2024 Gratitude Report
5,100 priests 29,000+ leaders 6,800 parishes connected with Divine Renovation
2024 Gratitude Report
5,100 priests 29,000+ leaders 6,800 parishes connected with Divine Renovation
A message from Fr. James Mallon
Founder of Divine Renovation
This past year, our ministry has once again been overwhelmed by the continuing hunger for parish renewal throughout the world. I have been blessed to speak with and learn from many incredible priests and bishops during these last few months. As a supporter of our ministry, you may have heard me say
that pastoring a parish through change is very difficult. It is, and I love it.
What I love more is to hear these same feelings expressed by my brother priests worldwide, priests who have been blessed by our ministry’s accompaniment with them as they journey on this difficult road towards health and renewal. We hear of their struggles and walk with them so that they are re-invigorated in their vital role as a leader and pastor of their parish.
Your financial support of Divine Renovation Ministry is critical to making all of this happen. So, while I may not be your parish priest, I want to thank you on behalf of parish priests across the globe. Thank you for your support of Divine Renovation so that it can continue to support priests like me as we continue our work in making missionary disciples, transforming our parishes and, in turn, our world.
May the Lord continue to bless our work and each of you with abundance.
A message from Dan O'Rourke
President of Divine Renovation
At a Divine Renovation event, I was sitting next to Archbishop Zbigņevs Stankevičs from Latvia. At one point, he leaned over to me and said: “I had to totally rearrange my schedule to be here. I was supposed to be at the king’s birthday party today.” As it turns out, the
archbishop had been invited to the embassy for the celebration in Riga. “But I had to cancel so I could be here. The Holy Spirit wanted me here instead.” My jaw nearly hit the floor. I’d like to think Divine Renovation does a good job putting on events, but wow … that’s quite a profound choice. The sacrifices that bishops, priests, and lay leaders are making for the sake of mission are incredible. I learned a lot from sitting next to him. “Dan, it’s about priorities. What are my priorities? I’m an evangelist, I want people to know Jesus. So, I’m here.”
Are your priorities that clear?
The growing number of bishops and priests who have a fire in their hearts for parish renewal is phenomenal. In this Gratitude Report, you will get just a tiny glimpse of what God has done through Divine Renovation because of your financial support.
And, as you reflect on your giving this year, I invite you to discern your priorities just like the Archbishop. I pray you feel called to give to Divine Renovation for the sake of bishops and priests like him. You may have to sacrifice a birthday party for a king, but is it a sacrifice you’d be willing to make for The King?
A message from Fr. James Mallon
Founder of Divine Renovation
This past year, our ministry has once again been overwhelmed by the continuing hunger for parish renewal throughout the world. I have been blessed to speak with and learn from many incredible priests and bishops during these last few months. As a supporter of our ministry, you may have heard me say
that pastoring a parish through change is very difficult. It is, and I love it.
What I love more is to hear these same feelings expressed by my brother priests worldwide, priests who have been blessed by our ministry’s accompaniment with them as they journey on this difficult road towards health and renewal. We hear of their struggles and walk with them so that they are re-invigorated in their vital role as a leader and pastor of their parish.
Your financial support of Divine Renovation Ministry is critical to making all of this happen. So, while I may not be your parish priest, I want to thank you on behalf of parish priests across the globe. Thank you for your support of Divine Renovation so that it can continue to support priests like me as we continue our work in making missionary disciples, transforming our parishes and, in turn, our world.
May the Lord continue to bless our work and each of you with abundance.
A message from Dan O'Rourke
President of Divine Renovation
At a Divine Renovation event, I was sitting next to Archbishop Zbigņevs Stankevičs from Latvia. At one point, he leaned over to me and said: “I had to totally rearrange my schedule to be here. I was supposed to be at the king’s birthday party today.” As it turns out, the
archbishop had been invited to the embassy for the celebration in Riga. “But I had to cancel so I could be here. The Holy Spirit wanted me here instead.” My jaw nearly hit the floor. I’d like to think Divine Renovation does a good job putting on events, but wow … that’s quite a profound choice. The sacrifices that bishops, priests, and lay leaders are making for the sake of mission are incredible. I learned a lot from sitting next to him. “Dan, it’s about priorities. What are my priorities? I’m an evangelist, I want people to know Jesus. So, I’m here.”
Are your priorities that clear?
The growing number of bishops and priests who have a fire in their hearts for parish renewal is phenomenal. In this Gratitude Report, you will get just a tiny glimpse of what God has done through Divine Renovation because of your financial support.
And, as you reflect on your giving this year, I invite you to discern your priorities just like the Archbishop. I pray you feel called to give to Divine Renovation for the sake of bishops and priests like him. You may have to sacrifice a birthday party for a king, but is it a sacrifice you’d be willing to make for The King?
At Divine Renovation, our goal is to
equip 33,000 parishes to become missional by 2033.
At Divine Renovation, our goal is to
equip 33,000 parishes to become missional by 2033.
We will do this by
Inspiring, connecting, and equipping parishes to be missional and through them bring people to Jesus.
We seek to inspire priests and lay leaders to move their parishes from maintenance to mission.
We seek to connect with parish
leaders and walk with them on this journey of renewal.
We seek to equip and support parish leaders for the work of mission.
We will do this by
Inspiring, connecting, and equipping parishes to be missional and through them bring people to Jesus.
We seek to inspire priests and lay leaders to move their parishes from maintenance to mission.
We seek to connect with parish
leaders and walk with them on this journey of renewal.
We seek to equip and support parish leaders for the work of mission.
Highlights
Catholic Parish Summit • On June 12-14, 2024, nearly 1,000 bishops, priests, and parish leaders gathered in Harrogate, England for the Catholic Parish Summit.
With a vision of sending disciples, equipping leaders, and launching the transformation of our nations, the three-day conference focused on giving parishes the tools to cast off on the journey of parish renewal, while empowering those already on the journey to inspire others and multiply their impact.
“I was amazed at the number of bishops. I was amazed at the number of priests. I just did not think there would be so many – that stunned me actually. That just gives a huge amount of hope. There is hope! And it looks like the Lord is doing something.”
-Priest attendee
“I’ve now seen an inspiring vision of a Church I want to be a part of, one that demonstrates the love of God I’ve personally experienced and want others to know about too.”
-Lay attendee
“I have returned with a renewed encounter with the Holy Spirit, full of new ideas, plans and hope for the future of my parish .… I am really excited for this new chapter we are about to enter.”
-Priest attendee
Our largest online gathering in 2024 • In November 2024, Divine Renovation and Alpha co-hosted the global online event Re-Presenting Jesus: Sharing Christ in Contemporary Culture, featuring Fr. James Mallon, Jonathan Roumie, Dr. Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, and Nicky Gumbel.
Together, they explored practical ways to share Christ in today’s world, inspiring clergy and lay leaders alike to bring the Gospel to life in their parishes. This momentous gathering reaffirmed the movement’s mission to transform parishes worldwide.
With over 7,000 people from 93 countries registered, the event highlighted the universal hunger for renewal and mission. Notably, over half of the attendees were new to Divine Renovation, underscoring its growing global impact.
Highlights
Catholic Parish Summit • On June 12-14, 2024, nearly 1,000 bishops, priests, and parish leaders gathered in Harrogate, England for the Catholic Parish Summit.
With a vision of sending disciples, equipping leaders, and launching the transformation of our nations, the three-day conference focused on giving parishes the tools to cast off on the journey of parish renewal, while empowering those already on the journey to inspire others and multiply their impact.
“I was amazed at the number of bishops. I was amazed at the number of priests. I just did not think there would be so many – that stunned me actually. That just gives a huge amount of hope. There is hope! And it looks like the Lord is doing something.”
-Priest attendee
“I’ve now seen an inspiring vision of a Church I want to be a part of, one that demonstrates the love of God I’ve personally experienced and want others to know about too.”
-Lay attendee
“I have returned with a renewed encounter with the Holy Spirit, full of new ideas, plans and hope for the future of my parish .… I am really excited for this new chapter we are about to enter.”
-Priest attendee
Our largest online gathering in 2024 • In November 2024, Divine Renovation and Alpha co-hosted the global online event Re-Presenting Jesus: Sharing Christ in Contemporary Culture, featuring Fr. James Mallon, Jonathan Roumie, Dr. Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, and Nicky Gumbel.
Together, they explored practical ways to share Christ in today’s world, inspiring clergy and lay leaders alike to bring the Gospel to life in their parishes. This momentous gathering reaffirmed the movement’s mission to transform parishes worldwide.
With over 7,000 people from 93 countries registered, the event highlighted the universal hunger for renewal and mission. Notably, over half of the attendees were new to Divine Renovation, underscoring its growing global impact.
INSPIRE
Igniting parish renewal worldwide.
At Divine Renovation, we equip priests and lay leaders to transform parishes from maintenance to mission.
Through powerful events, dynamic resources, and compelling stories of transformation, we amplify the voices of courageous leaders who are revitalizing their parishes. As these stories spread, more parishes break free from stagnation, embrace mission, and come to new life.
Since 2016, the number of priests impacted by Divine Renovation has grown to 5,100—a growing movement of renewal stirred by the Holy Spirit.
connected with DR
equipped through events
connected with DR
INSPIRE
Igniting parish renewal worldwide.
At Divine Renovation, we equip priests and lay leaders to transform parishes from maintenance to mission.
Through powerful events, dynamic resources, and compelling stories of transformation, we amplify the voices of courageous leaders who are revitalizing their parishes. As these stories spread, more parishes break free from stagnation, embrace mission, and come to new life.
Since 2016, the number of priests impacted by Divine Renovation has grown to 5,100—a growing movement of renewal stirred by the Holy Spirit.
connected with DR
equipped through events
connected with DR
“The whole thing about making disciples is now front and centre.”
When Fr. Keith Herrera went to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Aberdeen, Scotland, he firmly believed, “We’ve got a purpose, and we’re not just going to sit around.” Watch the transformation unfold at the Cathedral.
Fr. Keith Herrera
St. Mary's Cathedral
Aberdeen, Scotland
“The whole thing about making disciples is now front and centre.”
Fr. Keith Herrera
St. Mary's Cathedral
Aberdeen, Scotland
CONNECT
Leading renewal is difficult. But you're not alone.
Parish renewal can feel like uncharted territory. It’s challenging. It stretches relationships, tests faith, and demands courage. But you’re not the only one on this journey.
You need God’s grace above all—and a community that walks with you. Divine Renovation connects you to a network of leaders who share wisdom, encouragement, and real strategies for renewal.
Because when leaders support each other, parishes don’t just survive—they thrive.
represented in the global movement
users reached online
engagements on our platforms
CONNECT
Leading renewal is difficult. But you're not alone.
Parish renewal can feel like uncharted territory. It’s challenging. It stretches relationships, tests faith, and demands courage. But you’re not the only one on this journey.
You need God’s grace above all—and a community that walks with you. Divine Renovation connects you to a network of leaders who share wisdom, encouragement, and real strategies for renewal.
Because when leaders support each other, parishes don’t just survive—they thrive.
represented in the global movement
users reached online
engagements on our platforms
"We have five students each week asking for baptism."
The Student Parish of Toulouse in France is putting mission and evangelization first — and young people are coming to faith in droves.
Fr. Antoine Laviale
Paroisse Étudiante de Toulouse • Toulouse, France
"We have five students each week asking for baptism."
The Student Parish of Toulouse in France is putting mission and evangelization first — and young people are coming to faith in droves.
Fr. Antoine Laviale
Paroisse Étudiante de Toulouse
Toulouse, France
EQUIP
We help parishes escape maintenance mode and into a place of missional flourishing.
Your parish was made for more than survival. It was made for mission.
Divine Renovation walks with parish leaders like you, equipping you to break free from maintenance mode and step into a thriving, mission-driven culture.
Through coaching, events, and resources, we help you bring renewal to life by focusing on what truly transforms a parish:
Power of the Holy Spirit
Primacy of Evangelization
Best of Leadership
20 online • 32 in-person • 1 conference
DR books sold, translated in 11 languages
-
Since 2016, we've coached 1,240+ priests from 41 countries, in 11 different languages.
EQUIP
We help parishes escape maintenance mode and into a place of missional flourishing.
Your parish was made for more than survival. It was made for mission.
Divine Renovation walks with parish leaders like you, equipping you to break free from maintenance mode and step into a thriving, mission-driven culture.
Through coaching, events, and resources, we help you bring renewal to life by focusing on what truly transforms a parish:
Power of the Holy Spirit
Primacy of Evangelization
Best of Leadership
20 online • 32 in-person • 1 conference
DR books sold in 11 languages
-
Since 2016, we've coached 1,240+ priests from 41 countries, in 11 different languages.
“Having kids helped bring us back to Church.”
For Melissa and Cody, faith “just wasn’t at the forefront of our lives.” But through intentional ministry, St. Patrick’s Parish in Yorkville, IL re-engaged them with the Church.
Melissa & Cody
St. Patrick's Parish • Yorkville, IL
“Having kids helped bring us back to Church.”
For Melissa and Cody, faith “just wasn’t at the forefront of our lives.” But through intentional ministry, St. Patrick’s Parish in Yorkville, IL re-engaged them with the Church.
Melissa & Cody
St. Patrick's Parish
Yorkville, IL
WHY THIS MATTERS
The renewal of the Church is crucial now more than ever.
Because of your support, something incredible is happening.
Parishes worldwide are awakening to their missionary calling—bringing people to Jesus in powerful new ways. It’s not easy, but it’s working. And yet, the need has never been greater.
Cultural shifts, shrinking attendance, and a growing hunger for truth make one thing clear: the Church must be renewed, parish by parish. The parish remains indispensable to the Church’s mission, and mission is this: to bring people to Jesus.
The challenges of proclaiming the Gospel today highlight an urgent need for transformation—one many parishes have yet to embrace. But even as the path forward is demanding, we know this: the Holy Spirit is at work. A movement is unfolding, and we
are all invited to take part in this great mission of evangelization.
This is why your support matters.
Looking toward 2033, imagine the impact of 33,000 mission-focused parishes — each one a beacon of light, each one reaching people with the love of Jesus. That is the tipping point. That is the future we’re building together.
With your help, Divine Renovation is guiding parishes to become vibrant communities of mission — so that more people, in more places, can encounter Christ.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Your generosity is not only renewing parishes — it’s bringing people to Jesus.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The renewal of the Church is crucial now more than ever.
Because of your support, something incredible is happening.
Parishes worldwide are awakening to their missionary calling—bringing people to Jesus in powerful new ways. It’s not easy, but it’s working. And yet, the need has never been greater.
Cultural shifts, shrinking attendance, and a growing hunger for truth make one thing clear: the Church must be renewed, parish by parish. The parish remains indispensable to the Church’s mission, and mission is this: to bring people to Jesus.
The challenges of proclaiming the Gospel today highlight an urgent need for transformation—one many parishes have yet to embrace. But even as the path forward is demanding, we know this: the Holy Spirit is at work. A movement is unfolding, and we are all invited to take part in this great mission of evangelization.
This is why your support matters.
Looking toward 2033, imagine the impact of 33,000 mission-focused parishes — each one a beacon of light, each one reaching people with the love of Jesus. That is the tipping point. That is the future we’re building together.
With your help, Divine Renovation is guiding parishes to become vibrant communities of mission — so that more people, in more places, can encounter Christ.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Your generosity is not only renewing parishes — it’s bringing people to Jesus.
"GIVING IS A PROFOUND JOY": A DONOR STORY
“I pray that, secure in this missionary identity, the Church will set the world on fire.”
"Giving is a profound joy": A Donor Story Chris Bailey lives in Melbourne, Australia, with his wife, Kelsie, and their six-month-old daughter. Chris grew up as a cradle Catholic but struggled in his teens when his inherited faith clashed with the thinking of his secular peers. He says, “Attending World Youth Day when I was 19 catalysed a living faith in me.”
Chris and Kelsie are also generous supporters of Divine Renovation.
“Giving is a profound joy,” Chris shares. It’s his family’s way of “contributing to the Church’s mission, offering what we can in service to God.”
Chris
Melbourne, Australia
"GIVING IS A PROFOUND JOY": A DONOR STORY
“I pray that, secure in this missionary identity, the Church will set the world on fire.”
Chris
Melbourne, Australia
Financials
Transparency and good stewardship are core to our mission. Our 2024 financial details will be available soon. In the meantime, thank you for your trust and for partnering with us!
Have a look at our books.
As a supporter of Divine Renovation Ministry, you’ll have the peace of mind that your generous gift goes directly to the work of mission, evangelization, and parish renewal.
Support from our Bishops
Divine Renovation has been a very effective and popular catalyst for parish renewal in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The one-on-one formation and the extraordinary range and depth of resources are certainly worth consideration by any priest, parish or diocese looking for ways to foster renewal and empower evangelization in their own setting.
I see Divine Renovation as an excellent tool for the renewal of the parish.
I’ve become acquainted with parishes that have adopted the Divine Renovation vision and have been transformed thereby. My hope is that many more parish may be set on fire and equipped to help lay leaders become truly missional, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ as missionary disciples by the Jubilee Year 2033!
I am grateful for the fire of evangelization spreading in my diocese and other places through the work of Divine Renovation.
2033 is an immensely significant time not only in the history of the Church but of the whole world – 2000 years since the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Saviour. It encourages us to do something really significant and meaningful. I fully endorse this plan of Divine Renovation to launch a new initiative which helps us to focus on who and what is ultimately essential – Jesus Christ and the Redemption He brings.
I have seen the Divine Renovation movement grow since its very beginnings. The core insights it provides are essential for the health of our communities as we move from maintenance to mission.
Thank you to Divine Renovation for all the wonderful work you do to assist the renewal of the Church in our time. Let us in prayer implore the Holy Spirit to make us grow in holiness, thus equipping us to bring many more people into communion with Jesus Christ.
Challenging times call for clear vision and bold leadership. The world is hungering for the witness of a dynamic Church that has embraced her missionary identity. Grounded in Scripture and Sacred Tradition, Divine Renovation offers just such an example: clear vision and a concise framework for the challenges we are all facing. It provides the practical tools in bringing about significant renewal.
Your anointed efforts and collaboration are a great grace and source of evangelical promise in our Diocese. May this initiative bear even greater fruit for our Universal Church!
I am very happy to endorse “33 by 33” and to pray for this inspired initiative. In the year 2033, soon upon us, we will not only celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the LORD’s Resurrection but equally His Great Commission to the Church to proclaim His Gospel to the whole of Creation. It is a Commission which has lost none of its urgency and, which, “after two thousand years, has lost none of its freshness”. (Rosarium Virginis Mariae). I hope many parishes across the world will join in this mission and create a tipping point for the reconciliation of our world with the LORD and His Gospel of life.
A great initiative. May the Lord bless, direct, and give it growth!
A young pastor in my Diocese introduced Divine Renovation into his already active parish. Just last Spring at our Diocesan Annual Clergy Assembly, I invited two presenters to speak about the work of Divine Renovation to the priests. The presentations were well received by the priests and generated an enthusiasm for the goals of Divine Renovation: to make our parishes communities that form missionary disciples on fire with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that promote a commitment to ongoing conversion to the mission of the New Evangelization. Already 9 parishes are at various stages in implementing Divine Renovation. I strongly support Divine Renovation as a means of parish renewal.
I am more than pleased to endorse this breathtaking and bold plan of Divine Renovation. Recent popes, since the middle of the Twentieth Century, have encouraged us to become more intentionally missional. The two thousandth anniversary of our Saviour’s death and resurrection is an awe-inspiring encouragement to take this encouragement more seriously. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will move our hearts and minds.
Divine Renovation offers practical resources and support that help parishes in moving from maintenance to mission. I am enthusiastic about this initiative and encourage any pastor, parish, or diocese that is serious about building thriving, Christ-centered and mission-oriented parishes rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit, the primacy of evangelization and the best of leadership to connect with DR today!
Support from our Bishops
Divine Renovation has been a very effective and popular catalyst for parish renewal in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The one-on-one formation and the extraordinary range and depth of resources are certainly worth consideration by any priest, parish or diocese looking for ways to foster renewal and empower evangelization in their own setting.
I see Divine Renovation as an excellent tool for the renewal of the parish.
I am grateful for the fire of evangelization spreading in my diocese and other places through the work of Divine Renovation.
2033 is an immensely significant time not only in the history of the Church but of the whole world – 2000 years since the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Saviour. It encourages us to do something really significant and meaningful. I fully endorse this plan of Divine Renovation to launch a new initiative which helps us to focus on who and what is ultimately essential – Jesus Christ and the Redemption He brings.
I have seen the Divine Renovation movement grow since its very beginnings. The core insights it provides are essential for the health of our communities as we move from maintenance to mission.
Thank you to Divine Renovation for all the wonderful work you do to assist the renewal of the Church in our time. Let us in prayer implore the Holy Spirit to make us grow in holiness, thus equipping us to bring many more people into communion with Jesus Christ.
Challenging times call for clear vision and bold leadership. The world is hungering for the witness of a dynamic Church that has embraced her missionary identity. Grounded in Scripture and Sacred Tradition, Divine Renovation offers just such an example: clear vision and a concise framework for the challenges we are all facing. It provides the practical tools in bringing about significant renewal.
Your anointed efforts and collaboration are a great grace and source of evangelical promise in our Diocese. May this initiative bear even greater fruit for our Universal Church!
I am very happy to endorse “33 by 33” and to pray for this inspired initiative. In the year 2033, soon upon us, we will not only celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the LORD’s Resurrection but equally His Great Commission to the Church to proclaim His Gospel to the whole of Creation. It is a Commission which has lost none of its urgency and, which, “after two thousand years, has lost none of its freshness”. (Rosarium Virginis Mariae). I hope many parishes across the world will join in this mission and create a tipping point for the reconciliation of our world with the LORD and His Gospel of life.
A great initiative. May the Lord bless, direct, and give it growth!
I am more than pleased to endorse this breathtaking and bold plan of Divine Renovation. Recent popes, since the middle of the Twentieth Century, have encouraged us to become more intentionally missional. The two thousandth anniversary of our Saviour’s death and resurrection is an awe-inspiring encouragement to take this encouragement more seriously. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will move our hearts and minds.
Divine Renovation offers practical resources and support that helps parishes in moving from maintenance to mission. I am enthusiastic about this initiative and encourage any pastor, parish, or diocese that is serious about building thriving, Christ-centered and mission-oriented parishes rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit, the primacy of evangelization and the best of leadership to connect with DR today!
