Excellent Catholic Parishes: The Guide to Best Places and Practices

Hundreds of great parishes throughout the country have been uncovered by Paul Wilkes in his search to pinpoint what makes a Catholic parish successful. In his earlier book, The Seven Secrets of Successful Catholics, Wilkes looked at what made individual Catholics successful. His new book on parishes is a kind of "Michelin Guide" to the very best American Catholicism has to offer.

To begin, Wilkes takes an in-depth look at eight parishes that are not only models of excellence; they're also proof that all kinds of parishes can be successful--from inner city to suburban, homogenous to diverse, co-pastorates to churches without priests. Not every parish excelled in every area, but together they touched on all aspects of parish life: from finances to devotions, social action to renovations, adult education to outreach to the unchurched. Following is a section on those traits common to excellence that can be reproduced in parishes everywhere. And the book includes a directory of hundreds of great parishes throughout the country. Wilkes disproves the myth that a lack of priests and resources is what holds parishes back from excellence. He puts the three keys of success--vision, energy, and hope--within the reach of every parish.

This is must reading for pastors, pastoral staff members, diocesan offices, and any pastor or pastoral staff member about to relocated. It's also invaluable for the laity--for parish council members, anyone looking for a new parish home, and all active parishioners who want to improve their current parish. A website carries extra-value information not in the book.