Three Keys to Parish Renewal
These are principles that, when applied, disproportionately unlock a parish in moving from maintenance to mission. These principles are not a prescriptive, silver-bullet solution to a parish’s problems. They outline paths through which we can take action and move in fruitful ways in the parish. They can help a parish be a place where people can have their lives transformed by entering into a relationship with Jesus and the sacramental life of his Church
Key 1: The Power of the Holy Spirit
It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that transformative renewal happens, and parishes come to life. This is not just simply praying to the Holy Spirit for guidance but experiencing, with expectancy, the supernatural power through which more will be possible than through human power alone.
Key 2: The Primacy of Evangelization
When evangelization is the focus and people encounter Jesus, parishes grow. Evangelization needs to be first, in principle and in process. It needs to be a priority. Outside of the Eucharist, if you can only do one thing, it needs to be evangelization.
Key 3: The Best of Leadership
When parish leaders serve out of the best leadership principles, parishes thrive. Leading by office or position of authority doesn’t really work. Jesus taught and modeled servant leadership, about leading through serving and loving others.
The “Key Ring:” The Celebration of the Eucharist - The Sunday Experience
Hymns, Hospitality & Homilies: We need to do music well; work on our preaching and make our parishes places that are highly welcoming.