Turning Hearts to Christ: Engaging People in a Lifetime of Faith

Does parish life really matter? Do people really need community anymore? Are there really "successful parishes" out there?

The author says a resounding "yes" to all three in this engaging and challenging invitation to parish leaders. Her first seven chapters offer essential principles that have evolved from discussions with pastoral leaders in a variety of ministerial settings, as well as careful study of sacred Scripture, theology, Church documents, and current research.

Section tow pulls all the principles together by offering "seasonal renewal" focus points with examples of how the seasons can lead parishioners toward a living relationship with Christ--with Sunday Eucharist at the center.

The concluding section offers an "Appreciative Process for Planning and Development," to help pastoral leaders build on what is already contributing to positive, dynamic life within their parishes.

Turning Hearts to Christ is a dynamic and essential planning resource for pastors, parish leadership teams, pastoral staffs, pastoral council members, faith formation, evangelization, and stewardship committee members.

Leisa Anslinger is author of Forming Generous Hearts: Stewardship Planning for Lifelong Faith Formation (Twenty-Third Publications) and a team leader at Twenty-Third Publications' website.