This criteria is in response to requests for a document to asses parish vibrancy as well as a model for which to strive. This is a starting point for discussion on how to facilitate building vibrant parishes and what structural changes can be undertaken to achieve this as called for by the 2018 Diocesan Synod.
A vibrant parish: focuses on the spiritual maturity of its members, including on-going catechesis for all members to deepen understanding and love of the truths of the faith; has a culture of shared leadership between the pastor and parishioners; has a strong focus upon the essential nature of the Sunday Eucharist that is celebrated with beauty and reverence; and encourages and empowers its members to embrace a missionary spirit and become evangelizers.
-Christ our Hope: Declaration of the 2018 Synod of the Diocese of Burlington
“Vibrant Parishes are life-giving, both for their congregations and their communities. They foster lives of holiness and discipleship among their members and joyfully desire to share that same gift of faith in Jesus Christ with those they encounter.” -What Makes a Parish Vibrant? - 2019 Spring VT Catholic Magazine
In A Vibrant Parish:
1. The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the parish’s life and is celebrated with reverence, beauty, dignity and active participation.
2. Evangelization, the invitation to follow Jesus Christ and belong to His Church, is an essential aspect and focus of the parish and a missionary spirit of outreach is present.
3. The spiritual life of its people is actively nurtured; including through regular retreats, small groups, adoration, and devotions.
4. Community life is actively fostered and a joyful spirit of welcome and hospitality is present.
5. A full program of ongoing faith formation for all ages, including a yearly RCIA, is offered.
6. An intentional ministry to those who are least represented in the parish, especially youth ministry, is promoted.
7. The social teachings of the Church are actively lived out, especially through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
8. There is an active pastoral council, finance council and other appropriate consultative bodies; with a culture of shared leadership between the pastor and parishioners.
9. Communication within the parish and the community is proactive and intentional.
10.The resources: human, spiritual, financial, and physical are present to carry out its mission.
11.The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are tangibly present and experienced in the parish. a. (Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-Control, Chastity)
Question for Reflection: If our parish were to close tomorrow, would anyone who doesn’t belong to the parish notice or be affected? -Divine Renovation
Resources: Bishop Angell: 2001 Criteria For Parish Vitality 2017-18 Diocese of Burlington Synod Catholic Leadership Institute https://www.catholicleaders.org/ Divine Renovation https://www.divinerenovation.org/ Fr. James Mallon Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel Tom Quinlan: Elements in Building a Renewed and Evangelizing Parish – 16 elements Archdiocese of Washington, Indicators of Vitality