Now that the priests have returned from the Presbyteral Convocation, it’s time for all parish leaders to make the most of this opportunity to lead forward in Beacons of Light!
Below, you’ll find some resources to unpack the experience of the convocation.
DIVINE RENOVATION
Become familiar with the key concepts of Divine Renovation. Read the book and talk about it with other parish leaders or check out this video. Set aside time at meetings to discuss what you are learning.
Continue exploring the ideas: the Maintenance to Mission Reading Guide gives you everything you need to continue exploring the key principles around parish renewal which Father James Mallon covered in his talks. The guide highlights key themes and takeaways from each chapter, gives out the link to a summary video and sketches out discussion questions to guide either personal reflection or small group discussions so you can draw others into the conversation.
Spark the conversation around mission: the “What is God saying to the Church?” video features a conversation between Bishop Robert Barron, Father James Mallon and Nicky Gumble about the centrality of the call to mission today while the “Serving Mission” videos explore the July 2020 letter from the Congregation for Clergy on the call for every parish to be a missionary outpost. You can use them to spark conversations with your wider parish on the call to mission and what that might look like in your context
Help to get going: Kickstart is Divine Renovation’s 6 session group coaching program to help you explore the three keys to parish renewal and how to get started in applying them in your context.
Alpha in a Catholic Context: Fr. Mallon discussed Alpha as “front porch” evangelization tool that is part of a comprehensive discipleship process for your parish. Learn more about Alpha in a Catholic Context.
If you are interested in discerning Alpha and your discipleship process please contact the Center for the New Evangelization.
CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Check out the great presentations given by Dan Cellucci, Executive Director of CLI.
Disciple Maker Index
Learn more about the Disciple Maker Index, an exciting opportunity for parish leaders to learn more about their parishioners, coming to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in early 2023!
Take steps to intentionally grow as a leader. Use the resources on the Center for Parish Vitality Leadership page as a start.
Liaisons: leverage your Beacons Liaison as a leadership coach to assist you in forming your Pathway and Family Leadership teams and/or as a sounding board. Pastors: if you don’t already have a liaison serving your Family, it’s not too late; contact Deacon Mike Lippman, Director of Pastoral Planning.
If your parish leaders have not yet completed the Parish Inventories, now is a great time to do so. This exercise will help you identify areas of strength for each parish in your Family and will be used to consider plans for growth for the future.
Schedule time ASAP to talk with the priests of your parish about what they heard and experienced at the convocation. What were their key takeaways? How do their highlights amplify or enhance what you have previously discussed or considered? What ideas or opportunities for growth come to mind for your Family of Parishes so that you may more fully move from maintenance to mission?
News! If you’re not already, subscribe to Vitality, the news email of the Center for Parish Vitality to stay up to date on the latest info for parish leaders and Beacons of Light!
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