Pilot Parishes & Schools
In each cohort, 10-15 communities will be selected as funded pilot parishes to receive additional support, including free curriculum resources and an assessment process. (Note: Additional parishes can also participate in the cohort.)
Why Pilot Parishes?
Our hope is that the pilot parish grants will ensure a minimum number of participating cohort parishes by removing financial barriers. This will make our in-person trainings worthwhile and form a community of leaders who can support each other through the process.
Pilot parishes will also be key to assessing the effectiveness of the process through surveying parents and parish leaders.
Requirements
All pilot parishes must commit to:
Have Great Expectations
Be truly open to partnering with and coaching parents and believing they can be effective catechists of their children.
Use the Parent-Centered Process
Use of the Growing Up Catholic Extended Sacramental Preparation program (and the other supporting resources) with one set of families over two years is required.
Attend Workshops & Trainings
At least one leader must attend the initial two-day training and participate in year-end events.
Facilitate Parent Surveys
Provide access to your parents so we can survey them before and after they participate in the program.
Staff and Volunteer Support
Give parish staffing support to facilitate the process and support your families well.
Spread the Word
Allow other curious leaders to visit and learn from your program. Tell others about your experience afterwards.
Feedback
Share with us what works and what can be improved to strengthen the program.
Benefits to Pilot Parishes
Free Resources
A grant will cover the full financial costs of the designated resources (including delivery costs) for use with the families in a two-year sacramental preparation program. You can continue to purchase them for subsequent years.
Prioritized Support
Beyond the in-person introductory training and leader support framework, your leaders will receive prioritized support and follow up. We will give you everything you need to be successful in walking with your families.
Measuring Success
The assessment phase will give you specific feedback about the results of the program: comments from parents and data about whether the experience changed any of their faith-oriented behavior.
Application Process
After a diocese has been accepted into our cohort program, the Pastoral Center will host an in-person introductory workshop in the diocese. That event will include training on family catechesis and information about the cohort program. It will also invite parishes to apply to participate as a pilot parish or a regular cohort parish.
The online application form includes questions about:
- Basic details about the parish, including number of members, number of Masses, languages spoken, etc.
- Information about the parish's sacramental preparation and catechetical programs: number of participants, etc.
- History of any past parent engagement and/or attempts at family catechesis sessions.
- A statement of commitment from the pastor and parish coordinator of religious education.
If you are in a cohort diocese, click the button below:
Selection Process
The Pastoral Center will select pilot parishes with the help of diocesan leaders. A number of priorities will influence the decision, including:
- Level of commitment and staff/volunteer support to implement the programs.
- Overall balance across all pilot parishes (in all dioceses) to represent variations in parish attributes, including urban/rural, parish/program size, ethnic diversity, and languages spoken.
- History of family catechesis. Parishes with an established, year-round whole family catechesis program will have lower priority, as a goal of the grant is to help new parishes experience family catechesis.
- Financial need of the parish may be considered, although all parishes are welcome to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a school that is not part of a parish apply to be a pilot parish?
Yes.
Can the resource grant be used for other whole family resources or parish expenses?
No, the grant funds are restricted for use only with the initiative programs.
Can a parish/school that is not in a selected cohort diocese apply to be cohort parish?
No, only parishes and schools within a selected diocese can apply. However, any parish can purchase and use the same resources and take advantage of our training and support.