Mandatory – Be Gone
A list of synonyms for the word mandatory includes compulsory, obligatory, requisite, binding, fixed, and set. It is a strong word, not to be used lightly and certainly…
Faith Library
Tag: parish life
Yes, There Can Be Evangelization
The parent meeting went off fairly well. Only one small technology difficulty and I dare say some evangelization may have occurred. As I said last time, I want…
Can Evangelization Happen at a Parent Meeting?
Before you get too far into reading this post, I want to tell you there is no answer to that question here. At least not yet. However, there…
The Can’t-Be-Bothered Method of Anti-Evangelization
So you’re standing around before Mass and the priest says to you, “Listen, I’m busy. So I’ve decided to draw a line. I know you’re properly prepared to…
Why Are You Hosting That Festival, Fish Fry, or Carnival Again?
In many parts of the United States, Catholic parishes are widely known (and loved) for hosing various annual festivals, bazaars, fish fries, carnivals, picnics, and more. The question…
You Never Know
As a parish employee I try my best to always remember that I never know what people are carrying inside of them and that my mission is to…
Parish Bulletins with a Purpose
Is the bulletin something we just do in Catholic parishes? Or something we do with a mission, a sense of purpose, a strategy? It’s not a stretch to…
Small Groups: The Best Most Dangerous Thing That Can Happen to Your Parish
I was recently invited to sit in on a small-group faith formation session at a parish in my diocese. It was everything you could hope for, truly a…
Catholicism Is for People Who Don’t Fit in
I recently visited a nearby Evangelical congregation where everyone had a particular “look”. It wasn’t a bad look. It was good. They were delightful people who clearly loved God…
Scheduling Evangelization into Parish Life
If you want to make something happen, put it on the calendar. Want to exercise more? Set days and times aside for exercising. Can’t seem to find time…