Thriving Rural Congregations

Rural Catholics TalkingPriest giving a talk
Lay Catholics in Church

Strengthen Your Parish Leadership

Imagine your parish growing into a dynamic, fruitful community where Catholics feel connected and equipped to live their faith with courage. The pastor is supported by well-formed lay leaders. Christ is shared more freely with neighbors, family, and friends. 

Thriving Rural Congregations offers training and ongoing support for parish leaders ready to pursue that vision together.

Experience the Joy of Belonging to a Flourishing Catholic Community

Mass in a barn

The Harvest Is Abundant,
But the Laborers Are Few

Catholic communities are strongest when pastors and lay leaders carry the mission together. But over 60% of rural priests surveyed said finding the support of lay leaders was their greatest challenge. This program is designed to change that.

Thriving Rural Congregations invites leaders to:

Deepen their personal faith
Assess the needs of their parish and wider community
Collaborate more fruitfully with their pastor
Create local ministries with an evangelical spirit
Woman and man listening to a talk
Thriving Rural Congregations group during a training

After training, parish teams continue to receive guidance from the national Catholic Rural Life Advisory Group. Lay leaders are also welcomed into a wider network of rural Catholic leaders, where they can share what is working, learn from one another, and stay encouraged in their ministry.