As I read through, a few weeks ago, the Archbishop’s Pastoral Letter about Partners in the Gospel, I felt the need to reproduce this section in full:
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How do we know we have healthy, vibrant, sustainable parishes? I am aware that we must be careful how we define health and vibrancy when it comes to parish communities. Financial stability is certainly one measure — but if we base our judgment exclusively on numbers, we put some communities at a disadvantage. Thriving programs for adults and children are another measure of health — but if that is all we look at, we might sideline small and rural communities with fewer resources. Each parish is unique, and as parishes become part of families, we do not want to lose that uniqueness.
Partners in the Gospel is not intended to make our communities all look alike. We must not discard our individual histories, nor lose the gifts that small and rural parishes bring by holding them to standards that only work for larger, more affluent parishes. As Partners in the Gospel unfolds, we have a particular responsibility to keep in mind our ethnic and cultural communities and ensure that they are being well served and fully included in the broader faith family. We need to bring the Church’s “preferential option for the poor” to bear in this process. We must recognize our diversity for what it is — a gift from God.
So how do we know if a parish is truly vibrant? I want to suggest some areas which can serve as benchmarks of health and vibrancy — pillars of parish life. These pillars are not necessarily distinct or prioritized in any way, as many overlap and build on each other. They are also not exhaustive, but are simply a way for us to examine parish life.
A healthy parish community is focused on discipleship. The word “disciples” — which means “learners” — expresses a key dimension of our relationship with Christ, since we never stop learning from the teacher. We are missionary disciples, always in need of being evangelized ourselves, and always called to spread the good news and lead others to Christ. A healthy parish community provides ways for all members and seekers to grow in discipleship.
A healthy parish community is grounded in worship and prayer. The celebration of the Eucharist at each Mass is the center of parish life, truly the “source and summit,” drawing each member of the community deeper into relationship with Christ, forming them into one body and sending them forth in love and service.
A healthy parish community looks beyond itself to engage in mission and evangelization. A parish is not a place to retreat from the troubles and challenges that are present in our broader community and our world. Rather, it is a place to join with others to be nourished in our life in Christ, from which we are sent into the world to make a difference, alleviate suffering, care for the afflicted and advocate for the voiceless. In service of others, especially the poor, we encounter Christ. A healthy parish recognizes needs and responds, reaching out as the Body of Christ. As disciples, we carry Christ to others in the world and bring them to Christ in return.
Community does not happen by chance. Community must be fostered. A healthy parish community is not cliquish, closed in on itself, but open and welcoming, a wide circle that grows ever wider through active invitation of new members. A healthy community also makes room for members to celebrate and preserve their own culture and faith traditions even as they come together in mutual respect and understanding.
A healthy parish has effective administration. In the Church, administration is not just a necessary evil, the “business side of things.” Rather, administration is a spiritual gift to the Church, and those with administrative responsibilities truly carry out the work of the Gospel. A healthy parish is financially stable, a community whose members support it with their time, talent and treasure. A strong parish is able to maintain its buildings and manage its debt. A healthy parish has the technology it needs to carry out its mission. Good administration gives the pastor and the community the freedom to look beyond immediate needs and dedicate resources to evangelization and mission.
To make all this happen, leadership is key. All of us have experienced the incredible difference a good pastor makes. A good pastor not only guides us in our sacramental encounters with Christ, but also helps us discover our gifts and share them. Good leaders empower others, consult widely and serve humbly. This is the kind of leadership that Pope Francis has modeled for the Church — and it is what he calls all of us to, especially our priests.
We all know that priests are not the only ones who exercise leadership in the Church today. A healthy and vibrant parish also needs the invaluable leadership and support provided by faithful and well-formed deacons and lay people. That is why we as an Archdiocese are relaunching our formation programs both for permanent deacons and for lay ministers.
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In a way, this is an excellent examination of conscience for our parish and any parish. How are we doing on these metrics? Looking through the list myself, I am proud of the direction we are headed in all of these categories, though I am also overwhelmed by how slow progress sometimes feels. I would say the two most difficult categories for us right now are community and leadership, since these were hit the hardest by COVID and are taking a long time to ramp back up again. Are people willing to hang out at church, and for what? Are people willing to lead various groups and volunteer efforts? Both involve significant social time (for fun or for a purpose), and socializing is an art our culture was losing quickly before COVID threw gas on that fire. Nevertheless, overall, I am happy with the direction and progress our parish is making in these areas, and I pray that Partners in the Gospel will only strength it for all of Whatcom County.
Fr. Moore 