In my last few articles, I’ve shared thoughts about what it means for individual catechists—and entire parishes—to move from comfort to mission. Pope Francis challenges us to go forth—to step outside the safe, familiar routines we’ve grown accustomed to and to risk getting “bruised” for the sake of the gospel.
Now I want to ask, what would happen if our parishes actually embraced these ideas and took bold steps toward real transformation? What if we stopped playing it safe, went forth into the world, and let the Spirit lead us into new ways of being church? What might happen if we truly became missionary parishes?
A new kind of parish life
Imagine what parish life could be if we said yes to Pope Francis’s call to move beyond maintenance and into mission. Imagine a stranger walking into a parish where everyone is engaged. They would see parishioners who are not just “attending” Sunday Mass. They would see an active parish that is serving the community outside the church as much as within the church. The visitor would feel a jolt of energy just by walking into a parish that recognizes it is part of something bigger than itself.
Instead of focusing on maintaining the status quo, the ideal parish looks outward. They’re constantly asking, “Where is God calling us to be?” In a parish like this, newcomers are immediately welcomed. They are invited to share in the life of the community. Parishioners regularly go out into the neighborhood to meet people where they are, bringing the light of the gospel into everyday situations.
At Mass, it’s clear that something is different. The liturgy is alive; the assembly is fully participating; the people are sent forth on mission. Parishioners go forth into the world to share their stories of faith, struggles, and triumphs. And the best part? The parish is growing—not just in numbers, but in spiritual power. People are attracted to the parish because they sense something real is happening there. Although they might not use this word, they sense that something transcendent is happening. This is no longer a parish that merely exists; it’s a parish that is thriving, and it’s making a real difference in the lives of parishioners, visitors, and neighbors.
People are attracted to a parish because they sense something real is happening there. Although they might not use this word, they sense that something transcendent is happening.
The benefits of bold evangelization
So what happens when a parish takes Pope Francis’s call to go forth seriously? First, there’s a spiritual renewal. When we step outside our comfort zones to serve others, we deepen our own faith. Parishioners who once saw church as a Sunday obligation begin to see it as a source of life and joy. They become more involved, not just out of obligation or duty, but because they want to be part of something that matters.
There is also renewal within the community itself. Newcomers start showing up and start coming back. These new faces bring new gifts and stories. The community becomes more diverse, more skilled, and more engaging. Suddenly, the parish isn’t just a place where people go to pray—it’s a place where people come to encounter Christ.
This kind of transformation doesn’t just benefit the parish, though. It ripples out into the wider community. When a parish is mission-focused, it becomes a beacon of hope for the neighborhood. People begin to see the parish as a place that cares—not just about its own members, but about everyone. And when that happens, the parish becomes a force for change in the world.
And while it may not seem “spiritual,” the finances also change. When more people are engaged, more resources become available. Increased involvement can lead to greater financial stability, which in turn allows the parish to do even more to serve those in need. It’s a virtuous cycle—outreach leads to growth, which leads to more outreach.
Overcoming challenges along the way
This isn’t going to happen overnight. There will be challenges. Just as the Israelites in the desert longed to return to Egypt, some parishioners might resist change, preferring the familiar way things have always been done. It’s important to acknowledge that change is uncomfortable. But we also have to keep explain why change is necessary if we want to grow.
If this seems impossible or overwhelming, just start small. You don’t have to overhaul the entire parish immediately. Maybe begin with one or two tiny efforts. Find something that is already working in your parish and make it a little better. Then see how people respond. As parishioners start to see the benefits of these efforts, they’ll be more likely to support further changes.
Another challenge is lack of resources, especially if your parish has been declining for a while. But remember, transformation doesn’t rely solely on money. Start with what you have by building a coalition of parishioners who are passionate about the mission. Jesus started with a small band of followers and only a few resources. When everyone feels ownership of the community’s future, miracles will happen.
Jesus started with a small band of followers and only a few resources. When everyone feels ownership of the community’s future, miracles will happen.
Reflecting and taking action
So what do you think? What would this kind of transformation look like in your parish? What are the specific needs in your community, and how might your parish respond?
Start small. Discuss these ideas with your parish council, your pastor, or even a few fellow parishioners. Ask yourselves what first step you could take to move from maintenance to mission. Maybe it’s organizing a neighborhood outreach event, or starting a ministry for newcomers. Whatever it is, go forth—even it is only a baby step.
As Pope Francis reminds us, Jesus is already at the outskirts, waiting for us.
Share your ideas
What’s one step you could take today to begin transforming your parish? I’d love to hear your ideas. Share them in the comments below.
Join us online for more
Don’t forget about our upcoming discussion about how our parishes can become more missionary. Join us for our next training webinar: Become an Evangelizing Parish: The First Stage of the Catechumenate Process on Thursday, Sept. 26, 11am PDT.
Read the previous articles
If you would like to read the entire series, click below:
