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Over 2500 people from all 57 Families of Parishes responded to the 2025 Parish Vitality Survey. The input received provides insights into the experience of parishioners, clergy and staff, pastoral and finance council members, pointing to areas of growth as well as elements of parish and Family life that will benefit from ongoing attention in the future.
Overall, there is good news to share:
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People are more likely to recommend their Family of Parishes now than they were in 2023 when the previous survey was conducted
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Parishioner involvement has increased
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Respondents report some increase in communication about Beacons of Light and their Family of Parishes as well as some acknowledgement of the need for Beacons of Light for their parish and for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Thank you to all clergy, staff, and parishioner leaders whose constant attention, care, and leadership is producing good fruit of parish vitality in our Families of Parishes! |
| SURVEY RESULTS |
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The pastoral planning pathway platform is your go-to web resource center for Beacons of Light. As Beacons of Light unfolds, modules have been updated, resources added, and others have been removed as they have served their purpose in supporting Family leaders through the process.
The pastoral planning pathway platform has now been refreshed:
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The Principles tab now includes links to Communication and Administration, bringing all the resources for the principles and parameters together in one easy-to-find space.
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Under Resources, you'll find links to pages on data, modification of parishes, prayer resources, tools, and more.
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The Support tab now leads to the how-to guides for the site and a link to contact us for help.
The simplified menus are based on feedback from you and other Family leaders. Check out the updated site, explore all that is there, and contact us with ideas and/or resources to share!
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June 1
Eucharistic Year of Mission Celebration |
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On June 1 - the Solemnity of the Ascension - the Archdiocese will celebrate the Eucharistic Year of Mission. Archbishop Casey will celebrate the 10am Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains.
We also invite each Family of Parishes in the archdiocese to partake in this celebration. There are music recommendations, suggested intentions for the Universal Prayer, and homily suggestions available for your use. This is a perfect opportunity to recognize the individuals and groups in their Family of Parishes who carry on Christ's work through their acts of service.
Why are we celebrating the Year of Mission on Ascension Sunday? Ascension Sunday is when Christ ascends body and soul into heaven, ending His ministry on Earth and beginning His reign in Heaven. That doesn't mean His work is finished though. It is through us and by Christ's strength that the mission lives on and continues through our works. So while the Year of Mission will be ending, the work is ongoing. |
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Beacons of Light has at its foundation six guiding principles that, when lived fully in Families of Parishes, will lead to vital, mission-focused evangelizing communities of faith.
This month, we spotlight the Leadership principle. Whether you have been involved as a parish leader since before the implementation of Beacons of Light or are new to parish leadership, it will be beneficial to renew your familiarity with the principle, its goals and vision for the future. |
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Pastors, in collaboration with parochial vicars, deacons and lay ministers, according to their proper roles and charisms, share responsibility for pastoral leadership. The spiritual, physical and mental health and ongoing support of ordained and lay leaders is vital for Families of Parishes. |
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"With the light and strength of the Holy Spirit, let us build a Church focused on God's love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made "restless" by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity. Together, as one people, as brothers and sisters, let us walk towards God and love one another." |
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- Homily of the Holy Father Leo XIV, Saint Peter's Square, May 18, 2025 |
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Workshop for Parish Communicators |
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September 9 | St. Francis of Assisi |
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The formation of Families of Parishes will undoubtedly create unique communication challenges and opportunities. To begin to address these, the archdiocesan Center for Parish Vitality and Office of Communications will be holding a one-day workshop for those Family staff members responsible for parish communication – including bulletin editors, website managers, social media coordinators, and email and newsletter editors. Learn more and register.
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