Rekindle the Spirit

Renewing Our Parish Mission Together

Rekindle the Spirit is Christ the King's ongoing pastoral planning and parish renewal initiative. Through prayer, discernment, parish engagement, and strategic planning, we are seeking God's direction as we strengthen our mission and prepare for the future.


The work began with parish-wide surveys, presentations, town hall discussions, and small-group conversations. Today, Rekindle the Spirit continues as parish leaders and ministry teams implement priorities that emerged from that process.


This initiative is active and ongoing.

Our Mission

To love and serve Christ our King.

This mission, built upon and rooted in the mission given to the universal church by Christ, includes proclaiming the Gospel, making Jesus Christ known and loved, and bringing people into a saving relationship with God in the power of the Holy Spirit. (From Saint Thomas the Apostle)

How do we live out this mission?

  • Remaining united to our King through prayer, service, faith sharing, and communal worship
  • Witnessing to our King by our lives, deeds, and words – including our hospitality, support for each other, and generous outreach
  • Sharing the Good News of His Love, His Kingdom, and His Victory
  • Serving the Lord through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy
  • Seeking reconciliation with God and with each other in all things
  • Taking up our Cross and following Him as Missionary Disciples

Key Parish Initiatives

The following priorities emerged through prayer, discernment, parish input, and pastoral leadership. Based on Pope Francis’ encyclical “The Joy of the Gospel”, Archbishop Hebda’s pastoral letter “You will be my Witnesses”, and the discernment of our Coordinating Council and Pastoral Council.

  • Expand the Scope and Increase the Quality of our Weekly “Sunday Experience”
  • Encourage Liturgical Renewal and Eucharistic Revival
  • Build a Culture of Intentional Missionary Discipleship
  • Strengthen the Call to Stewardship and Mission-Based Advancement
  • Renew Focus on Mission-Based Excellence in our School

Background

Rekindle the Spirit is Christ the King's ongoing pastoral planning and parish renewal initiative. Through prayer, listening, study, and parish-wide engagement, we sought to discern how God is calling our parish to grow in faith and mission.


As partners in the mission of Jesus to bring all people into God's Kingdom of love, we asked:

  • How can we best accomplish what God has in mind for us?
  • How can we best use the gifts and talents of our parish community?
  • How can we invite more people into a relationship with Christ?


This process included a parish-wide survey, presentations on future trends and parish demographics, small-group discussions, town hall meetings, and the development of mission-focused priorities for the future.


"This is an exciting time for us here at Christ the King as we take important steps toward renewing God's purpose for us."

Fr. Erich Rutten, Pastor

Phase 1: Listening and Assessment

August - October 2025

The first phase focused on understanding our current reality, listening to parishioners, and examining trends that may shape the future of our parish community.


Member Engagement Survey

From August 15 to September 7, 2025, parishioners and community members age 18 and older were invited to participate in a confidential Gallup Member Engagement Survey. The survey helped identify parish strengths, opportunities for growth, and areas of focus for future planning.


Future Trends Presentation

Parishioner and global futurist Jack Uldrich shared insights on the technological, social, economic, political, and cultural changes shaping the future of faith communities.


Current Reality Presentation

Steve Ragaller, former chair of the Parish Advisory Council, presented demographic research and financial analysis gathered in partnership with Emmaus Partners along with the Gallup survey findings  to help parishioners better understand Christ the King's current reality.

Phase 2: Community Discernment

November 2025

Parishioners were invited to participate in conversations about Christ the King's future mission and priorities.


Small groups, listening sessions, and town hall meetings provided opportunities for parishioners to share ideas, offer feedback, and help shape the direction of the parish.


Phase 3: Mission, Vision, and Priorities

January 2026

Proposed mission, vision, and strategic priorities that emerged from the discernment process were shared. Additional town hall discussions provided opportunities for parishioners to review and respond to the recommendations.

Phase 4: Implementation and Leadership Development

Spring 2026 - Present

Rekindle the Spirit has moved from planning to action.


Leadership Recruitment and Parish Engagement

Parishioners were invited to serve on leadership teams and new task forces that would help carry the initiative forward.


Leadership Teams help guide the direction, stewardship, and operations of the parish:

  • Parish Pastoral Council
  • Finance Council
  • Facilities Committee
  • Stewardship Committee


Task Forces were established to carry forward the priorities that emerged from the pastoral planning process:

  • Sunday Experience + Mass & Liturgy
  • Mission & Discipleship
  • Families & Youth


These teams are helping shape the future of Christ the King by identifying opportunities, recommending actions, and supporting the implementation of parish priorities.