METRO DETROIT — This fall, nine parishes tested the waters of 21st century evangelization with the creation of “missionary strategic plans,” a series of bold, actionable steps following Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron's blueprint in Unleash the Gospel.

As parishes grapple with the realities of shrinking congregations and a growing apathy toward faith, the plans created by the nine “partner parishes” are leading the way toward a transformation of the Archdiocese of Detroit in a spirit of missionary conversion.

As the plans were being created, parish members spoke with the Detroit Catholic video team about how the Holy Spirit has inspired the process so far. 

For more about the “Sent on Mission” process, check out Detroit Catholic's previous coverage, or visit www.unleashthegospel.org/next. 

Video by Joe Pelletier, Richard Giffin and Paul Duda.