Drawing on the wisdom gleaned from thriving mega-churches and innovative business leaders while anchoring their vision in the Eucharistic center of Catholic faith, Fr. Michael White and lay associate Tom Corcoran present the compelling and inspiring story to how they brought their parish back to life.
Rebuilt is a story of stopping everything and changing focus. When their parish reached a breaking point, Fr. Michael White and lay associate Tom Corcoran asked themselves how they could make the Church matter to Catholics, and they realized the answer was at the heart of the Gospel. Their faithful response not only tripled their weekend mass attendance, but also yielded increased giving, flourishing ministries, and a vibrant, solidly Catholic spiritual revival. White and Corcoran invite all Catholic leaders to share the vision, borrow their strategies, and rebuild their own parishes. They offer a wealth of guidance for anyone with the courage to hear them.
"Father Michael White, whom I have known for many years, and his pastoral associate, Tom Corcoran, write with remarkable honesty and humor, telling us about what happened to them. Through trial and error, success and failure, and with some unexpected experiences along the way, they leanred a lot about parish life. But most of all, they learned to fall in love with their parish. . . . This is a book that takes the New Evangelization seriously. …If you love your parish, read this book." --From the Foreword by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York
"Rebuilt is an excellent resource for parishes seeking new ideas and a fresh approach to bringing the faithful closer to Christ in the third millennium." --Archbishop William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore
"This story of Catholic parish renewal is a must-read for pastors and future pastors. It provides an amazing testimony to the transforming power of God's love when we say a generous yes to following Jesus in true discipleship, centered in word and sacrament." --Rev. John Horn, S.J. , President-Rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, Archdiocese of St. Louis
"This is an eminently practical how-to book by two ordinary parish leaders doing extraordinary work. They challenge us to learn from their experience of growing a healthy parish built on the radical call of Gospel hope, focused on making disciples, and committed to reaching the lost." --Theresa Rickard, O.P. , Executive Director, Renew International
"Vibrant parishes are essential if we are going to re-propose the genius of Catholicism to the people of our times. Rebuilt is much needed and well written. White and Corcoran are stunningly honest, insightful about the real problems facing parishes today, and passionate about helping your parish become the best version of itself." --Matthew Kelly, Author of Rediscover Catholicism
"A must read for anyone serious about parish engagement, membership, and financial and spiritual growth. It should be required reading for pastors, new priests, and parish councils." --U.S. Catholic
Michael White received his bachelor's degree from Loyola University Maryland and his graduate degrees in sacred theology and ecclesiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. After being ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, he worked for five years as personal secretary to William Cardinal Keeler, who was then archbishop. During that time, he served as the director of the papal visit of Pope John Paul II to Baltimore.
During his tenure as pastor at Church of the Nativity, the church has almost tripled in weekend attendance from 1,400 to over 4,000. More importantly, the commitment to the mission of the Church has grown, evidenced by the significant increase of giving and service in ministry.
Tom Corcoran received his bachelor's degree from Loyola University Maryland and completed his graduate work in theology with Franciscan University of Steubenville. Corcoran has served Church of the Nativity in a variety of roles that give him a unique perspective on parish ministry and leadership. Beginning as a youth minister, Corcoran later held positions as coordinator of children's ministry and director of small groups. He currently serves in the position of associate to the pastor and is responsible for weekend message development, strategic planning, and staff development.
