Missionary Parish / Divine Renovation
The Church is called to be missionary, not just to maintain traditions. Divine Renovation helps parishes rediscover their purpose and bring the Gospel to life in their communities.
Missionary Parish: Bringing the Church Back to Its Mission
The Church was never meant to be a place of routine. It was meant to be a place of transformation. In the Missionary Parish movement, we believe that every parish should be a place where people truly meet Jesus, grow as His disciples and share the Gospel with others. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is at the heart of this movement: "Go and make disciples of all nations."
Still, in many parishes today, the opposite is happening. Churches are emptying, faith is fading into habit and communities are struggling to stay alive. If nothing changes, many churches may not even exist in ten years. That’s why renewal is not an option, it’s a necessity.
A Church that is alive
A missionary parish is a parish that thrives; where faith is not just practiced, but lived. It’s a place where prayer, the Holy Spirit and evangelization take a central role. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people meet God: their faith comes alive, their perspective shifts and they can’t help but share what they’ve received. This kind of transformation leads to growth, enthusiasm and a welcoming community where people feel at home.
My role
My journey with the Missionary Parish movement started in a simple way; helping with catering at the first national conference. But as I became more involved, I took on new responsibilities:
Conference Presenter: Hosting the national conferences, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
Team Development: Helping define responsibilities and roles within the organization.
Brainstorming & Planning: Contributing ideas for future conferences and projects.
Parish Renewal Guide: I am now beginning to serve in this role, walking alongside parishes as they embrace a missionary vision. To prepare for this, I completed a Divine Renovation training, learning how to guide parishes through culture change using the Genesis Compass tool. This is not a quick fix. It’s a journey that takes years, but it’s one that brings lasting renewal.
A call to action
A missionary parish is not just an idea; it’s a calling for every church. The word 'missionary' in combination with the word 'parish' shouldn't even be there. Renewal starts with people who are willing to open their hearts, rediscover their faith and say “yes” to the Holy Spirit.
Would you like to know more about the Missionary Parish movement? Are you looking for ways to bring renewal to your own parish? Let’s connect!