In a previous article, we explored how each of us, as catechists, is called to move beyond our comfort zones and embrace the audacity of faith in our personal lives. Pope Francis has challenged us to be bold, to risk being “bruised” for the sake of the gospel rather than remaining “ill” within the confines of our comfort zones.

In another article, we asked what if this call to courageous evangelization went beyond individual action? What if it became the mission of our entire parish community?

In this article, I want to look at some ways we might shake off the attitude of “we’ve always done it this way” and start to move both ourselves and our parishes out of our comfort zones and into action for the sake of the gospel.

Understanding the “maintenance” mindset 

So what keeps us from becoming missionary disciples and parishes that “move forward, boldly take the initiative” to go out to others (see Joy of the Gospel, 24)?  The reality is that many parishes are stuck in a “maintenance mode”—focused comfort and routine. To break free from our maintenance mode is going to take some work.

John P. Kotter, a thought leader in business, leadership, and change, says that moving an organization out of its comfort zone is incredibly difficult. Kotter says that if we want to get a community to change, we have to do three things:

• Identify the crisis ahead of us and communicate the urgency of the situation
• Get the right people talking about the urgent crisis and the need for change
• Make sure those people are delivering the message clearly, simply, and effectively

Let’s take a look at how we might apply these steps to an imaginary urban parish that has been experiencing a slow but regular decline in numbers. How would we identify the crisis, form a team of the right people, and make sure they and the rest of the parish leaders are delivering a clear, simple, effective message?

Many parishes are stuck in a “maintenance mode”—focused comfort and routine. To break free from our maintenance mode is going to take some work.

1. Identify the crisis ahead and communicate urgency

In order to let everyone know how serious our situation is, we might implement some of these strategies.

Define the crisis clearly

Here is what’s at stake. Our parish is experiencing a steady decline in attendance and engagement. That decline has led to reduced financial stability and the risk of eventual closure or merger by the diocese. This situation affects not only the parish community but also its ability to fulfill its mission of evangelization and service to the neighborhood.

Communicate the urgency of the situation 

• Host a parish assembly: Organize a town hall or parish meeting to openly discuss the current challenges, using data such as attendance trends, financial reports, and examples from other parishes that have faced similar situations.
• Use real stories: Share testimonies from parishioners about the impact of dwindling numbers and how it affects their sense of community and mission.
• Frame the challenge positively: Use the urgency of the situation as an opportunity to revitalize the parish, reach out to new members, and ensure the parish remains a vital part of the community.

2. Get the right people involved

We need a team of influential parishioners to help communicate the crisis in front of us and our possible strategies for meeting this challenge.

Form a diverse coalition of parish leaders

• Identify key stakeholders: Include a mix of parish council members, ministry leaders, long-time parishioners, newer members, and local community leaders. This group should represent the diversity and strengths of the parish.

[Note: It is important that the pastor be a part of this group. However, sometimes because of excessive workloads or lack of energy, not every pastor will be on board. That is regrettable, but don’t let it stop you. You can still gather a group of key stakeholders to communicate the urgency of the crisis ahead.]

• Create working groups or subcommittees: Assign small teams to focus on specific areas, such as hospitality, outreach, liturgical renewal, or communications. For example, a “Welcome Team” can develop strategies for making the parish more inviting to newcomers.

Engage the parish community 

• Host listening sessions: Organize sessions where parishioners can voice their concerns, share their hopes, and offer ideas for change. This not only builds trust but also fosters a sense of ownership over the transformation process.
• Reach out to existing ministries: Encourage leaders from existing ministries (e.g., the choir, social justice committee, youth group) to participate in outreach and welcoming efforts.

Whether it’s through bulletins, social media, emails, posters, or face-to-face conversations, consistency and variety will ensure the message reaches and resonates with everyone.

3. Communicate the need for change

Use every available method to share your message, understanding that repetition is key. You might think repeating the message three or four times is enough, but you have to do a lot more than that to break through the “noise” that surrounds us. Even if you repeat the message ten or twelve times, that probably still won’t be enough.

Instead, think in terms of “hundreds.” How can you find hundreds of different ways to repeat your message throughout the next year? Use Sunday bulletins, social media, e-mails, posters, and face-to-face conversations. Use as many means of communication as you can think of, and keep the message consistent.

Create clear and simple messaging

• Develop a core message: Craft a straightforward statement that captures the parish’s commitment to revitalization, such as “A New Beginning: Growing Together in Faith.” Make sure this message is repeated consistently in all communications.
• Use multiple channels for outreach: 
  • Parish communications: Share updates and progress regularly through bulletins, newsletters, e-mails, and social media.
  • Visual reminders: Display banners or posters around the church with the new message and vision to keep it visible and in the forefront of parishioners’ minds.
• Promote dialogue:
  • Encourage parishioners to ask questions and share their ideas through feedback forms, suggestion boxes, or a designated e-mail address.

Specific action steps for the hospitality team

We suggested above that you develop small teams to focus on specific areas, such as hospitality, outreach, liturgical renewal, or communications. Let’s expand this example for one of those teams — a hospitality team. Here are some possible action steps for them.

Develop a comprehensive welcome strategy 

• Create a welcome group: Form a group dedicated to greeting newcomers at each Mass. You will want to recruit people who are warm, engaging, and attentive.
• Set up a welcome desk: Have a staffed table or desk at the entrance of the church where newcomers can find information, ask questions, and be invited to post-Mass events.
• Introduce welcome cards and follow-up: 
  • Hand out welcome cards or bookmarks with basic information about the parish, Mass times, and contact details.
  • Be sure to follow up with new visitors immediately, ideally within 36 hours, to increase the likelihood that they will return. This could be through a personal e-mail, text, phone call, or handwritten note from a parishioner.

Host regular community-building events 

• Plan quarterly gatherings for newcomers: Host informal events such as coffee mornings, potluck dinners, or social gatherings after Mass to help newcomers connect with parishioners.
• Create special invitation days: Designate certain Sundays where parishioners are encouraged to invite family, friends, and neighbors. Plan these around significant liturgical events or parish celebrations to make them more attractive.

Enhance digital outreach 

• Revamp the parish website: Make sure there is a clear, welcoming section for newcomers, complete with Mass times, information about the parish community, and ways to get involved.
• Utilize social media: Regularly post updates, photos from parish events, and personal stories to create an inviting digital presence. Include invitations to upcoming events and calls to action, like “Join Us for Mass this Sunday!”

Develop a system for integrating newcomers 

• Onboarding process
  • Invite newcomers to ongoing parish groups, ministries, or committees.
  • Provide opportunities for them to serve and get involved in parish life, which can help them feel more connected and valued.
• Assign parish ambassadors
  • Designate a few parishioners whose ministry is to connect with newcomers, introduce them to others, and help them navigate parish life.

Establish review and accountability measures 

• Regular Evaluation
  • Set up a system to monitor the success of welcoming and engagement efforts.
  • Gather feedback from newcomers about their experiences and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Accountability meetings
  • Hold regular meetings of the subcommittee to review progress, celebrate successes, and address any challenges or areas needing improvement.

Conclusion

Yes, this is a lot of work—but consider the alternative. If we do nothing, the crisis will continue to weaken our parish, potentially leading to a slow decline or even closure.

It doesn’t have to come to that. We can call our fellow parishioners to embrace the gospel mission given to us by the Holy Spirit. Through the power of the that same Spirit, we can “move forward, boldly take the initiative” to go out to others.

By implementing these strategies, we can move from a state of maintenance to one of vibrant mission, re-engaging our current members, welcoming new faces, and revitalizing our community.

Change isn’t going to happen overnight. But every small effort contributes to a larger transformation. Our future as a thriving missionary parish begins with the small steps we make today.

What strategies have you tried?

Have you implemented any of these strategies in your parish? What was the result? Are there any strategies in this article you think you might try? Do you have any other ideas you can share with the rest of us? Please add your comments below.