Fratelli Tutti – Have you read it?

Have you read the Holy Father’s new Encyclical? I’ve just been able to read the summary put together by the Editorial Board here at OSV, and I’m already convicted about how I use social media and engage with people online.

A Compelling Parish Video

One of the “extras” we recommend when a parish engages with us for an offertory program, capital campaign, or vision plan is a compelling parish video. How has the parish shaped the lives of parishioners?

Relational Authority

Almost every parish I’ve ever worked with has asked some form of this question, “How do we engage young people?” Or they express a concern about how “they never see young people at Mass; they’re always off doing other things.” I think this new research from Springtide will help us all craft a ministry that really meets the needs of Gen Z! Let’s explore it together!

Building Relationships

The Fall is typically full for our offertory programs at OSV. Parishes are asking their parishioners to renew and update their commitment to supporting the parish through the Sunday Offertory. One of my co-workers who is very passionate about this solution shared this article with our team a few weeks ago. The old, tried and true, way of simply sending a packet of envelopes to each house and meeting budget isn’t working anymore. It’s more than that.

Kitchen Organization

I know you don’t normally come to me for Organizational Ideas … I’m not sure why though since I have a pretty organized home. But anyway, I saw this idea last week at Church of the Blessed Sacrament in their kitchen and thought I’d share.

Movie Watching Group

Last week I shared an idea about a Podcast Club and someone commented that they have a movie club. A few hours later I saw this article from Busted Halo about some Catholic-Themed films. Thought I’d share some thoughts and ideas!

A Podcast Club

Over the last few weeks I’ve seen a few new podcasts I wanted to share with y’all. I’ve really been appreciating them or anticipating them, if I’m being honest – I haven’t listened to one on the list, but I did listen to an interview with the author of it. Podcasts are a great way to listen on the go for personal development, but they’re also an easy thing to share on social media. I think it would also be intriguing for a parish to have a “Podcast Club” where participants listen to an episode before the meeting, then come to discuss. I’ve never seen this done before, but it would be very intriguing. If you try it, let me know!

Undignified Liturgical Music

I just listened to the last OSV Innovation Talk about Liturgical Music and I’m in love with his vision. It’s different than what anyone else is talking about and also my dream for Liturgical Music. It reminds me of a quote from Thérèse of Lisiuex. “My God, I choose all! I don’t want to be a saint by halves; I choose all that You will!” She’s talking about the spiritual life. She wants to be a Saint 100%. For me, regarding Liturgical Music, “I choose all.”

Changing Hearts

I’ve always thought that comment boxes on the internet are the absolute worst places. Read an article you love then look at the comments to see tons of people agree with you – and you won’t find them. Just hatred thrown at the author, anyone who agrees with the author, and anyone who might remotely look like, believe the same, or read the article. It’s where we’re our worst selves.

2020 Innovation Challenge Winners

Did you know that the OSV Institute has been hosting an Innovation Challenge these past 12 months? Well, if not, these are some great Catholic Organizations to check out. The 12 finalists are all outlined here on the Challenge Website. After a year of preparation, this past Saturday was Demo Day.