sent forth as a joyful missionary disciple.” And as we grow in understanding of this opportunity, we can truly appreciate that Jesus didn’ t say,“ Go and make disciples of all nations, but don’ t worry so much about those whose beliefs or worldviews are radically different from yours.” We embrace, more and more, the call to evangelize those outside our walls.
A renewed understanding of the call to evangelization
Over the past seven years, much has been written about our renewed commitment to evangelization and how it should take shape in parishes. By reading books such as Rebuilt, Made for Mission, and Divine Renovation, we get a clear understanding of a new parish model which focuses on mission. The primacy of evangelization is always the driving force behind this model.
As part of this model, we acknowledge gracious hospitality as an essential component, especially in the preevangelization stage when the sense of belonging can begin to take root. As we read in Unleash the Gospel,“ Every parish should deliberate on how to welcome those who have never come to church, or who have not been there in years, and who may cross the threshold with some trepidation”( Marker 8.3).
The how-to’ s of creating a graciously welcoming parish are abundant in the three aforementioned books and other recent publications. But what are the ways in which we must form and equip our parishioners in order that they may effectively offer this spirit of hospitality, this invitation to those coming from outside, to help them find a sense of belonging in our parishes?
Equipping parishioners to foster belonging
Before beginning to form and equip parishioners, it is essential to honestly assess the current state of the parish. Is it the type of environment that would encourage a sense of belonging in a newcomer?
Unleash the Gospel poses some critical questions in this regard:“ Do some people attend Mass in isolation, not knowing or being known by others? Do some have the impression that relating to God is sufficient and relating to others in the parish is unnecessary? Are all aware of their responsibility to encourage and build up the faith of others?”( Marker 3.1)
Pretend that you are an unchurched person who is seeking. You are not sure what you are seeking, but you have that“ there-has-to-be-more-to-life-than-this” feeling. Now, walk into an event at your parish.
Would someone greet you promptly? Would the parishioners seem genuinely happy to see you? Would someone be committed to learning your name and asking a few questions about you? Would someone try to make sure that you come back soon?
Be honest about the state of your parish concerning these expectations. Your candid assessment will help you understand how to project your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
In order to be a parish that fosters belonging, we need to form our parishioners to live out the following values and attitudes. Some basic guidelines are necessary.
Seeing the goodness of God’ s creation in every person
Help parishioners grow into a commitment to living out the conviction that every person is a son or daughter of the Most-High God and has integrity. Each person demands our respect because of this child-of-God identity.
• Making love a knee-jerk response Whether people are easy or hard to love, we must act out of love. People in general, but especially outsiders, can tell whether our behavior towards them comes out of a wellspring of love. This kind of behavior takes practice and discipline.
• Creating an invitational culture Typically we think of only our parish leaders inviting us to things … small groups, talks, special prayer times. Form parishioners to understand that they too are meant to invite. Train them in the art of inviting and encourage them to invite over and over again. Make sure, by the way, that there are shallow-entry events, such as Alpha, parenting talks, or social events, to which parishioners can invite those outside the parish.
• Reinforcing the“ why” The Gospel is the best thing we could ever share; a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the best relationship we could ever offer. Form your parishioners in the deep conviction that there is nothing better they could do for others than invite them into a setting where they can learn about Jesus and his Church, and become part of the body of Christ.
Messiness will give way to believing and behaving
Research scientists spend lots of money creating“ clean rooms” so that they can keep the outside out and not contaminate what is inside. We, on the other hand, are in the business of inviting the outside in. When we invite the outside in, things can get messy. In our case, messiness is often a good thing, because it means that people who are not normally in our parishes are now present with us. If we are true to forming our parishioners appropriately and continuing to be open to inviting others in, many of those newcomers, who will feel that they belong in our communities, will eventually become Catholics who both believe and behave in the ways of faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Janet Diaz is the director of evangelization at Church of the Holy Family in Novi. She is also an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. shms. edu 9