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.


Seminar-in-a-Box on the Sacrament of Marriage

One-day, high quality, motivational, proven marriage seminar starts new marriages out on the right foot and refreshes more experienced married couples.

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

24 Hours of Grace

Priests come together to offer 24 hours of Reconciliation and adoration for those who need it most.

Parish: Church of St. Mary, Lake Forest, IL 60045, Archdiocese of Chicago
Categories: Outreach, Sacraments

Coffee, Cocoa and Questions

Informal Q&A with the pastor draws a crowd three weeks in a row.

Parish: Immaculate Conception, Nashua, NH, Diocese of Manchester
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach

A Volunteer Group for Every Parishioner

A time-tested way to ensure volunteers and to involve otherwise passive parishioners in parish life.

Parish: St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael, Minnesota, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Categories: Administration and Finance, Family, Outreach

Reinvigorated Catholic Women Invigorate Their Parish

Do-it-yourself ENDOW small-group study program is inspiring hundreds of Catholic women by teaching their true dignity and vocation in the Church and the world.

Parish: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Centennial, CO 80112, Archdiocese of Denver
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Outreach

Insight into Theology of the Body Gives Teens Hope

Theology of the Body for Teens is a life-changing chastity program winning rave reviews from teens and teachers.

Parish: Shiner Catholic Church; Saints Cyril and Methodius, Shiner, TX 77984, Diocese of Victoria
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach, Vocation Promotion, Youth

Managing Money Responsibly in Light of Catholic Teachings

Participation in financial ministry program grows close to 500% in one and one half years.

Parish: St. Vincent de Paul, Fort Wayne, IN, Diocese of Fort Wayne - South Bend
Categories: Administration and Finance, Faith Formation, Family, Outreach

Heavenly Music for Your Parish

Annual CMAA Sacred Music Colloquium Renews Parish Music Programs


Igniting Catholics with the Fire of Faith

Singer Gretchen Harris Teaches Prayer through Song

Parish: St. Francis of Assisi, Bakersfield, CA, Diocese of Fresno
Categories: Administration and Finance, Faith Formation, Family, Outreach, Sacraments, Youth

Adaptation of "True Devotion" Unifies and Vivifies Parish

Getting your parishioners to go to Jesus through Mary, which is the core of St. Louis de Montfort's "True Devotion to Mary," fits into and unifies every aspect of parish life--from sacramental to devotional.

Parish: St. Charles Church, Bellows Falls, VT 05101, Diocese of Burlington
Categories: Faith Formation, Family