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