Vine and Branches: Bishop Michael Saporito speaks with us about the archdiocesan initiative
On October 10, the Vine and Branches initiative will be launched in the Archdiocese of Newark. We recently spoke with Bishop Michael Saporito, auxiliary bishop and vicar for Bergen County. With his characteristic enthusiasm for pastoral work, he explained how this initiative is meant to be a guide to revitalize parishes after this time of pandemic. He shares with us that the initiative name – Vine and Branches – stems from a need to reconnect with Christ and each other following a time when our parishes have missed the celebration of the Eucharist as a community.
With a focus on reestablishing participation within our faith communities, this approach requires creativity. It is not about a singular weekend event, but instead a process that will extend throughout 2022.
What brought about the development of this initiative?
The pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives. This includes how we come together as a community of faith – in being physically present with one another – and how we connect with Christ and receive the Eucharist.
This initiative seeks to inspire our faith community to come back. It also aims to reach out to people who have not been engaged within the parish community but who, at this moment, are in need of faith, prayers, as well as a connection to Christ and one another. Given that we all have experienced this pandemic together, we are all working together to renew ourselves, while strengthening our ties to our local and Archdiocesan communities.
Will participation in Vine and Branches be mandated for all parishes?
No, it will not be required. We are offering this initiative as a framework to assist parishes in the midst of the planning process for the re-engagement of their faith communities.
So, what is expected of parishes?
We are expecting parishes to work to create and implement a plan throughout the upcoming year (through 2022). It is not about simply reaching out exclusively to those already actively participating in parish life, but also to those who do not. The emphasis should be on creating a spirit of welcome.
We have to keep in mind that the digital world is here to stay. Digital platforms will assist us in reaching those who have stopped attending, and those who are hesitant or on the margins. If a parish needs assistance in the area of technology, the Archdiocese has resources.
Parishes can and should be creative! In fact, parish teams are encouraged to work to understand and respond to the specific needs of their community. It is important to remember: life has changed and parish planning cannot be solely based on “how things have been done in the past.”
What steps should parishes take?
Pastors received a detailed presentation, but we can highlight a few of the ideas that have been offered.
We recommend that each parish appoint a team to prepare a “Welcome Back Month.” This team would have important responsibilities throughout the initial weekends. They would lead in planning activities – liturgical celebrations and social activities – to welcome new arrivals to the parish, as well as to strengthen the ties of community members. It is an opportunity not only to welcome people to Mass, but to the faith community as well.
Of course, continuity must be provided beyond the month of welcome. For that reason, a Revitalization Team is needed to find ways to keep the spirit alive and flourishing, and the doors open after the initial month. The work of this group is to focus on revitalizing the community with outreach activities that draw parishioners while touching their lives of faith.
A third team – the Social Team – should be tasked with creating events for the different demographic groups within the community, in order to establish or reestablish connections and nurture them in faith. Why not some coffee and cake after Mass, which brings together members of the community? Or a speaker-led session for a particular group? A book club, wine and cheese social, a concert, or a barbeque? It’s a matter of being creative!
A Missionary Team must be included, which is in tune with the message Pope Francis repeatedly shares that we must be an “a Church which goes forth.” This can be accomplished in coordination with the Archdiocesan offices.
And, naturally, there must be a Digital Team tasked with the digital strategy for the parish, managing the virtual presence and platforms to connect with the community.
Do you think the use of digital platforms in our pastoral work will be greater than in the past?
Yes, absolutely. As I shared earlier, digital resources are here to stay and should be utilized. During the pandemic we learned the importance of remaining connected to people. We cannot forget it. In our mission to reach those who have stopped coming, those who are tentative about coming back or on the margins, and those who simply cannot yet come physically to our churches, these digital platforms are without a doubt important.
Bishop Michael Saporito wraps up his conversation by reminding us that this plan will only be successful to the extent that all members of the community do our part, collaborating in the greater mission we are called to through our baptism. We are each invited to actively support the work of the parish by sharing our talents. Ready to accept?
