Presenter to share insights on proven practices for building up vitality in parishes, Aug. 29, 2026, in Cana Hall
John Poitevent, founder and director of Great Catholic Parishes (greatcatholicparishes.org) will lead an upbeat, interactive workshop on “Unlocking Parish Vitality: Four Proven Practices for Growth & Mission,” from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.
It will take place in Cana Hall in the lower level of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 2305 W. Main St. in Jefferson City.
“You’re not going to want to miss this opportunity,” said Patricia Lutz, diocesan director of Stewardship and Parish Vitality. “This is going to be interactive and will help your parish family grow in relationship with God and one another.”
Mr. Poitevent will focus on four practices that fuel thriving parishes: shared leadership; fostering spiritual maturity; excelling on Sundays; and evangelizing effectively.
“This is not about adding more programs,” said Mrs. Lutz. “It’s about leading with intention, clarity and a deep commitment to mission.”
The $20-per-person includes a continental breakfast and lunch.
Priests, deacons and religious sisters will be admitted free of charge.
The deadline for registering is Aug. 14.
This will be Mr. Poitevent’s second visit to the diocese. Last year, he gave a presentation on engaging volunteers and growing ministries, especially among young adults.
He studied leadership and facilitation and has been serving in numerous facets of ministry since 1991 — including as a youth leader, small-group leader, a hospitality coordinator, and most parish staff roles.
This is his 10th year in coaching and consulting for parishes, during which time he’s worked directly with about 120 pastors and parish teams.
He and his colleagues interviewed 250 parish leaders around the United States and identified these four practices of thriving parishes.
He noted the practices are adaptable to parishes of any size and any culture.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he followed up with as many parish leaders he had consulted for research as he could get a hold of.
“Nine out of 10 of them said, ‘We’re working harder than we ever have, but we’re engaging our parishioners and are fulfilling our mission, and our giving is still strong,” he noted.
That is to say, the principles held up and could be adapted to one of the most challenging times in recent Church history.
“The people I talked to said they were able to adapt them through technology, and through creative ministry planning,” said Mr. Poitevent. “For us, that was the real proof of how transferable these practices are.”
He noted that parish vitality can be difficult to define and measure.
“Engagement or participation alone does not necessarily conform vitality,” he said. “Because that engagement could be the same people that have always been engaged, and it could be they are not necessarily growing spiritually. They may just be staying busy.
“So, when we talk about vitality, we look for people who are actively growing in their relationship with God and are investing in the spiritual journey of others,” he stated.
He pointed out further that stewardship of time, talent and money is more of a lagging indicator of parish vitality, rather than a leading indicator.
“When people are growing as disciples and encountering Christ, they naturally want to give generously of themselves,” he said. “And yes, through strategies, we can convince people to give more or serve more, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate they are growing spiritually.”
However, “we know that people who are growing spiritually do want to be involved and get other people involved,” he stated. “That’s always an indicator of vitality.”
Mr. Poitevent believes the people who will benefit most from this presentation are parish leaders and anyone else who cares deeply about their faith community and wants to invest in the future of the parish and get more involved.
“We’re specifically looking for people who are going to put into action the things they are learning,” said Mr. Poitevent.
The key to success will be implementation and follow-through.
“At the end of our gathering, there will be opportunities for our parish teams to create action steps and some plans on how to implement these ideas,” said Mr. Poitevent.
Positive change happens when people follow up consistently, remain disciplined, persevere when things don’t go perfectly, and stick to the plan.
“The ideas are the start of it, but as I recently read, ‘discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment,’” he stated.
He asked for prayers for God to give him the wisdom and inspiration to share these things with this specific group of parishioners using language and emphasis that is most needed.
“Pray that it will be a fresh, prophetic word for the parishes of this diocese,” he said, “and that I be guided by the spirit by all that I say and do.”
He said the workshop will be a good opportunity for people who are invested in their parishes to spend a day together as a team, “being refreshed and inspired while learning practical applications that they can take home and engage in immediately.”
He suggested coming to the event with an open heart and mind.
“The best homework would be to pray together as a team,” he said. “And come anticipating great things for your parish.”
He noted that especially in ministry, it’s easy to get so caught up in “keeping the plates spinning,” that taking time to dream and be refreshed seems like a luxury.
“This is a day the diocese is setting aside,” he stated. “They’re providing everything for you. I encourage you to come and be refreshed and encouraged and gain some better tools to make better missionaries in your parish.”
For more information and to register, visit diojeffcity.org/2026-parish-vitality-workshop.
