Great Catholic Parishes: How Four Essential Practices Make Them Thrive by William E. Simon, Jr.

Great Catholic Parishes: How Four Essential Practices Make Them Thrive
By William E. Simon, Jr.

Discover the key to thriving Catholic parishes with this compelling and insightful book, Great Catholic Parishes. Written by William E. Simon, Jr., this must-read explores four essential practices that drive success and vibrancy within parish communities. Whether you’re a clergy member, parish leader, or devoted Catholic, this book offers practical wisdom and proven strategies to foster growth, unity, and spiritual renewal.

Simon draws from extensive research and real-world examples to highlight how thriving parishes excel in areas like leadership, collaboration, and evangelization. Endorsed by clergy and experts alike, this guide serves as a powerful resource for anyone seeking to strengthen their parish community and deepen their faith.

Why you'll love this book:

• Actionable Insights: Learn practical methods to implement transformative practices in your parish.
• Engaging and Inspirational: Packed with real-life success stories that inspire and motivate.
• Expert Guidance: Written by a respected leader in Catholic parish development.

Perfect for theology enthusiasts, parish leaders, or anyone passionate about building vibrant faith communities, Great Catholic Parishes is an essential addition to your library. Available now at Credo Catholic: Books, Goods, & More—empower your parish and enrich your spiritual journey today!

202 pages

6" x 9"

More from the publisher:

What is really happening in the Catholic Church in North America? Are parishes thriving or dying? Is dissatisfaction among Catholics growing or are they becoming more engaged in the evangelizing mission of the Church? Businessman, professor, and philanthropist, William E. Simon Jr. has been highly influenced by the dynamic and inspiring Catholic parishes he has attended for more than 25 years. In 2012, he founded Parish Catalyst, an organization devoted to researching and supporting the health and development of Catholic parishes. Great Catholic Parishes looks at Simon's insights and the success stories of 244 vibrant parishes to show what makes them great.

In 2012 and 2013, Simon and his team studied 244 Catholic parishes to determine what made them exceptional. The study found that all of the parishes shared four foundational practices that led to a profound sense of belonging within their parish communities and a deepening commitment to discipleship:

Share leadership by using clergy and lay staff with the best talents and skills to direct the community

Foster spiritual maturity and plan for discipleship by offering a variety of formation programs and ministry opportunities to reach parishioners at differing points in their lives

Excel on Sundays by dedicating significant time, energy, and money to liturgical celebrations that parishioners and visitors find welcoming

Intentionally evangelize by challenging insiders to look outward and providing service programs, social events, global mission opportunities, and pastoral care at key sacramental moments that focus on inviting outsiders to deeper relationship with Christ and the Church.

In Great Catholic Parishes, Simon shares personal stories such as finding a welcoming parish home and what he learned about evangelizing from a mission trip to Kenya. Pastors from exceptional parishes offer helpful ideas, strategic advice, and practical strategies, as well as anecdotes about lay ministry development initiatives and reworking religious education so that it is family focused and web-based.

You will also learn creative solutions to familiar challenges such as spiritual stagnation among parishioners, reconciling diverse needs in the parish, allowing the pastor to focus on pastoring and preaching, and reaching youth and young adults who leave the Church in disproportionate numbers.

Each chapter closes with either crucial takeaways or a summary of practical challenges that will help pastors and leaders focus on growth and excellence.

Features & Benefits

Bill Simon has extensive connections within the Catholic community around the United States and has made this project and the work of Parish Catalyst his top professional priority.

This book expands the view of parish life in the United States found in leading Catholic books such as Rebuilt, Forming Intentional Disciples, and Divine Renovation by presenting the successes of 244 parishes in the United States and Canada.