I know exactly how you feel. I’ve been there too—discouraged, overwhelmed, burnt out. You pour your heart into this ministry, work countless extra hours trying to get everything done, and still feel like you’re drowning. The responsibilities seem endless, new challenges arise daily, and despite your best efforts, things still slip through the cracks. You dread going to church because there’s always someone asking you to take on one more thing. You can’t even pray anymore because your mind spins with worry about the million details you need to handle.

You know, of course, that God does not want you to live or minister this way! Jesus promises us that his yoke is easy and your ministry should bring you joy, not crushing stress.

So what’s the solution? How can you gain freedom from the burden of trying to do it all yourself?

Putting together your primary team

The answer is simple, though not easy—empower the parish assembly as your primary team. Release the notion that you or your catechumenate team are solely responsible for initiating new members. The work of conversion belongs to the whole community!

Easier said than done, right? Here are some practical steps:

First, trust your parishioners. We teach our seekers that the parish is a manifestation of Christ. So we should try harder to believe that and involve the parishioners who make up the Body of Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust that your parish assembly has the gifts to embrace and guide new members.

Next, have an honest conversation with your pastor. Share your struggles openly. Ask how to equip the assembly for their baptismal call to initiate new believers. Remember that making disciples is meant to be the work of the whole community, not just you or a small team!

Making disciples is meant to be the work of the whole community, not just you or a small team!

Getting leadership involved

Here are some key topics to discuss with your pastor and parish leaders:

• How can we remind the parishioners that initiating new members is their shared responsibility?

• What formation might the assembly need to ready themselves for this role?

• How can we invite parishioners to assist in practical ways such as hospitality, testimony, and relationship building?

• What fears or hesitations might the parishioners have about involvement that need to be addressed?

• How can the pastor encourage the assembly to embrace this calling each Sunday from the pulpit?

Spend time in prayer, asking God to guide parishioners to embrace their baptismal call in this ministry. Help the assembly see that initiating new believers is not just for the catechumenate team; it is central to their identity as Christians!

Inviting parishioners

When you involve parishioners, give them specific, manageable roles drawing on their unique gifts. For example:

• Weekly welcome ministry after Mass for newcomers

• Sharing personal faith stories with seekers

• Preparing meals or refreshments for the catechumens

• Inviting seekers into parishioner’s homes for a meal or coffee

• Praying for catechumens by name each day

• Writing notes of encouragement to catechumens

• Attending the rites to show community support

Provide training for parishioners, but don’t expect perfection. Be patient, and resist the urge to criticize or take back control. Allow the assembly to take ownership at their own pace.

Provide training for parishioners, but don’t expect perfection.

Letting go of perfectionism

Here are some tips for letting go of perfectionism and control as you empower the parishioners:

• Thank volunteers for any effort to support the catechumens’ and candidates’ journey.

• If mistakes happen, gently redirect and offer additional formation.

• Focus on progress rather than demanding perfect performance.

• Give suggestions rather than commands.

• Offer options rather than rigid requirements.

• Release the need for programs to be done exactly as you would do them.

What if parishioners are slow to own this work? Persist in casting the vision and equipping the assembly. If after a season there is still resistance, refocus your efforts on those who are responding. Or perhaps simplify programs to match the current involvement. Don’t try to force participation; pray and gently invite.

Setting boundaries

Finally, set boundaries on your own workload to prevent burnout as you aim to empower others. Your own spiritual and physical health is essential.

Here are some boundary-setting tips:

• Take a Sabbath day off each week.

• Stop working in the evenings.

• Limit ministry talk during family time.

• Schedule getaways with your spouse.

• Avoid constant e-mail distraction.

• Take real vacation time each year.

This radical letting-go takes great faith. But remember, making disciples is Jesus’ work through his Body, not just you! Trust the Holy Spirit to guide the parishioners into their calling. As you walk closely with Jesus daily, you will find grace and freedom.

You may still struggle to let go. That’s okay. Keep trusting the Spirit and returning control to the assembly. Stay the course of empowerment despite discomfort. God loves you and understands this journey of equipping others. You can do this! The parishioners are ready to be active in accompanying seekers on their journey of faith.

Can you help me out?

I’d love to know how this is landing. Can you share a word or a phrase about how this article resonates with you? Does it speak to your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments box below. Thanks for being part of the conversion!