good."

Reimagine sacraments: Shift from sacramental "programs" to discipleship processes:

• Focus on evangelizing parents and families, not just children
• Create flexible, individualized preparation journeys
• Integrate sacramental preparation with ongoing parish life
• Set clear expectations for continued engagement after sacraments

This approach helps families encounter Christ and integrate into the parish community, rather than treating sacraments as isolated events.

10. Embrace visionary leadership to guide parish renewal

Vision is one degree abstracted from what we are doing, and is more about what we dream about being. Any leader who will lead must not only be in touch with his or her dreams, but be passionate about them.

Lead with vision: Effective parish renewal requires strong, visionary leadership:

• Develop a compelling vision for the parish's future
• Communicate the vision consistently and passionately
• Build a leadership team aligned with the vision
• Create strategies to implement the vision
• Be willing to make difficult decisions for long-term health

Visionary leadership inspires hope, mobilizes resources, and guides the community through the challenges of renewal.

Last updated: October 19, 2024