Grateful Disciples |
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"Let us give thanks to the Lord our God." These words are among the very first in the Eucharistic Prayer at every Mass. Each celebration of the Eucharist is an opportunity for us to give thanks to God for our many blessings. As we approach Thanksgiving Day, I want to thank each of you for the role you are playing in leading your Family of Parishes down the Pastoral Planning Pathway. A major change project like this is not easy work, and I know the sacrifices you make to lead it well. Thanks for the passion you bring to making Beacons of Light successful in our archdiocese; a future in which we can truly radiate the love of Christ is possible because of your efforts today.
Below, you'll find some news & resources that may be of help in the coming months. Also, knowing that Advent & Christmastide are busy liturgical seasons in any parish, we'll be mostly staying out of your inbox for the next several weeks. In early 2025, look forward to more resources for leadership development, continuing work on Beacons of Light, and other support for parish leaders.
In the meantime, the staff of the Center for Parish Vitality wishes you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! |
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Jeremy Helmes |
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Director, Center for Parish Vitality
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Thanks to everyone who helped submit the Year 2 Annual Planning Report from their Family of Parishes. The Center for Parish Vitality is actively reading and analyzing these reports, along with other inputs (e.g. Sunday Mass attendance, financial reports, sacramental celebrations data, input from deans and liaisons, etc.), and developing the 2025 Parish Vitality Report. The CPV will also be reaching out to each Family Leadership Team in early 2025 to provide feedback on progress in Beacons of Light and how we can work together to continue building parish vitality. |
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CALLED TO RENEWED VITALITY |
From the Vatican Instruction, "The pastoral conversion of the Parish community in the service of the evangelising mission of the Church" |
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"In virtue of this discernment, the Parish is called upon to read the signs of the times, while adapting both to the needs of the faithful and to historical changes. A renewed vitality is required that favours the rediscovery of the vocation of the baptised as a disciple of Jesus Christ and a missionary of the Gospel, in light of the Second Vatican Council and subsequent Magisterium." (11) |
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The Holy Father Pope Francis has declared 2025 to be a Jubilee Year for the Church. Learn more about how the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will celebrate this jubilee year. Read More > |
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The Vatican released information about the demographics of the Church. Check out where the Church is growing throughout the world and where it's not. Read More > |
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The Synod on Synodality has reached its conclusion. What's next for synodality in the Church? Read More > |
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Making Heaven Present Here and Now |
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“We want to make heaven present here and now.” This compelling vision has been discerned and is guiding the future direction of Our Lady of Light Family of Parishes. The vision developed through reflection and discussion among parish leaders such as the Family staff, council, and other leaders who were asked what qualities they think a parishioner should have. Their discussion led to deep thought about how people see that faith is actually attainable in their life and how the Eucharist makes our Lord’s paschal mystery present to us here and now. “Our hope is moving people to see that faith is something attainable, yet it looks different for everyone in their journey with God. It depends on their life situation, and we want our people to realize that God meets them where they are, and so should we,” explained Fr. Brian Phelps, pastor. The pastoral council focused their summer retreat on the vision so that future programs and ministries will strive to make heaven present here and now. |
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“Our hope is moving people to see that faith is something attainable, yet it looks different for everyone in their journey with God." |
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- Father Brian Phelps |
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Culture for Mission |
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Dec 3
Good Shepherd |
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Join us for a two-series workshop that will help your Leadership Team, Evangelization Team, and Parish Leaders form an imagination for mission.
Learn More
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Opening of the Jubilee Year |
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Dec 29, 4pm | Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains |
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Join Archbishop Schnurr for Mass on Sunday, December 29 at 4pm at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains as we open the Jubilee Year. Each diocese throughout the world will celebrate together on this day the beginning of the Year of Hope.
Learn More |
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Love in Action Coordinators Mtg |
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Jan 13, 10am
Online |
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Join fellow LIA coordinators to connect, share successess and challenges, and network with Pastoral Center staff.
Learn More |
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100 East Eighth Street | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 | CatholicAOC.org |
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