Welcome to findagreatchurch.org, a state-by-state listing of the 600 excellent Catholic parishes and Protestant congregations listed in Paul Wilkes' books Excellent Catholic Parishes: The Guide to Best Places and Practices and Excellent Protestant Congregations: The Guide to Best Places and Practices. The churches and parishes listed were recommended to the Parish/Congregation Study team by pastoral experts, people who study, write about, and work with local churches. The Parish/Congregation Study, based at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, spent two years gathering and following up on church recommendations. On these lists you will find some of the most vibrant, spirit-filled churches in America.