Best Practices

Best Practices on this page include practical programs that have been successful in at least one parish, and that could potentially be implemented in other parishes. Browse for the latest Best Practices below or search across the multiple areas of parish life.

8 March 2010 School of Virtue: K4J Helps Catholic parish & school

St. Thomas More uses K4J School of Virtue Program to enhance its catechesis

Parish: St. Thomas More, Pittsburgh, PA, Pittsburgh
Categories: Faith Formation, Youth

22 February 2010 Pro-Active Welcome Attracts Young Parishioners

Simple outreach to new residents increases young parishioners' involvement in parish activities

Parish: St. James the Greater, St. Louis, Archdiocese of St. Louis
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach, Youth

Knights Build Squires into Leaders

Boys develop passion for their faith and leadership skills through formation and service opportunities.

Parish: St Paul Chong Hasang Parish, Harker Heights, TX, Austin, TX
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach, Vocation Promotion, Youth

Boys' involvement in Mass increases 500%

By returning to more demanding altar server practices, two men were able to increase participation at their parish from 10 to 60.

Parish: Holy Family, St. Louis Park, Archdiocese St.Paul/Minneapolis
Categories: Sacraments, Youth

Archdiocese Endorses Marriage Seminar That Gets Strong Results

Marrying couples respond positively to solid Catholic theology

Parish: St. Alphonsus, Chicago, IL, Archdiocese of Chicago
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Sacraments

Pastor Writes Homily Reflections to Inspire Parishioners

Father Michael’s Monday Message Is Weekly Encouragement

Parish: St. Thomas Aquinas, College Station, Texas, Austin Diocese
Category: Faith Formation

A Parish Retreat That Overflows - in Numbers and in Grace

Matthew Kelly's retreats spark conversions and and a new impulse toward holiness among parishioners.

Parish: SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Huntington, IN 46750, Fort Wayne - South Bend
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Outreach, Sacraments, Youth

Innovative CD Distribution Program Gives Dramatic Results

Lighthouse Catholic Media's free CD distribution program is reclaiming fallen-away Catholics and increasing the zeal of ordinary parishioners.


Renewing Parishes by Renewing Marriages

The Covenant of Love Ministry evangelizes parishioners while ministering to marriages.

Parish: St Thomas More Catholic Church, Centennial, CO, Archdiocese of Denver
Categories: Administration and Finance, Faith Formation, Family, Outreach

Making Pentecost Come Alive for Kids and Parents

A simple, powerfully effective method for families and parishes to recognize the gifts of the Holy Spirit within their children.

Parish: Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Palmyra, MO, Diocese of Jefferson City
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Youth