ARTICLE – Seven Foundations for a Missionary Parish

June 24, 2025 by Pierre-Alain Giffard News, Recommended Texts

Rooted in a careful observation and study of thriving Catholic and evangelical parishes, the following recommendations offer tested and practical elements that foster growth in faith, mission, and communion. The following recommendations are taken from the book La croissance de l’Église (Church Growth) by Pierre-Alain Giffard with a preface by Cardinal Gérald Cypryen Lacroix.

A Vision That Inspires and Unites
The pastor must carry and communicate a clear and compelling vision of the parish’s mission—one grounded in the explicit proclamation of the Gospel and the intentional formation of disciples. This vision must emerge from prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It should be communicated with passion and translated into concrete, measurable goals.

Prayer and Spiritual Power
Lasting growth is born of deep spiritual renewal: Eucharistic adoration, intercessory prayer, fasting, and communal prayer are indispensable. Both leaders and members must seek an abiding communion with Christ and the Holy Spirit—the source of apostolic fervor and missionary fruitfulness.

The Establishment of Home-Based Cells
Small groups of 8 to 15 people meet weekly around the Word of God, prayer, and evangelization. These flexible, missionary structures are designed to reach the unchurched, foster meaningful relationships, and enable evangelization through personal witness in the “oikos”—that is, one’s natural network of relationships.

The Active Engagement of the Laity
The faithful must be formed and entrusted with responsibility across all areas of parish mission. They should be equipped with formation that is doctrinally sound, spiritually enriching, and mission-oriented.

A Pastoral Focus on the Newcomer
A missionary parish prioritizes those who are not yet present: by offering warm hospitality, attentive accompaniment, and a gradual path of integration. The Church grows by love. As often observed: “Parishes that love grow, and those that grow, love.”

Celebrations That Evangelize and Give Life
Liturgical celebrations must be reverent, joyful, and welcoming—marked by homilies that are Christ-centered, inspired, clear, and practical. Music should be chosen with sensitivity to the people one hopes to reach, accessible and uplifting without compromising liturgical dignity.

A Healthy and Dynamic Organization
Missionary parishes must be structured accordingly: leaders must be formed, ministries multiplied, and groups well-governed. Strive for excellence and adaptability to local realities, all while remaining faithful to the Gospel and the living tradition of the Church.

Conclusion
The growth of a Catholic parish is neither automatic nor magical. It is the fruit of pastoral renewal, missionary conversion, and a humble cooperation with the work of the Holy Spirit. God wills to build His Church (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6–9) —but He chooses to accomplish it with us.

Pierre-Alain Giffard
pierre.alain.giffard@gmail.com

Recommended books:

BOOK – Revive and Thrive: Transforming Parishes into Mission Driven Communities provides a blueprint to breathe new life into parish communities and engage in the core principles of evangelization and disciple-making.
BOOK – Your Faith Has Made You Well: Discovering God’s Power for Healing. A guide to unlocking a life of faith and confidence in God for healing.

Articles on evangelization and parish revitalization:

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ARTICLE – Seven Foundations for a Missionary Parish

Rooted in a careful observation and study of thriving Catholic and evangelical parishes, the following recommendations offer tested and practical elements that foster growth in faith, mission, and communion. The following recommendations are taken from the book La croissance de l’Église (Church Growth) by Pierre-Alain Giffard with a preface by
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