Stories of parish renewal
from around the world.
Raising Missionary Disciples: A Story from Toulouse
When Fr. Antoine Laviale encountered Divine Renovation as a seminarian, it changed how he saw the priesthood—and what a parish could become. Today in Toulouse, he’s forming young people into missionary disciples through Alpha, raising up leaders, and sending them out to share the Gospel…
When Fr. Antoine Laviale encountered Divine Renovation as a seminarian, it changed how he saw the priesthood—and what a parish could become. Today in Toulouse, he’s forming young people into missionary disciples through Alpha, raising up leaders, and sending them out to share the Gospel...
On the outskirts of Liverpool, the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption has been serving its community since the 1940’s. Like many parishes, it carries...
Father Martin Vu was still in the seminary when he first picked up Divine Renovation: Bringing Your Parish from Maintenance to Mission. At the time, it stirred something in him. He didn’t just want to maintain a parish someday—he wanted to see people encounter Jesus personally and come alive in their faith. As a parochial vicar (assistant priest), he began experimenting with renewal in small but intentional ways—forming leadership with Spanish-speaking parishioners, focusing on evangelization, and participating in group coaching. When he was appointed Administrator of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Placentia in July 2024, that vision moved from theory to reality. When Father Martin first arrived, average Sunday Mass attendance was around 2,100. Today, it is closer to 2,500. On the surface, St. Joseph appeared stable and even strong. But the parish had just endured a season of deep disruption.
Divine Renovation is grateful to welcome Brett Powell as our new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment follows a season of careful discernment, prayer, and consultation. Throughout the search process, we were accompanied by the prayers of our staff, board, and partners around the world. We are deeply thankful for that spiritual support.
When Fr. Antoine Laviale encountered Divine Renovation as a seminarian, it changed how he saw the priesthood—and what a parish could become. Today in Toulouse, he’s forming young people into missionary disciples through Alpha, raising up leaders, and sending them out to share the Gospel...
On the outskirts of Liverpool, the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption has been serving its community since the 1940’s. Like many parishes, it carries...
Father Martin Vu was still in the seminary when he first picked up Divine Renovation: Bringing Your Parish from Maintenance to Mission. At the time, it stirred something in him. He didn’t just want to maintain a parish someday—he wanted to see people encounter Jesus personally and come alive in their faith. As a parochial vicar (assistant priest), he began experimenting with renewal in small but intentional ways—forming leadership with Spanish-speaking parishioners, focusing on evangelization, and participating in group coaching. When he was appointed Administrator of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Placentia in July 2024, that vision moved from theory to reality. When Father Martin first arrived, average Sunday Mass attendance was around 2,100. Today, it is closer to 2,500. On the surface, St. Joseph appeared stable and even strong. But the parish had just endured a season of deep disruption.
Divine Renovation is grateful to welcome Brett Powell as our new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment follows a season of careful discernment, prayer, and consultation. Throughout the search process, we were accompanied by the prayers of our staff, board, and partners around the world. We are deeply thankful for that spiritual support.
