The “Divine Renovation” ministry uses a structured process called the “Genesis Compass” to guide parishes towards renewal and mission. This process, which is facilitated by a guide, outlines seven foundational themes. The goal is to help parishes move from a state of maintenance to a state of mission, ultimately bringing life back to the parish and people to Jesus.
The Genesis Compass has Seven Themes:
- Missional Prayer: Anchoring renewal efforts in a foundation of prayer.
- Forming & Casting Vision: Inspiring the parish with a vision for renewal.
- (Re)Planting an Evangelization Initiative: Launching a tool to bring new people to Jesus.
- Building a Leadership Team: Forming a leadership team focused on mission.
- Enhancing the Sunday Experience: Improving the Sunday worship experience.
- Becoming the Leader That You Are: Developing individual leadership potential.
- Rest: Allowing for time to reflect and renew.
The Genesis Compass aims to help parishes formulate a vision and mission for themselves, draw people into community, and empower priests to lead their parishes with renewed enthusiasm. By focusing on these themes, the ministry seeks to help parishes become beacons of hope and mission, guiding others on a journey to relationship with God. The Divine Renovation ministry emphasizes that the Church is called to mission and that parishes can play a vital role in fulfilling that mission. Through the Genesis Compass and its accompanying resources, the ministry seeks to equip parishes with the tools and support they need to embrace their mission and bring people to Jesus. After all, that’s the reason for the existence of the Church.
Our parish leadership team has already gone through Day 1 of the Genesis Compass program, which
focused on rooting our journey of renewal in prayer, and about being intentional in what we pray for.
As a participant said:
“We’re often so quick to just jump to do things…without really stopping to pray and to remind ourselves that this is the work of the Holy Spirit. We have to listen and not be in such a hurry, but ask the Holy Spirit for the help that we need.”
Some of the fruits of Day 1 has been the establishment of the ministry of prayer, starting a school of prayer, and inviting parishioners to attend both the virtual rosary run by the CWL and the adoration and benediction run by the Emmanuel Community.
Some of our previous and current parish leadership team are about to begin Day 2, which is about developing a vision for the parish, with the parish, and then sharing this vision with everyone. When we all share the same vision for our future, and how we might get there, it becomes a lot more likely that we will get there.
So please pray for our leaders, and for ourselves too, that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us a vision that will bring life to us all.
