Small Parish Forum attracts diverse group from US and Canada
BYESVILLE, OH [MW Diocese Communications/Ann Marie Mecera] — The first-ever Small Parish Forum was at Christ the Savior Church here July 10-12, 2014. It was co-hosted by the Diocese of the Midwest and the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.
Geared to parishes with 50 members or less, the forum featured speakers who presented ideas, principles and tactics for strengthening the parish, committing to long term viability, and developing reachable goals.
Participants came from as far away as New England, North Dakota, and Saskatchewan. In addition to clergy and laity attendees from Orthodox parishes, the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, Ohio was represented by Priest Dennis Hrubiak.
“It truly was excellently planned and executed!” said an enthusiastic Archpriest William (John) Evansky of Holy Ghost Church, Ambridge, PA and Chancellor of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. “I heard numerous positive comments from the attendees, many of whom look forward to similar events in the future.”
Presentations were supported with workshops, case studies, clergy and lay breakout sessions, and time for networking. Participants will be given the opportunity to stay in touch with one another for support and reinforcement through an electronic e-mail group.
Given encouragement to hold another conference in 2015, organizers will begin preliminary planning in the coming months and year.
A photo gallery of the event can be viewed here.
Forum materials may be accessed here.
Those interested in attending the 2015 Small Parish Forum will find updates on the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania web site, here.
