ARTICLE – Growing a Parish: A Vision Anchored in Mission and Communion

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

Rooted in the careful observation and study of vibrant churches, the following recommendations offer time-tested and practical insights for fostering growth in faith, mission, and communion.

A Clear Vision for a Growing Church

The growth of a Catholic parish is neither accidental nor the result of multiplying activities. It springs from a pastoral vision grounded in the very mission Christ entrusted to His Church: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). At its core, this means shaping parish life around an intentional and structured process of evangelization and disciple formation—animated by the Holy Spirit, rooted in prayer, and oriented toward mission. Without such a unifying vision, pastoral efforts risk becoming scattered, unfocused, and ultimately fruitless.

An Intentional Pathway to Missionary Growth

A Christian community that desires to grow must establish a pastoral journey where each person is invited to:

Encounter God through prayer, the liturgy, Eucharistic adoration, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit;
Hear the Gospel proclaimed in a language that is clear, accessible, and alive;
Enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ;
Be accompanied in their spiritual growth—often through the intimacy and support of small groups;
And be sent forth, in turn, to evangelize others.

Cells of Life and Mission

The formation of small groups, or evangelization cells, is a key recommendation. Grounded in the Word of God, prayer, and fraternal sharing, these groups become fertile soil where faith takes root and new disciples are born and nurtured. They allow the Church to extend herself into the daily relational fabric of each person—their oikos—where the Gospel can touch lives in tangible and transformative ways.

The Active Engagement of the Laity

True missionary renewal depends on the mobilization of the whole People of God. When the laity are well-formed and supported, they become the principal agents of evangelization. This marks a shift from a parish model focused primarily on sacramental celebrations and the work of the clergy to one where every baptized person is called and equipped to be a missionary disciple. This transformation requires training, pastoral accompaniment, and the clear delegation of responsibility.

Organizing for the Sake of Mission

A growing parish is not necessarily a busier one—it is a better-organized one. Leadership is intentional, ministries are coordinated, communication is thoughtful, newcomers are welcomed, and progress is regularly evaluated. This healthy framework allows the missionary impulse to bear enduring fruit.

Conclusion

To renew and grow a parish is not merely to do more—it is mostly to do differently. It is to embrace a coherent process which, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, places evangelization and disciple formation at the heart of every pastoral endeavor. As St. Paul reminds us, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). It is God who brings forth the harvest, but He entrusts to us the stewardship of His mission. Every parish, through the grace of God, can become a living community that proclaims the Gospel with fervor and draws seekers into the radiant light of Christ.

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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