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.

Basic Training to Defend the Faith

Turning post-Confirmation teens religious education into "training" for a kind of "Special Forces Evangelizing Team" TRIPLED class attendance.

Parish: Holy Spirit, Annandale, VA 22003-4165, Diocese of Arlington
Categories: Faith Formation, Youth

Keeping the Spiritual Gas Tank Full

Simple formula for a revitalizing monthly get-together for priests

Parish: St. Ann's, Charlotte, NC, Diocese of Charlotte
Category: Ongoing Priestly Formation

Traveling Music Ministry Renews Parishes & Families

Holy Family Apostolate Gives Christ through Song, Stories, and Personal Testimonies

Parish: St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Portland, Oregon, Portland
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Outreach, Sacraments, Youth

Multiplying Vocations by Adopting Seminarians

A simple seminarian "adoption" program sparks active discernment among parish young people.

Parish: Southern Catholic College, Dawsonville, GA, Archdiocese of Atlanta
Categories: Vocation Promotion, Youth

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

Crossing the Language Divide

A practical, simple way to be able to give homilies in languages besides your mother tongue.

Parish: Our Lady of Peace, North Augusta, Charleston, SC
Categories: Outreach, Sacraments

Renovating Churches with Style, Grace, and Truth

Architect Henry Hardinge Menzies combines architectural excellence and an exquisite sense of the sacred in his church renovations.

Parish: St. Augustine's Parish, Bridgeport, CT, Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport
Category: Administration and Finance

"Bible-Study-In-A-Box" Multiplies Pastor's Efforts

"Catholic Scripture Study" (CSS) is a substantial, engaging, do-it-yourself, and thoroughly Catholic Bible Study that is spreading like wildfire."

Parish: St. Vincent De Paul, Charlotte, NC, Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach, Youth

Hassle-free Pilgrimages for Parishes

Unitours pilgrimages bolster parishioners' faith without overloading pastors' schedules.

Parish: Holy Cross, Flatbush, NY, Diocese of Brooklyn
Categories: Administration and Finance, Faith Formation, Family, Ongoing Priestly Formation, Sacraments, Youth

Becoming Scripture-Smart Catholics

Moses and the Torah: the latest book in a lay-friendly Catholic Bible study series

Parish: Sacred Heart Cathedral, Glendive, Montana, Diocese of Great Falls - Billings
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Ongoing Priestly Formation, Outreach, Youth