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.


1 September 2008 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

25 August 2008 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

18 August 2008 Reinvigorating Lapsed Catholics

Tested program takes the initiative in bringing distant Catholics back to the Church.

Parish: Our Lady of the Way, Petrie Parish, Petrie, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Archdiocese of Brisbane
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach

11 August 2008 Reenergize Parishioners with Life-Changing Pilgrimage

Catholic apologist Steve Ray energizes priests and parishioners with dynamic pilgrimages to the birthplaces of Christianity.

Parish: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Ypsilanti, MI, Diocese of Lansing
Categories: Faith Formation, Ongoing Priestly Formation, Youth

High Level Scripture Study for Hungry Souls

Catholic Scripture Study International sets a high standard for excellence and depth in Catholic Bible studies.

Parish: St. John Neumann, Canton, MI, Archdiocese of Detroit
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach, Sacraments, Youth

Parish Conference Stirs up Faith and Fervor

A parish-based conference helps passive parishioners become more active in their faith.


Teaching Married Couples to Pray Together

Six-week program builds intimacy through praying together.

Parish: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth, MI 48170, Archdiocese of Detroit
Categories: Administration and Finance, Faith Formation, Family, Outreach, Youth

Increase Efficiency without Losing Personal Touch

Progressive dinner allows priest to reach out in a personal way to multiple families in just one night.

Parish: Mary Queen Of Peace, Rogers, MN, Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis
Categories: Family, Outreach

Catholic HEART Workcamps

A place where the hearts of the young will be changed forever!

Parish: St. Michael Catholic Church, Prior Lake, Minnesota, Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis
Categories: Outreach, Youth

Parish Night at the Movies

Ignatius Press offers a redeeming alternative to the usual movie rental fare.

Parish: St. Peter's/All Hallow's Catholic Church, Sacramento, CA, Diocese of Sacramento
Categories: Administration and Finance, Family, Outreach, Youth