“Father Maletta writes from lived experience, sharing lively anecdotes and concrete examples of successes and failures in his many years as a pastor. The dominant theme of this book is to rely on the Holy Spirit always. Don’t just give lip service to the Holy Spirit, but seek to do everything centered on the Holy Spirit.” – Bishop Robert J. McClory, Diocese of Gary.
ST. JOHN – In a time when churches are closing doors and leaving pews empty, a Catholic parish in Northwest Indiana is defying this disturbing trend. The church is thriving, growing in attendance. How did this all come to be?
Father Sammie Maletta, the longtime pastor of St. John the Evangelist in St. John, tells the story of SJE in the new book “Be Disciples, Make Disciples: Eight Leadership Principles to Build a Spirit-Driven, Vision-Focused Parish.” Prior to a book launch event scheduled for March 4 at the St. John parish, the priest of 45 years, answered a series of questions related to the book and the topic of evangelization.
Describe what the phrase “Be disciples, make disciples” means to you.
Years ago, the concept of evangelization began to occupy my mind. Aware of Pope Saint John Paul II’s concept of evangelization, I needed to figure out what this meant. What does it practically look like? One day in prayer, I opened the Scriptures and my eyes landed on Matthew 28:18-20, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
It was like a light bulb went on… To Be Disciples who Make Disciples!
This became our mission-and the driving force behind everything we do. And for more than a decade now, it is the phrase we say when we send our parish partners off at the end of Mass: “Now go forth and ‘Be disciples who make disciples!’” So, this mission is what Jesus gave His Church. We are not here simply to maintain buildings, schedules, and traditions, as important as those things can be. We exist to help people encounter Jesus Christ, fall in love with Him, and learn how to live as His disciples. When that happens, something beautiful follows. Disciples do not keep the gift to themselves. They naturally begin to invite others into the life they have found.
Why did you want to write this book? What other publishing projects have you been involved with?
At the request of Bishop Donald Hying, then Bishop of the Diocese of Gary, I led a retreat and a series of talks for the Bishops of Region Seven. One of the bishops in attendance, Bishop Richard Sklba, insisted that I publish them. A few years later, our parish coach, Ron Huntley, offered the same encouragement. That was an important moment for me. It reminded me of something we can forget in parish work. We are not meant to keep to ourselves what the Holy Spirit is doing. If the Lord has taught us something through struggle and grace, it's meant to be shared. That is really how this book began.
On a personal note, I wanted to write this book because I have lived both sides of parish life. I know what it feels like when everything is a struggle, when the same few people carry everything, when conflict becomes normal, and when we are busy but not bearing much fruit. I have also seen what God can do when a parish becomes Spirit-led and vision-driven, making real changes with courage and love. This book is my attempt to share our journey in a practical way, so other parishes can find hope and a path forward.
Over the years, I have also been involved in other projects. I served as an editor for Life in Christ: A Catholic Catechism for Adults. I have contributed to collaborative renewal resources like Road to Renewal: How Faith, Vision, and Courage Are Fuelling a Church Comeback. And on a lighter note, I even wrote a cookbook that brings my love for cooking and faith together, called In the Kitchen with Padre.
Who is the target audience for the book?
Everyone! But specifically, it's for pastors, parish staff, parish leaders, and serious parishioners (parish partners) who want their parish to grow in faith and fruitfulness. It's for people who sense that we cannot keep doing things the same way and expect a different result. It's for leaders who care about the Eucharist, the sacraments, and the teachings of the Church, and also want people to actually live them. In a word, it's for anyone who wants a parish culture that forms disciples and sends them out.
What do you think is causing empty pews and what are two things parishes can do to improve?
There are many reasons people drift, but one common thread is this. If they are not forming a personal relationship with Jesus, with the guidance of a strong parish, then they will not come back. If many people are not experiencing the Church as a place where they are known, welcomed, fed, and called into a deeper life with God. If the parish experience feels distant, passive, or disconnected from real life, people slowly disengage.
Two things parishes can do right away are what I call outrageous hospitality and a clear path. Hospitality is not decoration. It’s love made visible, from the parking lot to the pew. It’s practical and actionable. Look for people who can naturally and authentically love others. Don’t know where to start? Recruit parishioners (parish partners) who enjoy hosting parties and entertaining friends. They’ll bring that same energy to your greeting, usher, and hospitality teams.
The second is a clear next step that shows people how to connect, grow, and serve, rather than just attend. This one takes more work. It’s a process. But, it’s worth it! When you combine welcome with a real path of discipleship, the larger parish culture begins to change.
What is one thing you think parish leadership often gets wrong?
We sometimes treat the parish like an organization that needs to be managed instead of a mission that needs to be led. That can make us overly focused on keeping things calm, keeping people happy, and keeping the calendar full. Meanwhile, the deeper work of forming disciples, building healthy teams, and calling people to conversion gets pushed to the side. A parish can look stable on the outside and still be losing its heart. We often try to lead renewal without personal renewal. We ask people to pray while we don’t pray. We ask people to evangelize while we don’t evangelize. We ask people to sacrifice while we protect our comfort.
You can’t fake this. You can run meetings without discipleship, but you can’t make disciples without first being a disciple. And if that statement bothers you, good, because it should. I know it bothered me.
The book mentions eight principles of leadership. How are these beneficial at the parish level?
Principles are what keep you steady when emotions rise, when conflict erupts, when money is tight, and when you are tempted to retreat into maintenance. They help a parish lead with clarity and unity. They help leaders make good decisions, build strong teams, and stay focused on the mission. They also help create consistency, which builds trust and gives a parish momentum over time.
These principles weren’t drafted in a boardroom. They’re the product of years of ministry. As I reflect on my 40 years of priestly ministry, I’ve served as Chancellor and Vicar General. I’ve been sent for studies in Canon Law and Civil Law. I’ve served in multiple parishes of varying sizes, demographics, and means. It was discovering, rediscovering, and living these principles that helped my teams and me develop Spirit-led, vision-driven parish culture. I know they’ll do the same for my brother priests when they’re applied prayerfully and intentionally.
What do you hope those who read the book will take away from it?
I hope readers of the book walk away with hope, because discouragement is one of the great temptations in parish life. I hope they walk away with practical direction, because vague intentions do not renew a parish. I also hope they walk away with renewed faith that God can do
far more than we imagine when we focus on mission and rely on the Holy Spirit. And I hope they feel encouraged to take one real step, because parish renewal happens one faithful decision at a time.
What gives you hope for the Catholic Church?
Jesus is still working. The Holy Spirit is still moving. I have seen lives change when people encounter the Lord and find a parish community that helps them grow. That is what gives me hope. God is not done with His Church. And that means that He’s not done with you. Trust Him. Roll up your sleeves. Let Him show you your next step. That’s the first principle: It Starts with You!
To register to attend the book launch event on March 4, visit https://www.discipleupconference.com/be-disciples-make-disciples-book. Registration includes event programming, hospitality, hors d'oeuvres, drinks and one signed book. The book can also be purchased through https://www.lorrainecross.media/shop/p/bedisciplesmakedisciples.
