From Maintenance to Mission: Evangelization and the Revitalization of the Parish

by Robert S. Rivers

Evangelization, contrary to what many people believe, is not just a Protestant concern; in fact, writes Robert Rivers, it is Catholic to the core. In this practical, approachable work he suggests that the Catholic parish is a wonderful setting to carry out the evangelizing work of the church. He makes the case that evangelization holds they key to the future of the church because it was in fact the centerpiece of post-Vatican Council reform. Drawing from the USCCB document Go and Make Disciples, which offers a comprehensive plan and strategy for evangelization, he explores ways to challenge us to become Catholic evangelizers. And he proposes ways to move from maintenance to mission-oriented parishes. "My purpose," affirms the author, "is to try to place before the reader a compelling vision of Catholic evangelization and share some strategic thinking that might enable us to implement the great vision to which we have been called." He attains that goal convincingly, practically, and hopefully. †

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Philip]

I had to read this book for the Pastoral Council. It is interesting but heavy going and although I have finished the book I will continue to use it ongoing as a reference guide.
Good if you are involved in any Church groups around pastoral planning but too heavy otherwise.

[Lawrence Pedrialva]

This is an interesting book about transforming a parish from a maintenance-kind of parish to a missionary one.

[Cathy]

Wonderful inspiration for becoming an evangelizing parish!