Sarah Mitchell
Reviving a Catholic parish is no easy feat, but it is believed that priests have the tools to bring about renewal. One way to do this is to solidify Catholic identity in parishioners through traditional liturgy, such as celebrating the 1970 Missal. Other methods include hosting social activities and charitable works, and discussing the theology of marriage. Additionally, resources like Revive Parishes offer practical tips and coaching to transform parish leaders so they can revive their parishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liturgy | Celebrate the 1970 Missal in a traditional way, facing ad orientem |
| Bring back the bells for consecration and use incense | |
| Consider all-male altar servers, grandfathering existing female altar servers | |
| Reinstate communion on the tongue while kneeling | |
| Use the 1962 Missal as a guide | |
| Leadership | Transform parish leaders so they can revive their parishes |
| Provide coaching and practical tips to leaders | |
| Community | Clearly state the concept of community to parishioners |
| Encourage parishioners to make the faith their own by speaking about what's in their hearts | |
| Encourage social activities and charitable works | |
| Mental Health | Minister to the mental health needs of the community |
| Understand the difference between being a minister and a counselor |
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What You'll Learn
Focus on the community aspect of the church
To revive a Catholic parish, it is essential to focus on the community aspect of the church. Here are some ways to do this:
Firstly, it is important to understand the needs of the community. This includes being aware of the mental health concerns prevalent in the community and knowing how to address them effectively. Sister Josephine, for instance, offers guidance through a 4-part model that can help ministers navigate mental health issues in their parish. By understanding the community's needs, priests can cater their services to meet these needs and create a more supportive environment.
Secondly, fostering a sense of community and connection among parishioners is key. Encouraging parishioners to participate in social activities, charitable works, and group discussions can help build a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. For example, the Archdiocese of Boston has a successful program where young adults meet weekly to study and discuss Mass readings, fostering a sense of Christian unity that leads to social and charitable activities.
Additionally, creating opportunities for parishioners to connect and support each other outside of formal church services is important. This could include organizing social events, potlucks, or community outreach initiatives where people can interact and form meaningful relationships.
Furthermore, it is beneficial to involve the community in decision-making processes and encourage their active participation in the life of the parish. This could mean seeking input from parishioners on important issues, encouraging volunteerism, and empowering individuals to take ownership of different aspects of parish life.
Finally, it is crucial to tend to the spiritual needs of the community. This includes providing clear and inspiring teachings, celebrating traditional liturgy, and ensuring that the sacraments are accessible to all. By focusing on the community's spiritual growth and well-being, the parish can become a source of strength and guidance for its members.
In conclusion, by prioritizing the community aspect of the church and implementing strategies that foster connection, engagement, and spiritual growth, Catholic parishes can experience revival and better serve their parishioners.
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Utilise the Novus Ordo Missal (1970 Missal)
The Novus Ordo Missal, also known as the Ordinary Form or the Mass of Paul VI, is the most commonly used liturgy in the Catholic Church. It was first promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969, with the liturgical books being published in 1970. The Novus Ordo Missal has been described as "a major conquest of the Roman Catholic Church" by Annibale Bugnini.
The Novus Ordo Missal is a revision of the Roman Missal, which was first promulgated in 1570 by Pope Pius V. The goal of the revision was to simplify the liturgy and make it more accessible to the average layperson. This was achieved by removing repetitions and simplifying the language of the liturgy. The Novus Ordo Missal also incorporates discoveries from liturgical sciences and more ancient liturgical sources.
To utilise the Novus Ordo Missal for parish revival, priests can celebrate the 1970 Missal in the most traditional way possible, particularly by facing ad orientem during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This position is considered the most natural for celebrating Mass. Additionally, priests can pay attention to the gestures of the liturgy, such as the way they hold their hands after purification, using the 1962 Missal as a guide.
By utilising the Novus Ordo Missal and celebrating the liturgy in a traditional manner, priests can solidify Catholic identity among their parishioners and bring about liturgical renewal and parish revival.
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Address mental health issues
Addressing mental health issues is a vital aspect of ministering to the human person. Mental health concerns exist and are prevalent in every community served by the parish. According to statistics, 1 in 5 adults experience mental health issues, and 1 in 6 teens (aged 12-17) reported a major depressive episode in 2020.
Sister Josephine, through the Revive Parishes program, guides ministers through the mental health statistics of adolescents and adults to help them understand how necessary it is to pay attention to these issues. She also provides a practical understanding of the difference between being a minister and a counselor, which is essential for knowing when to refer someone to a counselor.
The 4-part model, explained by Sister Josephine, is an important tool to integrate into every part of the ministry. It provides definitions, practical examples, and tools for implementation, along with extra tips for assessing mental health needs and setting boundaries to protect both the minister and the individual.
By addressing mental health issues, the parish can better serve the needs of its community and provide support and guidance to those struggling with their mental health.
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Encourage discussion of theology
To encourage discussion of theology, consider implementing a weekly gathering where parishioners can come together to study and discuss the upcoming Sunday's Mass readings. This can begin with an opening prayer, followed by a close examination of the texts. By creating a safe and welcoming space for theological discussion, parishioners will have the opportunity to explore their faith, ask questions, and share their thoughts and interpretations.
Additionally, it is important to emphasise that theology is not limited to abstract concepts but is deeply intertwined with our daily lives. As such, social activities and charitable works can be organised, providing an opportunity for parishioners to live out their faith in a practical manner. This integration of faith and life will not only strengthen their understanding of theology but also foster a sense of community and Christian unity.
Furthermore, it is essential to empower parishioners to take ownership of their faith journey. Often, there is a tendency for all eyes to turn to the priest when a theological question arises. While the priest plays a vital role in guiding the flock, encouraging parishioners to engage in theological discussion and seek answers independently fosters a sense of ownership and personal investment in their faith.
To support this, priests can provide resources, facilitate study groups, and create safe spaces for dialogue and exploration. This may include recommending relevant books, hosting workshops, or even organising retreats focused on specific theological topics. By creating a culture of lifelong learning and inquiry, parishioners will feel empowered to delve deeper into their faith and develop a more nuanced understanding of theology.
Lastly, it is worth noting that theological discussion should not be confined to formal gatherings or religious rituals. Casual conversations over coffee, book clubs exploring theological themes, or even online forums can provide additional avenues for parishioners to connect and engage with one another. By integrating theology into various aspects of parish life, a rich and dynamic culture of theological reflection and dialogue can emerge.
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Bring back traditional practices
To revive a Catholic parish, priests can bring back traditional practices. For instance, priests can encourage parishioners to voluntarily partake in communion on the tongue while kneeling. They can also bring back the bells for the consecration and use incense whenever possible.
Priests can also encourage parishioners to meet weekly to study and discuss the upcoming Sunday's Mass readings. These meetings can begin with a prayer, with social activities and charitable works stemming from the group's Christian unity. This practice mirrors the catechetical methods of lay movements and has proven successful in the Archdiocese of Boston, leading to room-bursting attendance.
Additionally, priests can hold "missions" or "revivals" to bring Catholics back to the Sacraments and convert non-Catholics. They can also discuss the theology of marriage from the pulpit and during pre-Cana sessions.
Finally, priests can celebrate the 1970 Missal in the most traditional way possible, particularly facing ad orientem. They can also consider the gestures made during the liturgy and the way they hold their hands after purification, using the 1962 Missal as a guide.
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Frequently asked questions
A priest seeking liturgical renewal and parish revival will understand that solidifying Catholic identity into his parishioners is essential. The Novus Ordo Missal (1970 Missal) has everything a priest needs in this regard. It is a perfectly valid mass with the potential to be extremely beautiful and efficacious.
One practical step is to establish a young adult group that meets weekly to study and discuss upcoming Mass readings. These groups can also organise social activities and charitable works, fostering Christian unity. Another step is to hold "missions" or "revivals" to bring Catholics back to the Sacraments and convert non-Catholics.
Revive Parishes is an organisation founded by Dan Rogers, Edmundo Reyes, Tim Glemkoswki, and John Martin. It offers free courses and lessons to transform parish leaders so that they can revive their parishes. The courses cover important issues such as mental health in the community and provide practical tips and inspiration.
