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FADICA’s timely research is commissioned specifically for informing Catholic initiatives and ventures, and contributes to the vital resources for taking action on the most pressing national and global issues of concern to the Church.
In May 2020, as a part of its Catholic Social Innovation Initiative, FADICA released “Open Wide the Doors to Christ: A Study of Catholic Social Innovation for Parish Vitality,” a report of best practices and innovations that foster the vitality of parishes. This research was completed as the second area of focus within the Catholic Social Innovation Initiative, through the valuable stewardship and support of FADICA’s Church Vitality Affinity Group.
The report highlights four key elements that are evident in vibrant parish communities: Leadership, Worship, Word, and Service. These elements combine to form a parish that is welcoming and missionary.
In addition, the report details how parish vitality may be fostered through four specific areas or lenses of parish life, as identified by the Church Vitality Affinity Group: Welcoming Parishes, Young Adults, Women and Women Religious in Leadership, and Hispanic Ministry. These areas are represented as four pathways in the adjacent infographic “Pathways to Parish Vitality.” Each pathway contains action steps that invite the faithful into the church and encourage them to then go forth to spread the Gospel within the larger community. These pathways also support the vitality of a parish.
Inspired by several FADICA members’ commitment to ending modern-day slavery, FADICA recently released Agents of Awakening: A Review of Anti- Human Trafficking Activities at U.S. Catholic Colleges and Universities.
As part of the first focus area of the Catholic Social Innovation Initiative, FADICA completed this study of Catholic Social Innovation in the Global Refugee Crisis.
Other unprecedented and timely studies include
FADICA is the leading philanthropic peer network serving as a catalyst for a vital Catholic Church, Catholic ministries, and the common good. We promote the growth and effectiveness of Catholic philanthropy inspired by the joy of the Gospel and the Catholic social tradition. FADICA supports its members through education, exchange, fellowship and faith, research, joint funding opportunities, and interaction with Catholic leadership.