GemeindeTeams

GemeindeTeams (Community Teams) is an initiative by the Archdiocese of Cologne (Erzbistum Köln) responding to two major developments: the declining number of pastors and a new structural division of pastoral units. The concept aims to empower active members of each parish to take on responsibility and play a vital role in shaping and sustaining their local church community.

Involving laypeople in such an official capacity marks a significant step for the Catholic Church. To encourage participation, the initiative must be introduced with a spirit of openness, ease, and optimism. We worked with the Archdiocese to shape messaging tailored to the needs and perspectives of various stakeholders—pastors, parish councils, church boards, and others—addressing their questions and concerns with clarity and empathy.

The visual identity we developed puts joy and participation at its core. Inspired by tangram puzzles, the logo and accompanying graphics use simple geometric shapes to symbolize the idea that each individual (each „piece“) can help shape a new vision for their community. A flexible system of shapes allows every parish to personalize the identity, creating their own unique combinations.