The Church On Mission: Presbyteral Assembly proposes a vibrant vision for parishes

Each year, the priests of the Diocese of Worcester gather with Bishop McManus for the Presbyteral Assembly, an opportunity to cultivate deeper priestly fraternity while engaging in discussions on some aspect of priestly life and ministry.
This year’s assembly, held June 5-7 in North Falmouth,  focused on parish revitalization and the renewal of parish life. The presenters were Kurt Klement, executive director of Divine Renovation USA, and Matt Regitz, director of networks and global leadership coach for Divine Renovation Ministries. “From maintenance to mission” has become somewhat of a catchphrase to imply that maintenance is bad and mission is good. However, both are essential. Catholic parishes must maintain the flock already gathered in the safety of the sheepfold, and, at the same time, go out in search of the lost sheep.
But parishes that prioritize maintenance seldom ever get around to mission, to going out, which is the commission Christ gave to his Church: “Go, therefore,” he said, “and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19).
What happens when a parish prioritizes mission? The parish and its parishioners become more welcoming, the priest’s homilies improve, the average age of parishioners lowers, our methods of communication expand, and community is strengthened. In other words, when a parish prioritizes mission and focuses primarily on those outside the Church, the experience of parish life for those already inside the Church also improves!
So, where does parish renewal begin? It begins with a vision, which Divine Renovation defines as “a God-inspired picture of the future that produces passion.”
Throughout the assembly, the priests were invited to dream big dreams for their parishes. If anything were possible, what would it look and feel like? All too often we allow our dreams to be stifled by the practical implications of trying to implement them.
But before we address any plans, we must first be so inspired by the vision that it keeps us up at night and wakes us up in the morning – not because of worry, but because of our excitement.
For some, this kind of dreaming can be difficult. Oftentimes the way in which we approach vision is by recognizing those things in our parishes that drive us crazy! Divine Renovation refers to these things as our “holy discontents.” What are our holy discontents? What are the things that drive us crazy and make us think, “It doesn’t have to be this way”? Our holy discontents will often mirror our vision for our parishes.
While vision begins in the hearts of pastors, it cannot remain there. Pastors must share their vision so that others can experience the same excitement. Recognizing that he doesn’t possess all the gifts himself, a priest needs to empower others to help him to lead. Catechesis, service, evangelization, and financial work are some areas for shared leadership. Shared leadership requires that a priest invests in his team, understanding and developing their unique gifts, and ensuring their unity of vision.
A radical reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power to transform and revitalize parishes – and us – is of primary importance. Yet, how often do we approach God after the fact, asking him to ratify our plans, instead of seeking his guidance and inspiration first? What would happen if we were to humbly and honestly go before the Lord and ask him for his plan for our parishes? Would we continue in the same way? Would there be some things that would have to change?
A few years ago, I was tasked with leading a process of parish renewal for five parishes in the Blackstone Valley region. While it was a difficult process, I believe it was largely successful. Since then, a number of people have asked me what the secret to our success was.
The answer is simple: Prayer. Each time our committee met, we began with an hour of prayer in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. We understood that to be successful we needed the Holy Spirit’s inspiration and help.
What strikes me is how quickly we want to skip over this vital step and immediately get to work. But we must ensure, as best as possible, that the work we do is God’s work. As the psalmist aptly reminds us, “Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build” (Ps 127:1).
As the assembly came to a close, the priests were invited to gather in groups of three and to pray with and for one another. In my 14 years as a priest, I have prayed over others countless times, extending my hands in blessing. But this was the first time I can remember praying with and for my brother priests with whom I have the privilege of serving in the Diocese of Worcester. It was a profound experience and a beautiful testament to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you to all who kept the priests in prayer during the assembly. Please continue to pray for priests and all the people of the diocese, as we prepare to take the next steps in parish renewal together.

– Father Nicholas Desimone is pastor of St. Mary Parish in Uxbridge and chairman of the Diocesan Evangelization Committee.