Talking All Things Ministry So You Can Do Church Better
Inspired by the book The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath, John and Chris talk about being intentional about creating special moments in ministry that can be memorable. In addition, they share some specific ideas from the book that can be used in ministry
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Does your parish celebrate Confirmation just to see that the next week, nobody who was confirmed comes to Mass? Do you sometimes feel like Confirmation is a graduation? It doesn’t have to be like that.
In this fifth episode in our series on sacramental preparation, John and Chris delve into how we might rebuild Confirmation preparation so as to truly have a life-changing effect that converts young people into intentional discipleship.
This is Part 1 of a 2-part episode.
For a copy of Chris’ book Rebuilding Confirmation click HERE
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At long last, those preparing for First Communion are welcome to the table with all the faithful to be rejuvenated by the Body and Blood of Christ in the form of bread and wine. One of 3 sacraments that can be repeated, are we preparing young people for a lifetime of receiving this sacrament on a regular basis?
In this fourth episode in our series on sacramental preparation, Chris and John discover some best practices in developing a Communion preparation that truly evangelizes.
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There is no greater event more life-changing in the life of a couple than their wedding day. A start to a new adventure of life together with a new partner. A moment so life changing should require intentional efforts by the Church.
In this third episode in our series on sacramental preparation, John and Chris discuss how we might reconsider our marriage preparation so as to truly prepare couples for the lifetime of marriage that is upon them.
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The baptism of a child is an opportunity to engage an entire family in the life of the parish. Having a baby is a major milestone and tremendous life-changing experience in which the Church can be intentional about partnering with parents in raising up their child in the life of faith.
But are we blowing the opportunity?
In this second episode in a series on sacramental preparation, John and Chris explore effective strategies for preparing parents to take on this new role as the spiritual leader of their children.
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Sherry Weddell, in her great book Forming Intentional Disciples, suggests that we have raised Catholics who are “sacramentalized, but not evangelized.” Wow! Powerful statement!
In this episode, Chris and John begin the first episode of a series looking at sacramental preparation programs and how we can evangelize as well as sacramentalize. At the center of this conversation is this idea that Weddell shares:
“If our pastoral practice is to be life changing, then we must be acutely aware that the reception of a valid sacrament and the fruitful reception of sacramental grace are two different but related issues. Validity means that the sacrament was truly bestowed and the intended grace made truly present to the person receiving the sacrament. But validity does not guarantee that the grace made available has been actively received and is bearing fruit in that person’s life.” –pg. 99
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Springtime brings flowers, sunshine, and Sacraments! During this season, we celebrate the Sacraments with Masses for First Communion and Confirmation. This is an important time in the life of the Church, so let’s not put these Masses on auto-pilot.
In this episode, Chris and John discuss some best practices and ideas on how to make these Masses even more effective and memorable.
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