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The Book that Ignited a Global Movement.
You are holding in your hands a book that started a worldwide conversation about what it means to be a missionary parish – and ten years later, its impact is still growing. Divine Renovation challenged parishes to go beyond maintaining buildings, programs and parishioners and embrace their true mission: to make disciples.
This 10th Anniversary Edition features updated content, commentary by Fr James Mallon, and new chapters from a bishop, several priests and a lay person who share firsthand stories of parish transformation in their own contexts. Alongside Fr James’s practical strategies and pastoral guidance, these reflections offer fresh insights and encouragement for any parish ready to move from maintenance to mission.
Rooted in Church teaching and filled with real-world examples, this edition provides both inspiration and actionable steps for parish leaders seeking to make a lasting impact. The Church needs missionary parishes more than ever – and this book shows what’s possible.
“Divine Renovation helped me both imagine and implement with my priests a vision for parish renewal rooted in Christ. This 10th Anniversary Edition shows how parishes can make the missionary conversion necessary for our age, and how the Eucharist and the Sunday experience can be at the heart of that transformation. It is practical, faithful and inspiring – a must-read for bishops, priests and parish leaders seeking to help set their communities on fire with mission.”
– Most Rev Andrew Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston (Minnesota)
“Truly inspiring, practical and challenging! I believe that this is where the Lord is leading his Church.”
– Gérald C. Cardinal Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec, Primate of Canada
“A bracing call to move every parish community from a maintenance model to a mission model… or die! I heartily recommend it to every parish priest and his parish council.”
– Terrence Prendergast, SJ, Archbishop Emeritus of Ottawa
“This book is a ‘tour de force’ – a must read! Fr James speaks from experience: vibrant parish renewal is not only essential, it is possible!”
– Very Rev Scott McCaig CC, General Superior, Companions of the Cross (Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada)
“Buy one for yourself and another for your pastor.”
– Patrick Lencioni, President, The Table Group, and bestselling author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Advantage
Fr James Mallon is a Canadian Catholic priest, author and founder of Divine Renovation, a global ministry that has equipped priests and parish leaders around the world to embrace evangelisation and parish renewal. He currently serves as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
