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News and Reminders for Parish Leaders
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FEBRUARY 2023

For parishes – The Pope Video 2 – February 2023

Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for February: Parishes

Pope Francis' monthly prayer intention for February 2023 is for parishes.  The Holy Father offered the following reflection:

Sometimes I think that we should put a sign on the door of parishes that says, “Free admission.”
Parishes should be close-knit communities, without bureaucracy, people-centered —a place where the gift of the sacraments can be found.
They have to become once again schools of service and generosity, with their doors always open to those who are excluded. And to those included. To all.
Parishes are not a club for the few, which give a certain kind of social belonging.
Please, let us be daring.
Let us all rethink the style of our parochial communities.
Let us pray that parishes, placing communion –communion of people, ecclesial communion– at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, of fraternity and of welcoming the most in need.

If Beacons of Light fulfills the vision set for it, our churches will be full, our liturgies will be joyful, our priests will be present for their people, and our communities will be fully alive!

The Parish Vitality Report helps us understand the progress being made in each of our 57 Families of Parishes. This honest snapshot of the work our pastors and leadership groups are undertaking shares wins to celebrate and also obstacles to overcome.

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Please help share the word with your parishioners.  You can use the Media Toolkit, including graphics, links, marketing copy, and QR codes.

MEDIA

Supervisory and Leadership Training
for Parish Leaders

As our Families of Parishes define their leadership teams, many parish staff are being promoted into supervisory roles for the first time. Many pastors and other parish leaders are now managing large teams indirectly through other managers. 


Therefore, the Center for Parish Vitality is underwriting two classes, taught by StrategicHR, to help supervisors and managers improve their management skills.  

Enrollment is limited so register ASAP!

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For Your Consideration...

As we begin to envision more vital life in Families of Parishes, it is essential to keep the WHY in mind – the goal of forming evangelizing communities that lead people to live their faith in their daily lives as missionary disciples. A thoughtful article by Peter Andrastek from Evangelical Catholic invites us to reflect on this important topic. Read More >

Curious about the impact of Covid-19 on giving to churches?  Villanova University's Center for Church Management did a nationwide survey and the results may surprise you! Read More >

The online template for the Annual Planning Report from each Family of Parishes is now available online, along with a tutorial video. Read More >

Holy Week in a Family of Parishes

Among the many new things facing a Family of Parishes is how to celebrate Palm Sunday and the Paschal Triduum - the highlight of the liturgical year - together.

You can find guidance on the ODWS website about scheduling, music, multiple paschal candles, sacramental records, and more!

In the Sacred Triduum, the Church solemnly celebrates the greatest mysteries of our redemption.

- Roman Missal, Sacred Paschal Triduum, #1

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Upcoming Events

Beacons Roundtable

Tues, Feb 28
1:30-3pm Online

Join other parish leaders as we continue focusing on leading change, creating and communicating vision, and self-care for parish ministers. The staff of the Center for the New Evangelization will share a vision for new approaches to evangelization and discipleship in a Family of Parishes.

Learn More

Called and Gifted

April 17  |  University of Dayton
April 18  |  Community of the Good Shepherd

The Called and Gifted Workshop: Discerning the Unique Spiritual Gifts of your Team, presented by the Catherine of Siena Institute, will provide the opportunity for your Family of Parishes to discern your charisms (spiritual gifts) and begin to discern God’s call.

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Visio Day

Register by Feb 24!

Bring your Family Leadership Team to join those from other parishes to reflect upon the importance of creating vision for the Family of Parishes and to learn how to best create and communicate that vision within the Family. 

By the end of the day, the Family Leadership Team will be better equipped to lead the vision creation and communication process with their staff, pastoral councils, finance councils, and other parish leaders within the Family as Phase 2 begins.

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Center for Parish Vitality

Department for Pastoral Vitality

513.263.6692

vitality@catholicaoc.org

JEREMY HELMES | DIRECTOR


100 East Eighth Street | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 | CatholicAOC.org



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