An Invitation to the Parishes of the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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An Invitation to the Parishes

• f the

Archdiocese of Pittsburgh & Western Pennsylvania

Outline

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 What?  Why?  How?  Example projects  Schedule  Objections?  Help?  Your Questions?

All Info on Archdiocesan Website

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Shine! Shine! Initiative

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 An invitation…

• to all parishes
• specific, incremental,

intentional effort…

• to strengthen your parish

Areas of Focus

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 Growing in Faith

• Education, service, worship,

and community building

 Sharing our Faith

• Proclaiming Christ to the

world with words and deeds, and effectively communicating

• ur parish life and identity.

 Welcoming Others

• Showing hospitality to visitors

and strangers.

Why?

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Is your parish satisfied?

Because the status quo…

And stagnant → decline.

Because the status quo = stagnant = ruttedness

Building a Brighter Parish Future

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One Step at a Time.

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Reminder…

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Submit Your Questions from Dashboard

How?

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 Steps

1.

Conversation – strengths and weaknesses

How?

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 Steps

1.

Conversation – strengths and weaknesses

2.

Identify focus area & potential projects

3.

Select one

4.

Ask for Help?

5.

Write it down (register)

6.

Begin

7.

Celebrate upon completion

8.

Repeat

Questions for Discussion

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Education/Growing in Faith

• What does it mean to grow in

faith? What are the benefits.

• Besides reading /classes what
• ther methods/approaches can help
• ur parish grow in our faith?
• What questions am I asked by

friends about our faith? Satisfied with answers? General

• Which area would be most

beneficial for us to focus on?

• What are we good at? Can we

become “great” at that? Sharing Our Faith

• How do we communicate who we are and what we

stand for? Can we improve this?

• Do our neighbors know they are welcome in our

church?

• Do we invite friends, relatives, neighbors to church?

Hospitality

• How many guests visited in last 6 months? More/

less than previous period?

• What were they were looking for? How would they

evaluate that? Did they return?

• Experiences of a visitor to our parish?
• In what ways is/ isn’t our parish welcoming? How

can we better help new parishioners find roles that fits their gifts?

Qualities of Effective Projects

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 Challenge -- vs. comfortable  Achievable. Hopeful  Ownership – Persons committed to move forward  Clear change. Not revolutionary -- but not

insignificant.

 “Touch” -- broad cross section of parish  Ongoing effort – not one and done  Reminders

Growing in Faith

Education, Worship, and Community Building

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• 1. Orthodoxy 101 class bible study
• 2. Orthodox book reading list; book reading challenge;

Book club;

• 3. Teach congregation to sing
• 4. Vespers/ Feast day attendance pledge
• 5. Feast day sponsors - decorate; special meal.
• 6. Parish Stories Project – Interview parish “veterans”
• 7. Parish Photos – Capture parish’s vibrant personality.
• 8. Define "membership" - What is expected of us?
• 9. Monastery pilgrimage series

10.Mission Trips – multi generational 11.Stewardship & Generosity Class - key Christian value.

Sharing Our Faith?

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Sharing Our Faith

Proclaiming Christ in Words, Life, Service, In Person/Online

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• 1. Hold classes helpful to neighbors
• 2. % of budget/fundraising to charity.
• 3. Local charitable efforts (don’t reinvent wheel)
• 4. Events (lectures; films) for Orthodox inquirers
• 5. Speaker's bureau
• 6. Upgrade/create website
• 7. In-reach Ministry - parishioners in need
• 8. Neighborhood Block Party
• 9. Mall kiosk - Books; crosses, recordings, literature. Prep for ?s
• 10. Invite friends, relatives, and neighbors (“FRAN”)

Welcoming Others

Hospitality to all. “Moving over” for New Ideas; Needs; Attitudes.

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• 1. Greeter's ministry with following up
• 2. Liturgical aids - Divine Liturgy and

Vespers books; brochure

• 3. Mystery Worshippers
• 4. "What not to do when guests arrive"

video

• 5. Training about showing hospitality to

visitors.

• 6. New member integration ministry –find

friends/role.

• 7. Engage people on parish ‘margins’;

identify “gifts” and interests.

As leaders what is your answer?

A Word About Objections

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Shine! Shine Initiative

We Can’t Do This…

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 Church is for Sunday  Busy with other matters…

• Soccer/kids
• Church Roof
• Bake sale
• Etc.

We Don’t Want to Do This!

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 Preserving comfort –or

pursuing the mission of the church?

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Objection: Our parish is already vibrant, healthy and strong!

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Your parish effort can encourage and assist other parishes!

Sign Up!

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Need Help?

 Advice? Encouragement?

• Contact Kormos (513-518-

5878) or a committee member

• Web meeting or webinar for

your parish group.

 Need funding assistance?  Attend Parish Development

Forum

Parish Development Committee



Rebecca Danchenko,



Intercession of the Virgin Church, Carnegie PA



Chrisia Johnston,



Holy Resurrection Church, Belle Vernon PA



Kira Meholick,



St Nicholas Church, Dubois PA



Kristie Mertz



St Nicholas Church, McKees Rocks PA



• Fr. Andrew Nelko,



• St. Nicholas Church, Weirton WV



Alexis Parshook



• St. John the Baptist Church, New

Kensington PA

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Shine! Shine Initiative

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Strengthening Our Witness to the Community Growing and Sharing our Faith, Welcoming Others.

Questions?

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An Invitation to the Parishes

• f the

Archdiocese of Pittsburgh & Western Pennsylvania

The End

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Shine! Shine Initiative