How Would You Save A Parish

[blazeingstar]

1) TY DuST for the CM tag

 

2) This is actually not Drama

 

3) Props to FP for saying he'd write my paper for me. 

 

4) The parish took a survey, 50k people in town, 15k people on church "rolls".  According to Citydata, at least 60% of people in the city are under 65 (retirement age)

 

Yet of the 15k parishioners less than 2% under age 35 attend Mass. (over 80% of the parish is above retirement age).  Average weekly Mass attendance is under 1,500

 

So how would you save this parish.  Assuming it's also in the red, with decrepit buildings, etc.  And, no, we don't have access to a group of nuns via Woppie Goldberg.

 

 

Edited July 27, 2014 by blazeingstar

[Benedictus]

1) TY DuST for the CM tag

 

2) This is actually not Drama

 

3) Props to FP for saying he'd write my paper for me. 

 

4) The parish took a survey, 50k people in town, 15k people on church "rolls".  According to Citydata, at least 60% of people in the city are under 65 (retirement age)

 

Yet of the 15k parishioners less than 2% under age 35 attend Mass. (over 80% of the parish is above retirement age).  Average weekly Mass attendance is under 1,500

 

So how would you save this parish.  Assuming it's also in the red, with decrepit buildings, etc.  And, no, we don't have access to a group of nuns via Woppie Goldberg.

 

I did some work on something along these lines a few years ago. So here is some of my thoughts: Firstly the parish needs to want to carry on living. Is there an environment which encourages growth? Is there a burning desire to pray, serve, lead, love, and develop faith? Are they relying on fades/themselves or God? Have they prayed as a parish for aid, help, inspiration, vocations, direction?

This sounds like a big parish! It would be helpful to find out what the demographics are for the Catholic population within that city, not just those on the rolls. Once you have that, if possible, then a strategy (or various ones) can be set. But comparing the demographics of those on the rolls to the city wide demographic can be misleading, and may not get you anywhere fast. Well, aside from knowing it would be nice to have more younger people becoming Catholics! That's a problem all denominations face, except a few. Your parish needs to try and reflect the racial profile and age of the locality.  Catholics need to do more is reach latino and black people. But this, of course, will vary depending on where you are located.

After that there could be lots of ways forward: firstly to see how well RCIA is running- what is the demographics of this? How and why did people come to this? Could there be a trend that could be tapped into somehow to increase numbers generally, but also within different age ranges (culture, sex, race, marital status etc)

Is there a campus presence or ministry, if there is a local college? How could the parish get more connected to this etc

Is there provision for families at services (is it family inclusive?). Is tehre midweek provision for mothers to attend for advice or to take their children during the week? A mother and baby rosary group, something like that. Is there a follow up between communion prep and confirmation for children? Would the parents fund better children provision or a community project for children on a faith building basis?

Could there be more social connection -  after service coffee or potluck, faith/prayer and small cell groups, singles groups, youth groups, or a midweek dinner/drinks. Away days, activity days and so on can be good.

What outreach is there? Social media, signs, posters, twitter, adverising, liasion with community groups etc Where and what are you target group doing? Then do something that taps into that.

Is the mass being done as good as it could be? Are there things the priest or parish would like to improve upon? If there are different masses is there any variation in style or numbers (how is the demographics between the masses). Are the amsses at the best times or do they clash with other things locally? Could a mass be done for lunch time employees on breaks?

Ask people stuff: what would make you want to come to church more often? Are their practical barriers that we could help with that stop you coming every week -  such as childcare, travel, timings etc

Is there an opportunity for an order or group to have revival meetings? A structured lecture and engagement series could help inform people about why the parish should be the centre of all they do etc. But you need the people with the skills and knowledge to deal with the stuff people ask. Many Catholics haven't been prepared so they need help as adults.

Building on what you do well - think of additional, rather than replacement. Could a Taize style service help? a choir? What about adding in LOTH?

In terms of the building: has it been assessed and how regularly? Are there outstanding repairs? Is there fundaraising and is this enough? Do you have rentals attached to the church, or could there be?
Is there a possibility the current church could be sold (or destroyed) and rebuilt at a cheaper cost? Would it be better to sell the land and buy an alternative property or rent? Using a communal space for mass can be a chance to hook in with other groups that use that space. Would the diocese support redevelopment or give a loan?


 

Edited July 27, 2014 by Benedictus

[Ash Wednesday]

I've heard of parishes being transformed through Eucharistic adoration...

 

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=9333

[Archaeology cat]

I was going to sY what Ash did.

[Anomaly]

So how would you save this parish. Assuming it's also in the red, with decrepit buildings, etc. And, no, we don't have access to a group of nuns via Woppie Goldberg.

I've spent most if my life as an active Catholic. My family is very active. I've seen this before. The parish doesn't need to be saved just to be a Catholic sacrament dispensary. If the parishioners can find a ministry that provides help to others, the rest will work out. I belonged to one small parish, mostly blue collar and migrant workers. Mass was held in a storefront with metal folding chairs. Their main focus was to develop a migrant clinic and aid office. That came first. It is a successful parish. Now has a church that was built to also function as a social hall. The migrant clinic is large, with medical and social services as well as temporary housing. All that from southern white blue collar redneck country demographics. The Irish priest always used to say times were tough for his parishioners, and was very appreciative of their generosity towards those who had it worse. I gave more money to them than any other parish, including my family's main parish where we are a legacy family for 50+ years.
The parish needs to focus on helping others, and it will save itself with a population that large.

[truthfinder]

One thing is if the priests starts contacting those on the rolls - whether its by phone, mailing address, or in person (my one parish did this).  It has to be personalized.  "Hello, I'm Fr. X from your parish.  We haven't seen you around lately and we're wondering if you've had difficultly getting to Mass.  Is there anything we can do?"

The person either responds or the priest will get another reason why they haven't been around.

[Lil Red]

1) TY DuST for the CM tag

 

2) This is actually not Drama

 

3) Props to FP for saying he'd write my paper for me. 

 

4) The parish took a survey, 50k people in town, 15k people on church "rolls".  According to Citydata, at least 60% of people in the city are under 65 (retirement age)

 

Yet of the 15k parishioners less than 2% under age 35 attend Mass. (over 80% of the parish is above retirement age).  Average weekly Mass attendance is under 1,500

 

So how would you save this parish.  Assuming it's also in the red, with decrepit buildings, etc.  And, no, we don't have access to a group of nuns via Woppie Goldberg.

 

Train willing parishioners to go to every household that is registered and invite them back to Mass the next weekend, with a handout for RCIA if needed. 
 

[PhuturePriest]

Train willing parishioners to go to every household that is registered and invite them back to Mass the next weekend, with a handout for RCIA if needed. 
 

 

Everyone has had great ideas, but this one sticks out. Teach people the faith and why they believe it, and they'll love it. Have the priest do some talks, or better yet, spend some of the money and pay one of the Catholic Answers crew to come for a few days for a series of talks. I've seen it transform parishes that were dying out.

[CatherineM]

It could be that people feel swamped in a parish that large. You might try a small groups dynamic.

[Lil Red]

and by train, I mean, that they would be able to answer (honestly, without parroting "lines") basic questions about the faith. and if they have harder questions, to invite them to call the RCIA director or the parish priest. :) 

[dUSt]

Maybe they are doing it wrong.  What is the parish website. I'll explain what is wrong. 

[blazeingstar]

I've heard of parishes being transformed through Eucharistic adoration...

 

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=9333

 

 

We actually have Adoration....quite a bit...however, no one goes despite it being well advertized

 

I've spent most if my life as an active Catholic. My family is very active. I've seen this before. The parish doesn't need to be saved just to be a Catholic sacrament dispensary. If the parishioners can find a ministry that provides help to others, the rest will work out. I belonged to one small parish, mostly blue collar and migrant workers. Mass was held in a storefront with metal folding chairs. Their main focus was to develop a migrant clinic and aid office. That came first. It is a successful parish. Now has a church that was built to also function as a social hall. The migrant clinic is large, with medical and social services as well as temporary housing. All that from southern white blue collar redneck country demographics. The Irish priest always used to say times were tough for his parishioners, and was very appreciative of their generosity towards those who had it worse. I gave more money to them than any other parish, including my family's main parish where we are a legacy family for 50+ years.
The parish needs to focus on helping others, and it will save itself with a population that large.

 

Actually, I find this is part of the problem.  We have GREAT, GREAT ministries, except they don't really relate back to the Parish.  The food pantry, quilt ministry, social outreaches....the work is done but its like "yep, K thanks, bye"  Any idea on how to get these ministries to feed the parish rather than just be their own thing?

 

 

One thing is if the priests starts contacting those on the rolls - whether its by phone, mailing address, or in person (my one parish did this).  It has to be personalized.  "Hello, I'm Fr. X from your parish.  We haven't seen you around lately and we're wondering if you've had difficultly getting to Mass.  Is there anything we can do?"

The person either responds or the priest will get another reason why they haven't been around.

 

Hmmm the priest may agree to that.  I'm trying to get the parish to, at the very least, send post cards.

 

 

Train willing parishioners to go to every household that is registered and invite them back to Mass the next weekend, with a handout for RCIA if needed. 
 

 

With less than 2% under 35 and 80% over 65 the mobility and trainablity of the parish is VERY limited.  Most struggle to attend weekly Mass.  I am, however, trying to leverage them as prayer warriors.

 

Everyone has had great ideas, but this one sticks out. Teach people the faith and why they believe it, and they'll love it. Have the priest do some talks, or better yet, spend some of the money and pay one of the Catholic Answers crew to come for a few days for a series of talks. I've seen it transform parishes that were dying out.

 

We actual have had a few guest speakers like Matthew Kelly.  People come from outside, happily use the building, then disappear.  The people who were attracted were not parishioners.

 

It could be that people feel swamped in a parish that large. You might try a small groups dynamic.

 

There are some, but even I felt horridly uncomfortable.  They are all either couples my grandparents age, or widowers, and it was extremely uncomfortable to speak of my fiancee when someone just lost their husband.  I imaginable it was similar for others.  Bible study was less awkward, but I was petted and pampered for being "the kid" as at 30 I was nearly 40 years younger than the next youngest participant except for a couple in their 50's and her sister.

 

Maybe they are doing it wrong.  What is the parish website. I'll explain what is wrong. 

 

Can I show you via PM?  I do not feel comfortable posting my location online.

[corban711]

There are a lot of really good responses in this thread already and I think implementing several of the ideas together would revolutionize that parish...especially if these things are actively promoted and supported by the priests. 

 

Adoration is essential for any parish that wants to grow.  If seeking God, praying often, and encountering Him are put first there is a great chance of success.  Over the last several years I have been to tons of parishes due to an ever changing work schedule that has forced me to attend Mass all over Southern California.  In the active parishes that are growing, parishioners are encouraged to pray and are challenged to become holy.  It's not enough to be nice unfortunately.  People have to encounter God in order for the truths they have been taught to be fully internalized and meaningful.

 

Second, I think there must be programs or classes in place for people to learn more about their faith.  When people start learning about the Faith they tend to want to learn more.  One good program that incorporates both prayer and learning about the faith is the Hearts Afire Program.  http://www.allheartsafire.org/  Consecration to Jesus through Mary, prayer, learning more about the Faith, and getting people actively involved in the works of Mercy will always bear fruit...and that program in particular seems to be helping a ton of parishes right now.  One added benefit to this program is that it is something that the laity can bring that to a parish and they can lead it which is a huge support to the priests who really need the help. 

 

Another point would be works of Mercy.  A lot of people want to help and just need a good opportunity to serve.  Find out what the needs are locally and what people are willing to do and ask them to help.  This should be happening naturally as a result of prayer and growing in knowledge of the faith, but it still needs to be done.  Whether thats visiting elderly or bringing communion to the sick, working with the poor, bagging groceries to give out, etc.  It helps to have a variety of ways people can serve so they can get plugged in. 

 

 

ps.  I had never thought about contacting and/or visiting the parishioners on the parish rolls, but I really liked that idea too!   Very simple and practical.  Good job on that one to the people who mentioned that!

[Lil Red]

 

With less than 2% under 35 and 80% over 65 the mobility and trainablity of the parish is VERY limited.  Most struggle to attend weekly Mass.  I am, however, trying to leverage them as prayer warriors.

 

 

Don't underestimate older parishioners. Most are more willing than young parishioners (not to mention they usually have more time). My gramma is 96 and still volunteers her time at her parish. (She does the laundry). But, prayer warriors sounds like a great start. :) 
 

[Credo in Deum]

I think another thing that would help would be to have classes on the spirituality of the Mass.  Maybe introduce the EF into the parish to see if that changes the situation?  *hands up waiting for rocks to be thrown*. 

 

Maybe find a way to raise the money to have the book "The Incredible Catholic Mass" spread around the parish?   

 

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/Incredible-Catholic-Mass

 

Yes, it is pertaining to the EF, however, the book is still amazing in it's ability to show the benefits of Mass.

 

Here is a part taken from the book which lists just some of the many benefits we receive at Mass.

 

 

By: Fr. Martin von Cochem

Tan Book Publishers

Remember, O Christian, if you live in mortal sin you are a prey of the devil, a slave of Satan. Whereas if you are in the state of grace, you are the spouse of Jesus Christ, beloved by Him, amply provided by him with all the means that are conducive to your salvation. How numerous are the graces and benefits this loving Bridegroom offers to you in Holy Mass! How numerous the means he places within your reach of acquiring virtue, of insuring your salvation! Every time you hear Mass in the state of grace, with devout attention and in a spirit of recollection, Our Lord, of His loving-kindness, makes you to participate in no less than 77 graces and fruits. Well may you marvel at this; it is, however, true, as we shall proceed to show. An enumeration of these graces may, perhaps, assist you to believe in and recognize them.

 

1. For thy salvation, God the Father sends His beloved Son down from heaven.

2. For thy salvation the Holy Spirit changes bread and wine into the true body and blood of Christ.

3. For thy sake the Son of God comes down from heaven and conceals Himself under the form of the sacred host.

4. He even abases Himself to such an extent as to be present in the minutest particle of the sacred host.

5. For thy salvation He renews the saving mystery of the incarnation.

6. For thy salvation He is born anew into the world in a mystic manner whenever holy Mass is celebrated.

7. For thy salvation He performs upon the altar the same acts of worship that He performed when on earth.

8. For thy salvation He renews His bitter passion in order that thou mayest participate in it.

9. For thy salvation He mystically renews His death, and sacrifices for Thee His precious life.

10. For thy salvation He sheds His blood in a mystic manner, and offers it up for thee to the Divine Majesty.

11. With this precious blood He sprinkles thy soul and purifies it from every stain.

12. For thee Christ offers Himself as a true burnt offering, and renders to the Godhead the supreme honor, which is its due.

13. By offering this act of worship to God thou dost make reparation for the glory, which thou hast failed to give Him.

14. For thee Christ offers Himself to God as a sacrifice of praise, thus atoning for thy omissions in praising His holy name.

15. By offering to God this oblation, which Christ offers thou givest Him greater praise than do the holy angels.

16. For thee Christ offers Himself as a perfect sacrifice of thanksgiving, making compensation for all failures on thy part to render thanks.

17. By offering to God Christ's act of thanksgiving thou dost make ample acknowledgment of all the benefits He had bestowed on thee.

18. For thee Christ offers Himself as the all-powerful victim, reconciling thee to the God Whom thou hast offended.

19. He pardons thee all thy venial sins, provided thou art firmly resolved to forsake them.

20. He also makes reparation for many of thy sins of omission, when thou didst leave undone the good thou mightest have done.

21. He removes many of the imperfections attached to thy good deeds.

22. He forgives thee the sins, unknown or forgotten, which thou hast never mentioned in confession.

23. He offers Himself as a victim to make satisfaction for a part at least of thy debts and transgressions.

24. Each time thou hearest Mass thou canst do more to pay the penalty due to thy sins than by the severest work of penance.

25. Christ places to thy credit a portion of His merits, which thou mayest offer to God the Father in expiation of thy offenses.

26. For thee Christ offers Himself as the most efficacious peace offering, interceding for thee as earnestly as He interceded for His enemies on the cross.

27. His precious blood pleads for thee in words as countless as the drops, which issued from His sacred veins.

28. Each of the adorable wounds His sacred body bore is a voice calling aloud for mercy for thee.

29. For the sake of this propitiatory victim the petitions proffered during Mass will be granted far sooner than those that are proffered at other times.

30. Never canst thou pray so well as whilst present at Mass.

31. This is so because Christ unites His prayers to thine, and offers them to His heavenly Father.

32. He aquaints Him with thy needs and the dangers to which thou art exposed, and makes thy eternal salvation His particular concern.

33. The angels also, who are present, plead for thee, and present thy poor prayers before the throne of God.

34. On thy behalf the priest says Mass by virtue of which the evil enemy will not be suffered to approach thee.

35. For thee and for thy everlasting salvation he says Mass, and offers that holy sacrifice to God Almighty.

36. When thou hearest Mass, thou art thyself in spirit a priest, empowered by Christ to offer the Mass both for thyself and others.

37. By offering this holy sacrifice thou dost present to the Blessed Trinity the most acceptable of all oblations.

38. Thou dost offer an oblation precious indeed, of greater value than all things in heaven and earth.

39. Thou dost offer an oblation precious indeed, for it is none other than God himself.

40. By this sacrifice thou dost honor God, as He alone is worthy to be honored.

41. By this sacrifice thou dost give infinite satisfaction to the most Holy Trinity.

42. Thou mayest present this glorious oblation as thine own gift, for Christ Himself gave it unto thee.

43. When thou hearest Mass aright, thou dost perform an act of highest worship.

44. By hearing Mass thou dost pay the most profound reverence, the most loyal homage, to the sacred humanity of Our Lord.

45. It is the best means whereby to venerate the passion of Christ, and obtain a share in its fruits.

46. It is also the best means of venerating the Blessed Mother of God, and increasing her joy.

47. By hearing Mass thou canst give greater honor to the angels and saints than by reciting many prayers.

48. By hearing Mass devoutly thou canst also enrich thy soul more than by aught else in the world.

49. For in this act thou dost perform a good work of the highest value.

50. It is a signal exercise of pure faith, which will receive a great reward.

51. When thou dost bow down before the sacred host and the sacred chalice, thou dost perform a supreme act of adoration.

52. For each time thou dost gaze reverently upon the sacred host thou wilt receive recompense from heaven.

53. Each time thou dost smite thy breast with compunction some of thy sins are remitted to thee.

54. If thou hearest Mass in a state of mortal sin, God offers thee the grace of conversion.

55. If thou hearest Mass in a state of grace, God gives thee an augmentation of grace.

56. In holy Mass thou dost spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink His blood.

57. Thou art privileged to behold with thine eyes Christ hidden under the sacramental veil, and to be beheld by Him.

58. Thou dost receive the priest's benediction, which is confirmed by Christ in heaven.

59. Through thy diligence in hearing Mass thou wilt also obtain corporal and temporal blessings.

60. Furthermore, thou wilt be preserved from many misfortunes that would otherwise befall thee.

61. Thou wilt also be strengthened against temptations which would otherwise have vanquished thee.

62. Holy Mass will also be to thee a means of obtaining the grace of a holy death.

63. The love thou hast shown for Holy Mass wilt secure for thee the special succor of angels and saints in thy last moments.

64. The remembrance of the Masses heard in thy lifetime will be a sweet solace to thee in the hour of death, and inspire thee with confidence in the divine mercy.

65. They will not be forgotten when thou dost stand before the strict Judge and will incline Him to show thee favor.

66. Thou needest not fear a long and terrible purgatory if thou hast already to a great extent atoned for thy sins by frequently assisting at Holy Mass.

67. One Mass devoutly heard will do more to mitigate the pains of purgatory than any act of penance, however difficult of performance.

68. One Mass in thy lifetime will be of greater service to thee than many said for thee after death.

69. Thou wilt attain a high place in heaven, which will be thine to all eternity.

70. Thy felicity in Heaven will, moreover, be increased by every Mass thou hearest on earth.

71. No prayers offered for thy friends will be as efficacious as a single Mass heard and offered on their behalf.

72. Thou canst amply recompense all thy benefactors by hearing Mass for their intention.

73. The best help, the greatest consolation, thou canst afford the afflicted, the sick, the dying, is to hear Mass for them.

74. By this same means thou canst even obtain for sinners the grace of conversion.

75. Thou canst also earn for all faithful Christians saving and salutary graces.

76. For the suffering souls in purgatory thou canst procure abundant refreshment.

77. And if it is not within thy power to have Mass said for thy departed friends thou canst by devout assistance at the holy sacrifice release them from the tormenting flames.

 

http://www.semperficatholic.com/page10.html