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 December 2008 "Linked In" to the Rosary

Catholics from around the world can pray the Rosary, accompanied by an online video.

Parish: St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church, Thousand Oaks, Los Angeles
Category: Faith Formation

Helping Lay Volunteers Serve Better

Annual "Liturgy Day" provides efficient and effective formation and motivation for lay volunteers who regularly help at weekend Masses

Parish: St.Vincent de Paul, Charlotte, NC 28210, Diocese of Charlotte
Categories: Faith Formation, Sacraments

Easy-to-Use Program Activates Dormant Parishioners

"Discovering Christ," a ChristLife Ministries program, generated conversions, renewed commitment, and intensified a sense of community.

Parish: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ellicot City, MD, Baltimore
Categories: Administration and Finance, Faith Formation, Outreach

Increase and Stabilize Giving with Online System

ParishPay is the largest religious donation and tuition payment processor in the country, serving parishes and schools nationally by providing the infrastructure, technology, and support for scheduled online giving.

Parish: Sacred Heart Church, Roslindale, MA, Archdiocese of Boston
Category: Administration and Finance

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

CORE Ministries Doubles Parish Population

An adult evangelization training program awakens parishioners to their calling to be modern-day apostles.

Parish: St. Timothy Church, Maple Lake, Minnesota, Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach, Vocation Promotion

SPRED the Gospel to those with Special Needs

A proven, effective way for local parish communities to give faith-formation to the 12% of our population with special developmental needs

Parish: SS Peter & Paul Parish, Milwaukee WI 53211, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Outreach

Transforming Parishioners into Lay Apostles

Called and Gifted Seminars provide lay parishioners with a substantial, practical, and motivational understanding of authentic lay spirituality and apostolate.

Parish: St. Dominic Catholic Church, San Francisco, CA, Archdiocese of San Francisco
Category: Faith Formation

Gripping Theatre Productions Bring the Faith to Life

Theater of the Word, Inc. presents a creative method for preaching the gospel and building the Church.

Parish: Immaculate Heart of Mary, New Melle, MO, Archdiocese of St. Louis
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach

Christmas Around the World... in Your Parish

Nativity sets and images of the Virgin Mary from around the world make for an attractive and educational display in the cathedral.

Parish: Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville, IL, Diocese of Belleville
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Outreach