Saint John Newman Parish

Renew My Church Overview

Let us pray for all of us as we enter into Renew My Church calling during these months. Let us pray for an open mind and heart to see us a missionary church. It is in the spirit of renewal and collaboration that we will re-encounter Jesus Christ as we have conversations with members of other parishes. We are called to bring the best of each other as disciples of Christ. Let us keep in mind that Christ calls us to have a personal transformation and conversion of heart.

Participating Evanston Parishes

  • Saint Joan of Arc
  • Saint Mary
  • Saint Nicholas
  • Saint Athanasius
  • Sheil Center

Renew My Church Vision

Renew My Church is our answer to God’s call to Rebuild his church in Chicago. Why is there a need for renewal? We are facing not an “age of change,” but “a change for the ages.” We are now in a missionary age. Pope Francis calls us to work towards a renewed model of a parish. Our Chicago journey is both structural, (to ensure our parishes have adequate resources for vitality) and spiritual (to re-encounter Jesus Christ as disciples and parish communities). The three important elements to drive renewal: Christ calls us to a personal transformation and conversion of heart, Christ calls us to ensure that our methods serve our mission, Christ calls us to communion and collaboration recognizing that we all bring different gifts necessary to support one another in this work of renewal.

Timeline

Familiarization – April through August 

During this time, Pastors are inviting 5 members from their parish community (Principal, paid staff and 3 more non-staff) to pray and consider to be part of the Grouping Feedback and Discernment Team. Renew My Church (RMC) Archdiocesan Staff is in the process of assigning a facilitator who will manage the process for the grouping. Besides the facilitator, we will also have support from the Vicariate Team and Pastoral Accompaniment Team. Priests will have a preparation retreat in late July or August. 

Discernment and Decision – 4 to 6 months starting in September 

The Pastor and 5 parish members will form a Grouping Feedback and Discernment Team. The team will start their formal meetings with the other parishes after Labor Day. 

Organizational Transition – 8 to 12 months following Discernment and Decision 

Planning and execution of steps needed to create a new parish.

Building the New Reality 

This ongoing process will commence when the new parish is ready.