These three documents — “Evangelization Through Encounter,” “Toward a Catholic Sacramental Imagination,” and “Evangelizing African Americans” — provide the blueprint for moving us toward a more coordinated strategy for fulfilling our parish mission. Together, they explain how our parish ministries should be aligned around evangelization, Catholic formation, sacramental life, cultural encounter, service, and listening.

Dear Parish Ministry Leaders,
 
As we look ahead, I am asking each parish ministry to engage in a focused and intentional effort to identify and invite new volunteers.

I am asking all those who lead or coordinate parish ministries to do the following:
 

• Reflect prayerfully on the mission and needs of your ministry.
• Identify parishioners who you believe would be well-suited to serve—people whose gifts, temperament, and faith life would strengthen the ministry.
• Seek input from others already serving in your ministry about potential candidates.
• After discernment, personally approach those parishioners and invite them to consider serving.
• Inform me of whom you have approached and share their contact information so that I can follow up and support the invitation through a personal conversation.

 
This is not about filling slots quickly, but about strengthening our parish by inviting people into meaningful participation and shared responsibility. Personal invitation remains one of the most effective ways people come to serve.
 
Please let me know whether your ministry wishes to participate in this recruitment effort and, if so, how I can best support you.
 
Thank you for your generosity, your leadership, and your care for the life of our parish.
 
Peace,
Fr. Matt