The words of Pope Francis, from Evangelii Gaudium, are a wonderful summary of the process of evangelisation. Pope Francis describes the parish as "a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a centre of constant missionary outreach.

"This book grew out of the work which the authors do as the Department for Evangelisation in Salford Diocese, nationally, and the practical experience of working in a parish in the Salford Diocese. It is designed as a hands-on support to priests, catechists and parishioners. It is intended to help a parish truly become, in the words of St John Paul II, "the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters."