In an era marked by Eucharistic revival, synodal renewal, and Jubilee celebrations, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran―the bestselling authors of Rebuilt―offer a practical guide to revitalizing your parish through small groups. In The Transformative Power of Small Groups: A 7-Step Guide for Building Vibrant Catholic Communities, they show you how to foster faith-based friendships, which result in vibrant communities that not only sustain Christian love and service but also change the world.
Winner of a 2026 Excellence in Publishing award from the Association of Catholic Publishers in Resources for Ministry.
Winner of 2026 CMA Book Award in Pastoral Ministry - Parish Life (Honorable Mention) and 2026 CMA Book Award in Church Professional (Second Place) from the Catholic Media Association.
This concise guide shows how small groups can become the backbone of your parish’s pastoral care, discipleship, and evangelization efforts. Through their signature blend of engaging storytelling―highlighting real-life successes and struggles―White and Corcoran share examples of how small group members rally around each other during times of crisis, challenge one another toward spiritual growth, and provide meaningful support in everyday life.
Whether you’re a parish leader or a dedicated parishioner, you’ll learn how to:
- Understand the transformative impact of small groups on spiritual growth and community building
- Easily organize and structure small groups for all ages and ministries, with minimal time and resources
- Choose engaging content and resources that inspire participation and growth.
- Launch and maintain a vibrant small-group ministry in your parish
- Address common challenges and navigate obstacles to becoming a parish of groups with ease
With step-by-step guidance and three practical appendices―featuring scripture references, FAQs, and responses to common concerns―The Transformative Power of Small Groups is an essential resource for any parish looking to grow in faith, community, and mission, without needing a big budget or extensive time commitment.
Fr. Michael White is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore; the pastor of Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland; and the cofounder of Rebuilt Parish―an organization designed to rebuild parishes for growth and health.
White is the coauthor of the bestselling book Rebuilt―which narrates the story of Nativity’s rebirth―in addition to The Transformative Power of Small Groups; Tools for Rebuilding;Rebuilding Your Message; The Rebuilt Field Guide; ChurchMoney; Seriously, God?; Rebuilt Faith; and the best-selling Messages series for Advent and Lent.
During White’s tenure as pastor at Church of the Nativity, the church has almost tripled in weekend attendance. More importantly, commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church has grown, demonstrated by the significant increase in giving and service in ministry and much evidence of genuine spiritual renewal.
White earned his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and his graduate degrees in sacred theology and ecclesiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
In 2023, White and Tom Corcoran were honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award for outstanding service to the Church and the pope.
Tom Corcoran is the cofounder and president of Rebuilt Parish, a Catholic renewal ministry serving dioceses and parishes worldwide. Grounded in the lived renewal of Church of the Nativity, Rebuilt Parish offers a clear, practical model for parish transformation that accompanies parish leaders in their efforts.
At Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, Tom serves as associate to the pastor, overseeing weekend message development, strategic planning, fundraising, and staff development. With over 28 years of parish experience, he brings a unique blend of pastoral insight and strategic clarity to leadership.
Corcoran is the coauthor of the bestselling book Rebuilt―which narrates the story of Nativity’s rebirth―in addition to The Transformative Power of Small Groups; Tools for Rebuilding; Rebuilding Your Message; The Rebuilt Field Guide; ChurchMoney; Seriously, God?; Rebuilt Faith; and the best-selling Messages series for Advent and Lent.
In 2023, Corcoran and Fr. Michael White were honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award for outstanding service to the Church and the pope.
Corcoran live with his wife, Mia, and their children in Maryland.
