Signs of a Vibrant Parish
Various books and articles have been written opining as to what traits, qualities, characteristics, or practices are found in a "vibrant" or "Spirt-filled" parish, where we encounter the "living" Christ. One such article offers the following "10 Signs of a Vibrant Parish":*
1. All who enter experience welcome and hospitality.
2. Liturgy inspires active participation and offers an experience of God.
3. Parishioners recognize their parish mission.
4. Collegial leadership is practiced.
5. Members are recognized as gifted and called forth to use their gifts.
6. Faith is nurtured.
7. Outreach to the body of Christ is practiced.
8. There is a plan for a sustainable and responsible future.
9. Communal life abounds.
10. Baptism’s vocational call is cultivated.
You are invited to read this short article and reflect on how many of the "signs" listed apply to your parish. Do you think the signs listed are a valid representation of what constitutes a "Vibrant" or "Spirit-filled" Parish"? Are there any other "signs" you would add to this list? How do you actively participate to make your parish a more "vibrant" parish? If any of these signs are lacking in your parish, what do you think you could do to help initiate some of these qualities?
*Denise Simeone, 10 Signs of a Vibrant Parish (National Catholic Reporter, July 20, 2009).
2. Liturgy inspires active participation and offers an experience of God.
3. Parishioners recognize their parish mission.
4. Collegial leadership is practiced.
5. Members are recognized as gifted and called forth to use their gifts.
6. Faith is nurtured.
7. Outreach to the body of Christ is practiced.
8. There is a plan for a sustainable and responsible future.
9. Communal life abounds.
10. Baptism’s vocational call is cultivated.