The Wrong Place to Start

The Most Common Mistake in Parish Renewal

As my parish - and the Church across the U.S. - presses into evangelization-centered renewal, I am convinced that many of us begin the process at the wrong place.

To be clear: I’m not saying we are doing the wrong things. The importance of leadership, a Spirit-driven vision, the need for the mission to drive structures, and the priority of evangelization – all of these are essential to both renewal and, most importantly, the very identity of the Catholic Church. Moreover, those in the renewal movement do not hesitate to acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is the one from whom the fruits of renewal originate and that our efforts are fruitful only insofar as we cooperate with that recreating Spirit.

Within that context, however, it is increasingly apparent that there is a massive crack in the foundation of the contemporary renewal movement. We take for granted that the Holy Spirit is the active agent of renewal, and our role is cooperating with the Spirit. It naturally follows that personal conversion precedes parish renewal, especially for those striving to catalyze change in their parish and the Church. As we grow in holiness, we become ever more receptive to the actions of the Holy Spirit in and through us. But are those who are leading renewal in the Catholic Church of the 21st century prioritizing their own growth in holiness? As someone trying to transform his parish, I am convicted by that question.

For example, to speak of transformation without speaking of asceticism is no different than trying to learn to drive a car before we put gas in the tank. Only through the interior freedom offered by ascetical spirituality can we gain the clarity and self-possession necessary to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit and actively yield to His recreating power. Yet the role of asceticism in renewal is almost wholly neglected, let alone trumpeted as a non-negotiable element.

Parish renewal must begin with personal conversion – the metanoia of the Gospels – fueled by asceticism and an interior life of profound intimacy with the Risen One. Only then will those striving to become agents of renewal rediscover the sacred power that animated the actions of the saints who have been agents of renewal throughout the history of the Church.

An important question for us all to wrestle with: Are we trying to do the work of renewal, or are we collaborating with God in His ongoing work of renewal and restoration?

Personal conversion precedes parish renewal. We must not simply acknowledge that but focus our efforts on that fundamental truth. Without the men and women who long for Church transformation entering into a continuing conversion enlightened and empowered by a contemplative posture, any changes - even needed ones - will never genuinely affect the renewal sought.

When we rediscover this right place to start, we will stop doing the work of renewal and begin experiencing the One whose very presence brings about newness.