2025 Conference 
Resources

Looking for Project Launch Documents? Click Here to Access Preparation Resources

2025 Conference Program Guide PDF

To begin developing the strategic roadmap that will enable your parish to reach its goals, the Program Guide for your 2025 Conference outlines:

• Introduction to the Pathways toward a Thriving Parish Project
• Theological Foundations for the Pathways toward a Thriving Parish Project
• Activity #1. Experiences of Parish Life, Mission, and Flourishing
• Activity #2. Thriving Parish Characteristics & Assessment
• Activity #3. The Parish & the World
• Activity #4. SWOT Analysis of Parish Life
• Activity #5. Discerning Pathways toward Thriving
• Activity #6. Designing Pathways toward Thriving
• Activity #7. Developing Leaders
• Activity #8. Introducing Change – Strategies for Applying the Switch Framework

Download in MS Word (English)

A Video Introduction to the Project

Guide to Designing Questions for Listening Sessions - PDF

In this guide, you will find:

• Hosting CONVERSATIONS IN THE SPIRIT (CIS) to help test out your pathway
• Hosting LISTENING SESSIONS as a way to help people feel a greater sense of community and belonging in your church
  • Listening Session
  • Discernment Session
• Additional Questions by Topic or Audience
• Additional Resource: Sample Listening Session Outline

2025 Conference Presentation PDF

Slides from the in-person Conferences

The following presentation deck was used during the 3 day gatherings of our project participants, accompanying the Program Guide.

Download the MS Powerpoint File

Video: Conversations in the Spirit

History, Spirituality, & Importance to Our Project

Presenter:

Dr. Tracey Lamont
Director and Associate Professor, Loyola Institute for Ministry
Co-director of Pathways toward a Thriving Parish Project

Video: Walking Together in the Spirit of Communion

Ecclesial and Scriptural Roots of Synodality

Presenter:

Dr. Jodi G. Hunt, Ph.D.
Executive Director, The Neuhoff Institute of Ministry & Evangelization -- University of Dallas

Designing a Pathway PDF

This document - Designing a Parish Pathway around Parish Priorities - outlines the following initial steps for establishing your plan for this project:

• Selecting priorities
• Generating ideas and strategies
• Selecting, describing, and designing a Pathway
• Consulting with and getting feedback from parish leaders
• Testing

Download the MS Word File

2025 Conference Articles

Additional Resources

The following articles support the guide and presentation from your Conference. Download the PDFs to learn more about each topic...