Loneliness is a growing crisis–your parish can be the solution.

Loneliness and isolation are impacting lives in very profound ways. It affects the mental, physical, and spiritual health of people in all age groups. Studies show that a lack of social connection is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

But there is hope. Parishes are uniquely equipped to respond to this epidemic by fostering authentic community and meaningful relationships. Rooted in our Catholic faith, parishes can be a place of refuge where the lonely feel seen, known, and loved. 

In this new guide, you’ll learn: 

• The scope of the loneliness epidemic
• Why parishes are the antidote for the epidemic of loneliness
• Three key ways parishes can cultivate a pro-connection culture where people are drawn into deeper relationships with God and one another

Discover practical steps and inspiring insights–including how the parable of the Good Samaritan can guide your parish in reaching the lonely and isolated.

Caught off guard by unexpected IT expenses hitting your budget? Still scrambling? Join the club. Parish leaders often don’t recognize some IT expenses until they suddenly become an issue. 

Parishes nationwide are feeling the pinch; diverted funds meant for vital missions like religious education and outreach are now drained by unforeseen tech costs. What’s the plan when your budget’s blindsided?

Ready to tackle those sneaky expenses head-on? Check out our latest Catholic action guide, “Faithfully Financed: Good Stewardship of Technology Spending through Managed IT Services.” In it, we unveil seven hidden (and surprising) parish IT costs and seven compelling reasons savvy churches opt for managed tech services. 

Parishes see it first-hand all the time. Families may disconnect from the parish after their child’s baptism; they may not enroll their child in religious education or assist in helping them prepare for First Holy Communion. Parents of older children may not encourage them to be Confirmed or may give up the fight if their teen isn’t interested. But what can be done?

In our new FREE guide, Beyond the Sacraments: Cultivating Lifelong Catholic Connections for Families, we look at the ongoing challenges parishes face in maintaining a connection with families before, between, and after they receive the sacraments. How can we emphasize the relevance of the Catholic faith beyond the milestones of the sacraments, create opportunities for families to deepen their engagement, and nurture a sustained connection with the parish throughout their–and their children’s–faith journey?

In this guide, you’ll find simple plans that allow you to:

• Stay connected with families between baptism and preschool
• Engage families before, during, and after their child’s First Holy Communion
• Help parents plug in and engage in their child’s preparation for Confirmation
• Provide ways for the newly confirmed adolescent and their parents to participate in the life of the parish

This guide includes suggestions for specific activities and initiatives you can take and make your own, crafting the perfect plan for your parish to make all families feel that the parish is committed to them and their ongoing faith journey.