Peran Paroki dalam Membangun Ekonomi Umat: Studi Kualitatif atas Realitas UMKM Paroki di Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the role of parishes in building the economic welfare of the faithful through the empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. The research is motivated by the important contribution of MSMEs to the national economy and the Church’s pastoral responsibility to respond to the social and economic realities faced by the faithful. This study aims to describe the role of the Church in empowering parish-based MSMEs, analyze the forms of assistance provided, identify the challenges encountered, and formulate a contextual and sustainable parish-based economic development model. The research employs a qualitative method with a literature study approach by analyzing books, journals, and previous studies related to Church social ministry and MSME empowerment. The findings indicate that the Church plays a strategic role as a facilitator, mentor, and social network connector through entrepreneurship training, financial literacy programs, digital marketing assistance, and support for business capital access. However, the empowerment process still faces several challenges, including limited parish resources, low digital literacy, dependency mentality among the faithful, and competition in the modern market. Therefore, this study proposes a digital and partnership-based parish economic empowerment model that integrates community-based empowerment, digital transformation, and collaboration with government institutions, universities, and the private sector. Through this model, parishes are expected to become centers of sustainable socio-economic empowerment that promote independence, solidarity, and the welfare of the faithful.