Office of Evangelization

One of the major outcomes of a coordinated evangelization program within a parish is an atmosphere of vibrancy among the people. As parishes within the diocese continue to work on the Vibrant Parish Life initiative begun by Bishop Pilla, we remind all of the centrality of evangelization to this effort.

"My hope is that we will do all that is possible to sustain and enhance the vibrant parish life to which Jesus calls us - for every parishioner and for our priests and parish ministers."

Bishop Anthony M. Pilla

"Like most people in the Church, my recollections of growing up Catholic consist of vivid images and pictures, vibrant scenes and fond sentiments. My warmest memories are about people... lively, animated, loving people. These people were "my parish." Parish life was so central to us as children that, when asked where we lived, we were as likely to name a parish as we were a street or neighborhood. For most Catholics of my era, the parish was the center of our lives and Church life was parish life."

"Although the parish is not the only setting in which people experience the Church, it is a touchstone for all the other ecclesial experiences. It supports and sustains the domestic Church. It is home to countless groups and gatherings of people. It unites its parishioners with the Diocese and the universal Church. I see parish life as so central to our diocesan well-being that I would say, "as the parish goes, so goes the faith of the people."

The above paragraphs are the opening of Bishop Pilla's Pastoral Letter to the Diocese on Vibrant Parish Life at the close of the Jubilee year of 2000. As parishes continue to study, plan and implement the Vibrant Parish Life Initiative, many questions will arise. For resources to assist you and answer your questions, see the Vibrant Parish Life website. You can also contact the Pastoral Planning Office [(216) 696-6525, Ext. 4210] for additional assistance.

Keep the flame of faith alive in your heart.

Baptismal Rite

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