Making Plans to Support the Health and Vitality of Congregations
We are called to share the Good News of God's love with the world. Healthy and vital congregations are better able to do this — as beacons of compassion and hope. The Diocese of Chicago continues to advance its strategic planning efforts, as presented at the 2025 Diocesan Convention and shared in the May 6, 2026 newsletter.
As part of that process, a Task Force on Congregational Health and Vitality was formed to recommend how we can support and strengthen our communities of faith. To do this well, we need your help. Rather than guess, we want to listen carefully to people across the Diocese. Specifically:
What does your community of faith need to improve its health and vitality?
How the sessions work
Task Force members will lead 12 discussion sessions, each:
one hour long
held via Zoom
limited to 20 participants
Clergy and lay people are both invited to share input on what their congregation needs to grow healthier and more vital.
Congregations are grouped by deanery clusters so we can offer a wider range of times — each deanery will have at least one daytime and one evening option.
Session format
A brief review of the Task Force's working definition of health and vitality (sent in advance with your Zoom link).
Reflection: What would help your community be more vital and healthier? Share specific moments or recurring issues that made you think, "I wish we had outside help with this."
The "magic wand" question: Of everything shared, what's the one thing you'd fix first — and why?
Registration is required so we can send the Zoom link and agenda in advance. Sign up here: link
For more information you can also visit this site (https://sites.google.com/view/dio-chi-health-and-vitality/home)
Questions? Contact Dawud Thompson (773-307-3031), Warren Cinnick (847-494-6678), or the Rev. Kevin Caruso (773-519-0159).
SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE TIMES
NOTE:
Congregations are grouped by clusters of deaneries so more time slots are available to everyone.
Invitations will be sent to the first 20 registrants per session
However, everyone who fills out the sign-up will be contacted (whether or not they can attend a session) and asked for their feedback and thoughts.
Joliet, Peoria, Rockford
Tuesday 7/21/2026 at 3pm
Thursday 7/23/2026 at 7pm
Wednesday 7/29/2026 at 7pm
*
Chicago-North, Chicago-South, Oak Park, Evanston
Wednesday 7/22/2026 at 4pm
Thursday 7/23/2026 at 7pm
Monday 7/27/2026 at 7pm
*
Aurora, Elgin, Waukegan
Tuesday 7/21/2026 at 7pm
Wednesday 7/22/2026 at 7pm
Thursday 7/23/2026 at 3pm
*
OVERFLOW SESSIONS
Wednesday 7/29/2026 at 7pm
Thursday 7/30/2026 at 3pm
Thursday 7/30/2026 at 7pm