Seven Signs of Parish Vitality
The seven signs of parish vitality are ways that we can illustrate the mission imperatives within parishes. These signs give guidance as to where each parish can focus their attention within renewal. The signs are a way to visualize what makes our parishes vital, and what we will need in order to be life-giving places of worship to parishioners in this increasingly secular world.
These seven signs of parish vitality were developed by Cardinal Cupich and highlighted in his column: ‘Renew My Church’ Dreaming Big about the Archdiocese of Chicago, in which he outlined what he saw to be the priorities of his “dream parish.”
A culture of evangelization is central to parish vitality. Renew My Church aims to create a culture in our parishes that inspires parishioners to not only go to Mass, but truly live out their faith by sharing it with others.
In Cardinal Cupich’s Words:
“We bring people closer to Christ: The parish strives to evangelize its members to live more fully as intentional disciples. In turn, the parish’s intentional disciples are continuously evangelizing others by making known the presence of the Church and Christ's mercy in the midst of the community.”
To support ongoing formation and discipleship, our parishes and schools must provide true faith formation programs that move beyond catechesis to form true, lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. Vibrant parish support programs keep this discipleship throughout life by continually inviting parishioners to be part of our parish communities.
In Cardinal Cupich’s Words:
“We support each other in knowing Christ more deeply: The parish enables a lifelong process of formation for deepening one's faith and relationship with Christ by passing on the church’s teaching and tradition to parishioners of all ages.”
Through vibrant worship our parishes must provide compelling liturgies that invite people to participate actively in Mass.
In Cardinal Cupich’s Words:
“We encounter Christ and receive nourishment through prayer and worship: The parish is intentional in developing a culture and tradition of prayer, devotion, and well-prepared liturgy, with the Eucharist as the “Source and the Summit.”
When parishes have a rich community life, we see our parishes not as a single unit but part of the greater Catholic Church. Through rich communities, parishes become welcoming places that encourage everyone to participate.
In Cardinal Cupich’s Words:
“We build bonds among each other to sustain our life in Christ: The parish represents a genuine Catholic community that is conscious of its solidarity in Christ with the entire church of Chicago and the Universal Church. The parish is inclusive and harmonious, respecting and appreciating diversity in all its forms as an asset in worship and community life.”
When our parishes show a commitment to service, we follow Pope Francis’ lead and serve those in need. Our parishes and schools become the field hospitals Pope Francis has called them to be.
In Cardinal Cupich’s Words:
“We transform the lives of others through service as Christ's missionary disciples: The parish prepares and sends parishioners as missionary disciples into the world to transform society with the joy and truth of the Gospel. The parish is a beacon of faith and an advocate for justice and peace, reaching out in love to all who are in need, on the margin of society, or who live in fear and loneliness.”
When we instill a passion for vocations, we inspire people recognize and respond to the calling of Jesus Christ to the vocation which God gives them, whether that is to the priesthood, consecrated life, the sacrament of marriage, or the dedicated single life. And we accompany each other in the Church to deepen our lives in Christ and to live out our faith in the world.
In Cardinal Cupich’s Words:
“We respond to the call to holiness by journeying together with Christ: The parish accompanies the baptized on life’s journey to become more Christ-centered, resistant to sin, merciful, continually attentive to building a mature, well-integrated adult spirituality, and committed to charity, peace, prayer, and virtue.”
When parishes are good stewards of our parishes and schools by doing our part to participate in the Church.
In Cardinal Cupich’s Words:
“We take responsibility for administration and leadership of the parish as good stewards of the gifts Christ has entrusted to us. The parish thrives under the visionary leadership of the pastor, who works in collaboration with his associates, staff, and the laity to ensure that the parish’s mission can fully flourish as a result of proper administration. The parish fosters a culture of stewardship and a spirituality of gratitude that inspires parishioners to generously share the gifts Christ has entrusted to them in support of the mission of the church through the parish, the archdiocese, and in the world.”
