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.

"Fiat" Girls Love Christ in the Eucharist and Spread His Joy

When seventh-grade girls start asking how they can learn to hear God's voice more clearly, the fruits of "Fiat" are clear.

Parish: Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Annandale, VA 22003-4165, Arlington
Category: Youth

Basic Recipe for "Leavening" the Youth Lump

The trick to getting them to experience Christ's personal love: teens evangelizing teens.

Parish: St. Vincent De Paul, Dallas, GA, Archdiocese of Atlanta
Categories: Outreach, Youth

"Welcome Back!"

Ministry Transforms Inactive Catholics into Active Apostles.

Parish: Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Indialantic, Florida, Diocese of Orlando
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach, Sacraments

Teaching Teens the Catholic View of Sex

A new book brings together effective methods for teaching the Theology of the Body to teens in a variety of settings.

Parish: St. Patrick's Church, Belvidere, NJ, Diocese of Metuchen
Categories: Faith Formation, Family, Sacraments, Vocation Promotion, Youth

The Power of Priestly Solidarity

A simple in-house ritual helps priests bolster each other's spiritual lives and ministries.

Parish: St. Mary's Cathedral, Fargo, The Catholic Diocese of Fargo
Category: Ongoing Priestly Formation

Award-Winning Youth Group: More God, Fewer Games

Youth for Truth harnesses young people's thirst for answers and bolsters parish youth ministry.

Parish: St. Joseph, La Porte, IN, Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary
Categories: Faith Formation, Vocation Promotion, Youth

Active School Mass Inspires Students, Draws Parents

Involving as many students as possible in weekly school Mass creates enthusiasm in students and an increase in parents attending school Mass.

Parish: St Paschal Baylon, Thousand Oaks, CA, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach, Youth

Bible Study Resource Stirs Massive Response

Jeff Cavins's adult Bible Study material made Scripture and Church teaching relevant, satisfying, and stimulating for over 800 participants in a 24-week program.

Parish: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Hastings, Minnesota, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Categories: Faith Formation, Outreach

Youth Group Raises Its Own Funds with Gusto

Parishioners launch youth missionaries by purchasing "Stock In Youth"

Parish: Church of St. Michael, St. Michael, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Categories: Administration and Finance, Youth

Collections at Daily Mass Boost Parish Morale and Funds

Daily communicants contribute 15% of Parish's weekly contributions. Commuters join parish as Associate Members.

Parish: St. Olaf, Minneapolis, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Categories: Administration and Finance, Outreach