“I've been a priest for 27 years, and I've seen plenty of good missions and prayerful events in churches. But nothing prepared me for our Elevated Parish Mission (EPM). Hearts and voices swelled as John Paul led us in simple songs that were just prayers calling on the Lord's power and love. The crowd increased each night, with everyone young and old on fire with holy desire as they listened to the speaker. The spotlight shining on our Lord in the Eucharistic procession in the otherwise dark church embodied EPM's goal-- encountering Love and peace in Jesus who overpowers darkness. EPM staff walked us through the organizing end so clearly and prayerfully that the mission came off without a hitch. Pastors and parishioners, I promise you that an Elevated Parish Mission will light a fire in your congregation that will surprise you. It made me love being a priest even more..”

Elevated Parish Missions had a huge impact on our parish community, way beyond the three days of the mission.  What words and music could not accomplish, Eucharistic adoration each evening did, bringing the presence and healing of Christ to our people. We are still hearing of the miracles that happened one year later.

"During the meetings, you were able to form us as a team and as better Christians. Your prayerful witness, your recounting of stories about your work community and your quad opened our eyes to what it looks like to live as an authentic disciple... You’ve helped us to see how our community can be improved, how we can honestly pray and reflect together, that we can be vulnerable with each other. The mission reminded us that God wants to heal his people and we need to get out of the way, learn to trust Him and He will act. You have the unique opportunity as Elevated Parish Missions to actually form teams within parishes! That is a beautiful gift to the Church. Our community will be forever blessed by your work here."

Elevated Parish Mission came to Holy Name and with it came hope and healing, not to mention a lot of joy. The ability to praise God with hearts full of gratitude is something that takes time to cultivate, and this mission did that in an exemplary way. From the very first moment, my parishioners and I felt the stirring of God’s Presence and His plan for us over the next three nights. Our hearts are full now, as we remember the graces that we each received in the course of our parish mission. I wholeheartedly encourage other pastors to consider hosting this parish mission, which to date has been the most transformative of all the missions I’ve experienced. We know better than ever that Jesus is Lord and that He is not afraid to enter our hearts with His mercy and compassion. Saint John Paul II defined parishes as schools of prayer: hosting the Elevated Parish Mission was a quantum leap forward for all who participated in the ways of God. What a blessing it was and always will be that we were able to participate in this magnificent outpouring of the graces of God.