Opportunity for Encounter
Holy Week and the Easter season creates great opportunities for us to engage with guest or inactive parishioners at Saint Patrick Catholic Church. For many families going to church to celebrate Christ’s passion, death and resurrection is a tradition, or even an obligation, but it is also a wonderful chance for them to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encounter Christ, maybe a little more deeply.
What is Our Response?
As regulars in the pews we might get annoyed at the infrequent Mass-goers who don’t know the words to the prayers or proper responses during active parts of the Mass, or when to sit or when to stand or when to kneel. You have to admit, it can be a complicated dance.
What Could be our Response?
Let’s greet guests with warmth and courtesy. Help them feel the presence of Christ in their heart so that that they will consider becoming more active in their faith.
Why do they visit at Easter and maybe Christmas? What can we do differently so that our Easter guest become a regular part of our faith community?
Living Our Parish Values
That is where our parish values come into play. The long range planning process has identified three values that reflect Saint Patrick Catholic Church.
EXTENDING HOSPITALITY & WELCOME
Like Christ, we share with all, an open-minded, non- judgmental spirit of welcome.
GROWING IN FAITH
Jesus, the Father’s great love shared with us, calls us to a deeper personal relationship with Him and to authentic relationships with one another.
SHARING THE GOOD NEWS & EVANGELIZING
As Disciples of Christ, moved by the Holy Spirit, we venture out in faith to share the Good News.
So what are we doing to let our once, maybe twice a year guests know that they are invited and welcome at the table of the Lord not just on Easter, but every Sunday? What are we doing to help them live deeper into their faith— which might mean coming to church more often? What are we doing to evangelize and share Christ’s love with everyone?
Jesus Died for Us, What Can We Do for Others?
It is as simple as not sitting in your regular pews at Easter Mass— but sitting closer to the front to allow guests to sit in the rear where they may feel more comfortable. It could mean shifting to the center of the pew to allow for guests at the ends of the pew. Maybe it is parking at the Parish Center to allow guest to park in the Church parking lot. Maybe it is sharing the hymnal with a guest or offering them a warm welcome with a handshake. Maybe it is complimenting the women next to you on her singing voice and asking her to join the choir? Maybe it is inviting the young person to Mass for young adults at UPS campus? Maybe it is extending a smile to that father wrangling 3 kids and telling him about Men’s Prayer group?
Let’s Celebrate Together
As we prepare to rejoice and celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, let us also prepare our hearts to welcome everyone, so that they too can experience the love of Jesus Christ. After all, He died for all of us. We are all part of God’s family. Let’s be genuinely kind, warm and welcoming to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
