Great Catholic Parishes: A Living Mosaic - How Four Essential Practices Make Them Thrive - Softcover

William E. Simon Jr.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1594714177 ISBN 13: 9781594714177

Publisher: Ave Maria Press, 2016

Synopsis

What is really happening in the Catholic Church in North America? Are parishes thriving or dying? Is dissatisfaction among Catholics growing or are they becoming more engaged in the evangelizing mission of the Church?

Businessman, professor, and philanthropist, William E. Simon Jr. has been highly influenced by the dynamic and inspiring Catholic parishes he has attended for more than 25 years. In 2012, he founded Parish Catalyst, an organization devoted to researching and supporting the health and development of Catholic parishes. Great Catholic Parishes looks at Simon's insights and the success stories of 244 vibrant parishes to show what makes them great.

In 2012 and 2013, Bill Simon and his team studied 244 Catholic parishes to determine what made them exceptional. The study found that all of the parishes shared four foundational practices that led to a profound sense of belonging within their parish communities and a deepening commitment to discipleship:

• Share leadership by using clergy and lay staff with the best talents and skills to direct the community
• Foster spiritual maturity and plan for discipleship by offering a variety of formation programs and ministry opportunities to reach parishioners at differing points in their lives
• Excel on Sundays by dedicating significant time, energy, and money to liturgical celebrations that parishioners and visitors find welcoming
• Intentionally evangelize by challenging insiders to look outward and providing service programs, social events, global mission opportunities, and pastoral care at key sacramental moments that focus on inviting outsiders to deeper relationship with Christ and the Church.

In Great Catholic Parishes, Simon shares personal stories such as finding a welcoming parish home and what he learned about evangelizing from a mission trip to Kenya. Pastors from exceptional parishes offer helpful ideas, strategic advice, and practical strategies, as well as anecdotes about lay ministry development initiatives and reworking religious education so that it is family focused and web-based.

You will also learn creative solutions to familiar challenges such as spiritual stagnation among parishioners, reconciling diverse needs in the parish, allowing the pastor to focus on pastoring and preaching, and reaching youth and young adults who leave the Church in disproportionate numbers.

Each chapter closes with either crucial takeaways or a summary of practical challenges that will help pastors and leaders focus on growth and excellence.

About this title

About the Author

William E. Simon Jr. is founder and chairman of Parish Catalyst. He is the author, with Michael Novak, of Living the Call: An Introduction to the Lay Vocation. Simon serves as co-chairman of the investment firm William E. Simon & Sons and the WIlliam E. Simon Foundation, as well as adjunct professor in UCLA's law school and economics department.

Early in his career, Simon was an assistant US attorney in the Southern District of New York and later was the 2002 Republican gubernatorial nominee in California. For many years, he and his wife, Cindy, have helped those in need by underwriting scholarships, athletic and recreational programs, and faith-based efforts in urban areas. The Simons have four children and make their home in Los Angeles.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan is archbishop of New York.

Review

"An insightful look at what is going right in those parishes that are successfully nourishing their spiritual families." --From the foreword by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York

"This book may be the best catalyst ever for assisting Catholic parish life to be even better. It gives fascinating details on many of the best parishes in North America. It gives practical tips on how to improve hymns, homilies, architecure, liturgy, the works. It gives a tremendous boost to great pastors (especially the overworked and undersung). It covers virtually every aspect of parish life, and is a powerful invitation to great lay people to pitch in. For most of us, the parish is the church. . . . Hurrah for the editors and author!" --Michael Novak, Catholic philosopher, theologian, and author

"If you're looking for the components of vibrant parish life--and what you can do to make it happen in your parish--go no further. Bill Simon and his Parish Catalyst team have researched deeply and prescribed wisely. This is the book we parishioners (and our pastors) have been waiting for, so that we can make our parishes welcoming, vibrant, meaningful, and faith-filled." --Paul Wilkes, Author of Excellent Catholic Parishes

"The key to the New Evangelization is the renewal of the parish. Bill Simon is passionate about this, and my own parish has benefited directly from his passion. This book is a valuable contribution to the exciting and necessary conversation about parish vitality and revitalization that is sweeping over our Church." --Rev. James Mallon, Pastor of Saint Benedict Parish in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Author of Divine Renovation

"Bill Simon's practical wisdom and generous leadership are welcome gifts to the Church today. His latest book is an inspiring read and a useful resource for pastors and parish staffs looking to build healthy, growing parishes." --Rev. Michael White and Tom Corcoran, Authors of Rebuilt

Edition details

• Publisher: Ave Maria Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1594714177
• ISBN 13: 9781594714177
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 224