Last week I spoke how as a Universal Church we can diminish the current crisis of discipleship by prayer, good worship of God, and bending our knees to the Holy Spirit who animates the Church.

Today, I want to provide some ways by which St. Joseph Church can enliven it’s faith in God and invite the greater community of Richmond and the surrounding area to come home to Christ!  This is a small town with too many inactive, fallen away Catholics.  So, here are some proposals:

1) A Parish census:  By updating our parish rolls we will be able to see how many “actual” parishioners we have at St. Joseph.  We will keep people on the rolls who still wish to remain.  This will require us calling and determining an actual number.

2) Outreach to fallen away/inactive Catholics:  This can and should entail regular invitations to the greater community to “come home to Christ”.  This can include mailings, improvements to our web page by including Facebook and a blog, billboard invitations, signs on the church, and lawn signs that speak proudly of being a St. Joseph parishioner.

3) Increase devotional life:  During Advent and Lent to include evening Masses and talks.  We should have more confession times and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and other opportunities. 

4) Support vocation:  A traveling chalice program with vocation prayer from home to home.  We need to grow vocations and at least one from St. Joseph Church.

5) Increase reverence at Mass:  Perhaps a kneeler in front for those who wish to kneel for Communion.  Along with a better appreciation for the sacredness of God’s House and catechesis of what we believe and the rituals we perform.

6) Increase our sense of ownership:  This comes from a stewardship (financial) expectations and needs.  Generosity of heart to volunteer for different ministries, contributing to the weekly collection, doing our fair share to spread the Faith and responsibly improve our physical buildings.

These are just a few ideas—some easier to do than others.  Because we are small doesn’t mean it can’t be done!  There is a crisis of discipleship.  Let’s not contribute to it.  Instead, let us say, ”With God at our side all is possible, with Christ in in our heart all is redeemable, with the Holy Spirit as our guide, all will be well.”  Let us please God and Bless His Holy Name!