Section outline

  • Why does parish renewal matter? Because too many of our churches are in decline—attendance is shrinking, energy is low, and it's too easy to get stuck in maintenance. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Imagine a parish that is alive with faith, filled with people eager to encounter Jesus and share him with others. If you're moved by what's possible in your parish, Launch Point is where to begin. This session is an opportunity to honestly assess where you are, dream about what’s possible, and discern whether you’re ready to take the next step. Renewal isn’t just a program—it’s a journey and today, you and those you have brought around you, start exploring if you’re ready to embark on it together. 

    BEGIN YOUR EXPERIENCE

    You will: 

    • Examine parish decline, recognizing our place in that reality. 

    • Discuss the hopeful possibilities within our own parish context - make the case as to why our parish should embrace mission and renewal. 

    • Assess our parish’s potential for implementing renewal initiatives and our personal openness to change, adapt, and be accompanied in that journey. 

    • Discern what our next step around parish renewal might be. 

    When to run it in your parish:

    • The pastor is open to starting (or re-starting) the Parish Renewal Journey. 

    • We are convinced that renewal is not only necessary, but also possible.  

    • A small group, invited by the pastor, has been gathered to discern together. 

    Format and Flow

    The Launch point session will be an interactive discernment process. It will include a: 

    • mix of prayer, reflection, videos, and discussion. 

    • time of group discernment. 

    • 2-hour time commitment, though you might like to incorporate social time, a break, and longer times of discussion or prayer.