Pastoral Team
Parish Priest
Associate Priest
A CALL TO STEWARDSHIP
PARISH THREE-YEAR PASTORAL PLAN
Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation
The five practices of a fruitful congregation are steps that can help our church thrive and make a meaningful impact in our community. These practices encompass various aspects of church life, from hospitality to mission and service, and are essential for nurturing spiritual growth and vitality.
- Radical Hospitality
At the heart of a fruitful congregation, is a spirit of radical hospitality, where all are welcomed and embraced with open arms. This practice involves creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted, regardless of background or circumstance.
To achieve radical hospitality in our parish,
- We need to foster a welcoming mindset among members
- Gain leadership commitment to prioritize hospitality
- Provide training and resources on hospitality
- Ensure a friendly and clear first impression for newcomers
- Use inclusive language in all church communication
- Offer visitor information and welcome materials
- Encourage members to greet and connect with newcomers
- Organize community events for relationship building
- Follow up with newcomers after their first visit
- Establish a feedback mechanism for suggestions
- Embrace diversity and foster inclusion
- Offer volunteer opportunities for involvement
- Provide prayer and support to those in need
- Regularly evaluate and adjust hospitality efforts
Let us bear in mind that radical hospitality is an ongoing process, and it requires the commitment of the entire church community. By taking these steps, we would create an atmosphere where people feel not just welcomed but truly valued and loved as part of the faith community.
- Passionate Worship and Liturgy
In our church, this should be central to the life of a fruitful congregation. It involves engaging in vibrant and heartfelt worship experiences that inspire and uplift, drawing individuals closer to God and fostering a sense of connection and community among believers.
To achieve Passionate Worship in our church community,
- Foster a genuine and heartfelt atmosphere of worship
- Engage in meaningful liturgical practices and traditions
- Encourage active participation of the congregation
- Select and perform music and hymns that resonate with worshippers
- Involve talented instrumentalists, choirs, and liturgical ministers and leaders
- Deliver impactful and relevant homilies and teachings
- Create a visually appealing and spiritually uplifting worship space
- Offer regular opportunities for the Sacraments and the Holy Eucharist
- Encourage personal prayer and reflection
- Promote a sense of awe, reverence, and spiritual connection
- Intentional Faith Formation
A fruitful congregation is committed to intentional faith development, providing opportunities for spiritual growth and learning. This practice encompasses study, reflection, and discipleship, empowering individuals to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith in everyday life. For example, Life in the Spirit Seminar, parish forums, catechesis, empowerment seminars etc.
To achieve Intentional Faith Development, we need to
- Promote a culture of lifelong learning and spiritual growth
- Offer diverse and purposeful educational opportunities
- Encourage regular Bible study and theological reflection
- Facilitate mentorship and discipleship relationships
- Create and monitor small groups in church for meaningful discussions and support like the Small Christian Communities
- Use technology for faith-based resources and online courses and catechism
- Organize retreats, seminars, and workshops
- Focus on individual and community prayer practices
- Connect faith development with real-life applications
- Measure progress and adapt programs based on feedback and evolving needs
- Risk-Taking Mission & Service
Stepping out of comfort zones to serve others and make a positive difference in the church and world is a hallmark of a fruitful congregation. This practice involves embracing risk and uncertainty as part of the journey of faith, engaging in mission and service initiatives that address the needs of the community and promote justice and compassion.
To develop risk-taking mission & service, we should
- Foster a spirit of compassion and social responsibility
- Identify and engage with community needs
- Get involved in church societies, organizations, committees and opportunities for the service in the house of God
- Give your 3 T’s – your time, talent and treasure
- Encourage creative and innovative solutions to address challenges
- Collaborate with other societies and organizations to boost relationships
- Continuously challenge the status quo and be open to taking calculated risks in the pursuit of serving the vulnerable and marginalized
- Embrace inclusivity and welcome diversity in service initiatives
- Promote advocacy for social justice and systemic change
- Evaluate and adapt mission projects to maximize impact
- Share stories of service and mission to inspire others
All these will inspire the church to take purposeful risks and embark on transformative mission and service endeavors that have a meaningful impact on the community and beyond
- Extravagant Generosity
Finally, a fruitful congregation is characterized by extravagant generosity, where members give generously of their time, talents, and resources to support the mission and ministries of the church. This practice reflects a spirit of abundance and gratitude, as well as a commitment to stewardship and sharing God’s blessings with others.
To achieve extravagant generosity,
- Cultivate a culture of gratitude and thanksgiving
- Promote regular tithing and financial stewardship
- Educate the congregation on the biblical principles of generosity
- Encourage sacrificial giving and joyful contributions
- Organize special collections and fundraising events for charitable causes
- Show transparency in financial matters and how donations are used
- Emphasize the importance of giving one’s time and talents, not just money
- Highlight the impact of generous acts and charitable programs
- Share success stories of generosity within the faith community
These steps will foster a spirit of extravagant generosity within our church, where members willingly give of their resources, time, and talents to support both the church’s mission and charitable causes.
In conclusion
These five practices of a fruitful congregation provide a holistic framework for our church to thrive and fulfill our mission in the world.
From radical hospitality to extravagant generosity, each practice plays a vital role in nurturing spiritual growth, fostering community, and making a positive impact on society. By embracing these practices with intentionality and commitment, congregations can cultivate a culture of vitality, compassion, and mission, embodying the transformative power of God’s love in tangible ways.
As we strive to live out these practices in our congregation, may we continue to grow in faith, deepen our relationships with God and one another, and serve as beacons of hope and grace in our community.
PASTORAL TEAM
- Very Rev. Fr. Melvis Mayaki (Parish Priest)
- Rev. Fr. Hilary Ogunyemi (Associate Priest)
PASTORAL SISTERS
Religious Sisters of Charity (RSC)
- Rev. Sr. Uche Ojukwu (Superior of the Community)
- Rev. Sr. Irene Ugwoegbu
- Rev. Sr. Justina Nelson
- Rev. Sr. Anthonia Eyelade
- Rev. Sr. Oghenekevwe Eduvie
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Sisters (EHJ)
- Rev. Sr. Monica O. Osevwe
- Rev. Sr. Justina Opakunbi
- Rev. Sr. Nancy
- Rev. Sr. Gloria