1). A noisy mass. This sounds weird, but a quiet mass is the sign of a dying church. On the other hand, a mass full of families with children...who are often a bit on the noisy side...is a sign that the church is healthy.
2) Active members. I can ask any pastor about his church calendar and know instantly if he has a healthy church. If his calendar is empty other than the normal daily mass (some don’t have that), then I know his church is dying. If the calendar is full and most of the laity is participating, then that will be a healthy church.
Why the church growth lesson? St John Vianney is small but growing. There are many times any one of us might wonder how our small parish is doing..and we might have doubts. As we look at the mass, we have many families with kids, this is a great sign. God has blessed us with many families, and they bless us with their addition to our parish.
The other is a bit more subtle, but I can see it. Last week we had the first committee meeting of our events committee. I didn’t count but they had quite a few in attendance. These faithful were not simply the same folks that always serve, we had several new members, actively participating! The fact that we not only have a full calendar, but also so many of our members (and new members!!) looking to create even more opportunities for fellowship is a great sign!
Please continue to pray for our small church. In your prayers, though, thank God for all He has done for us; St John Vianney is healthy and growing!
Fr Scott
