Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest

Welcome

...to the Diocese' Parish Health Ministry page. For more information about this activity click here.

Parish Health Grants Announced

For parishes with a good idea that has suffered from lack of resources,
the Parish Health Grant initiative can stimulate you to turn the crank
and get started.

Further information can be found here

background document here

Deadline to submit an application, is May 30.

Also, contact Joe Kormos,
Parish Health Facilitator, to receive more information.

Mystery Worshipper Reports

What if a complete stranger came to your parish and offered totally honest feedback? What did they experience?

Would you be interested?

Read more

Financial Audit Manual Available

Parishes are reporting that the new Diocesan Finanacial Audit Guidelines are being used and they are helpful!

So we feel confident in recommending that all parishes follow these guidelines in preparing financial audits for 2007.

Clergy Compensation Policy Feedback Sought

Provide feedback on the proposed clergy compensation policy (found here) via this special email address clergycompensation@midwestdiocese.org . Emails will be forwarded to the Diocese' compensation committee and kept in confidence. Sign your name and state your parish.

Parish Pulse

Designed to build “connectedness”, Parish Pulse is the communication backbone of the parish health ministry. It is emailed to clergy and lay leaders involved in building healthy and growing parishes

Parish Pulse archive

Subcribe to Parish Pulse

Parish Events

Need Help? Just Ask

We're often asked by clergy or laity "Can you help us with ___." Most of the time, with the priest's permission, we say yes. We provide workshops, retreats,assessments and coaching, assistance with communications and identity, and making contact with others.

More info

Reorganizing Parish Ministries

if your parish is in the midst of re-thinking your set of parish ministries --adding new and replacing old this article about Holy Trinity Parish in Overland Park KS may be of interest to you.

Read article

Effective Websites Can Attract Inquirers

The first impressions for many visitors to your parish is formed before they walk through the door -- by visiting your parish website.

(This article is second in a series of articles about effective website content for parishes.)

Read article here

Evangelization and Urban Ministry Video

A new ten minute video titled "Introduction to Orthodox Evangelization", prepared under the guidance of Fr John Matusiak, is available from this link. The video reminds us of the Gospel imperative to "Go forth and make disciples of all nations..."

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

Improving Parish Bulletins and Newsletters

Looking to improve your parish bulletin? Suggestions for improved content can be found here. Suggestions for making bulletins and newsletters look more professional can be found here.

Parish Health Ministry Planning Documents

2007 Parish Health Ministry Report
The report on the activities of the Parish health Ministry, submitted to the 2007 Diocesan Assmbly can be found here.

Initial Report to Diocesan Assembly -- Joe Kormos, Parish Health Facilitator
A summary of a whirlwind trip around the Diocese. Initial recommendations for the Parish Health Ministry.

Presentation to Diocesan Assembly
Powerpoint summary of report presented at Palatine IL Diocesan Assembly.

Orthodox Evangelization Education Initiative

A proposal for updating past Evangelization information and tools for current issues and access via modern technology.