Acknowledging Newcomers

[Tigg]

I’m very sorry this happened to you. I know how it feels, because it has happened to me in Protestant churches.
I’m a little surprised though that at the greeting no one smiled or was friendly. I’m glad you’re giving them another chance. Perhaps you could try saying “Peace be with you – I’m new here,” and see if it helps.

What irritates me is people who offer you their hand, say “Peace” without making eye contact and are clearly already looking for the next person. Rude as heck.

Yes…THIS is certainly disconcerting and one can’t help but wonder if it is really “peace” they are extending!

To the OP: Even in large parishes, there are normally opportunities for small groups to get together. Sometimes joining in women’s groups, prayer groups or bible studies - even certain ministries try to connect with one another by meeting together. Once this connection is made you won’t feel like an alien even if you go to a Mass where you don’t happen to see someone you know.

 

[Tigg]

Yes, great idea.

Believe me when I say that many evangelical/Protestant churches have a very impressive system in place at every worship for potential new members. Sometimes it’s aggressive, sometimes it’s not. The important thing is that it’s there.

**The praise bands, light show, and coffee bars popping up in mega churches are a powerful draw for people, **but equally powerful - if not more so - is the incredible feeling that you are being welcomed and that this could be your new spiritual home.

Not saying that community is not important, but the big draw for Catholics is Jesus Christ Himself, present in the Eucharist.

 

[Tigg]

I’ve thought about this from time to time and I’ve had one idea come to mind. Before Mass starts, the Parish could set up a table out front with a sign nearby that said something like “Newcomers Welcome” with a “newcomer liaison” person at that table. Hopefully someone new would see that and stop at the table to talk to the “newcomer liaison” who could offer to sit with that new person (or persons) during the Mass; helping them to know when to stand and sit, to find the readings, and to get them through the order of the Mass. Afterwards the liaison could answer any questions and give them some information on the Church and that Parish’s RCIA program, and invite them to return next week when the “newcomer liaison” could help them through the Mass again.

I have no idea if this is feasible or would work, although I do think it would have worked for me that first day!

A wonderful idea!

 

[LSZ1318]

Not saying that community is not important, but the big draw for Catholics is Jesus Christ Himself, present in the Eucharist.

Of course I agree, but parishes can and should do their utmost to welcome folks into the fullness of the Catholic Faith. If someone is curious enough to visit a parish, are there any true processes in place to welcome those folks?

It’s interesting, because every parish I’ve been to has a kiosk type display full of flyers; yet not a single one was staffed by anyone. That’s okay, but…but…