Stewardship

Welcoming the Newcomer

Involving the New Kid on the Block

If your parish is like most others in the diocese, you probably see a steady stream of newcomers -- people who are new to Southeast Texas, new to your city, or maybe visiting your parish in hopes of finding a church home in Catholicism. How do you keep them coming back?

Here are some ideas from across the country that are working:

• Set up a welcome table in the vestibule for visitors and new parishioners. Be sure the table is staffed. Supply information on your parish. Some parishes have parish registration forms available to get things started -- saving newcomers a trip to the office during the work week.

• Instead of holding a newcomers event, send newcomers a special invitation to the next parish picnic or dinner. Then have a member of your welcoming committee offer to pick up the newcomer and family and bring them to the event.

• Pair the newcomer with a long-time parishioner with similar interests -- seniors with seniors, singles with singles. Have the established parishioner act as a sponsor introducing the newcomer to activities and organizations over a year-long period.

• Invite the newcomer to a Stewardship Committee Meeting. Make the newcomer an important guest. Supply the newcomer with a copy of the Disciple's Response as a gift from your parish. Ask the newcomer to consider being part of your committee. This has two benefits: the newcomer immediately gets involved in a parish ministry and you grow your committee.

• Be sure your parish has a Hospitality Ministry... one that greets newcomers and visitors at each weekend Mass and encourages them to return for liturgies and services. If your parish does not have an active Hospitality Ministry, offer to organize and chair one as part of your Stewardship of Talent.

For more ideas, check out one of the audio or video tapes available through the Stewardship Office.