When I see these posts, I usually mention “Divine Renovation” by Fr. James Mallon. What you described was our parishad our previous pastor came on board. I came with him but was very hesitant because of the way our family had been treated when we moved to the area. Fr. Rozman embraced the Divine Renovation methodology and recruited a new Parish Advisory Council to help him implement change. COVID knocked us back, as it did many parishes, but we thrived. It worked beautifully, as we’d hoped. Our parish is one of the most welcoming I’ve seen. We have a long, long way to go but we’re confident we can get there.
I'll have to check that out, I haven't heard of divine renovation. Honestly at the end of the day even small, simple steps such as hospitality and having a welcoming demeanor go a long way.
Our ushers open the doors from the Narthex to the church for everyone. A simple, no cost change was to add greeters who smile and open the doors from the parking lot to the Narthex. Simply having someone greet you with a smile and a “Welcome to church!” or “Welcome to St. Joseph’s!” was a game changer. I’m deliberately exuberant when I’m on duty, chatting with everyone who comes in.
We added a Welcoming Ministry that coordinates greeters for all Masses. Each of the parish ministries takes one or two weekends a year where their members cover all the doors. All you need is one to two people to coordinate and a TimetoSignUp roster.
That's unfortunate that your new parish didn't have anyone displaying the hospitality charism! I had the same experience moving to a small West Virginia town. Please, give it time and start getting involved in things. Small town people it seems take years to get to know you, but jumping in and helping where needed should help.
Thank you so much Juliana! This was 6 years ago now and I did stick it out while we lived there, started a women's group and met some wonderful lifelong friends in the process. They taught me so much about small towns too, and we really enjoyed our time there.
Thanks so much for this kind and wise words, Mandy! It does take some time, but with a bit of initiative, vulnerability, prayer, and eye contact, God can work wonders! And it is so vital for our children! I believe that, as parent, one of the shrewdest ways to support our children in their faith--to give them the best chance of keeping that faith through adolescence and into adulthood--is by fostering relationships and community with other faithful Catholic families. And the more the merrier--the festival happens in the centre of the village!
Thanks Gemma! I love that language of fostering relationships. I just heard a short clip of Pope Leo talking about being people who build relationships. It's so necessary!
When I see these posts, I usually mention “Divine Renovation” by Fr. James Mallon. What you described was our parishad our previous pastor came on board. I came with him but was very hesitant because of the way our family had been treated when we moved to the area. Fr. Rozman embraced the Divine Renovation methodology and recruited a new Parish Advisory Council to help him implement change. COVID knocked us back, as it did many parishes, but we thrived. It worked beautifully, as we’d hoped. Our parish is one of the most welcoming I’ve seen. We have a long, long way to go but we’re confident we can get there.
I'll have to check that out, I haven't heard of divine renovation. Honestly at the end of the day even small, simple steps such as hospitality and having a welcoming demeanor go a long way.
Our ushers open the doors from the Narthex to the church for everyone. A simple, no cost change was to add greeters who smile and open the doors from the parking lot to the Narthex. Simply having someone greet you with a smile and a “Welcome to church!” or “Welcome to St. Joseph’s!” was a game changer. I’m deliberately exuberant when I’m on duty, chatting with everyone who comes in.
We added a Welcoming Ministry that coordinates greeters for all Masses. Each of the parish ministries takes one or two weekends a year where their members cover all the doors. All you need is one to two people to coordinate and a TimetoSignUp roster.
Yes! Such simple changes that any parish can make!
That's unfortunate that your new parish didn't have anyone displaying the hospitality charism! I had the same experience moving to a small West Virginia town. Please, give it time and start getting involved in things. Small town people it seems take years to get to know you, but jumping in and helping where needed should help.
Thank you so much Juliana! This was 6 years ago now and I did stick it out while we lived there, started a women's group and met some wonderful lifelong friends in the process. They taught me so much about small towns too, and we really enjoyed our time there.
Thanks so much for this kind and wise words, Mandy! It does take some time, but with a bit of initiative, vulnerability, prayer, and eye contact, God can work wonders! And it is so vital for our children! I believe that, as parent, one of the shrewdest ways to support our children in their faith--to give them the best chance of keeping that faith through adolescence and into adulthood--is by fostering relationships and community with other faithful Catholic families. And the more the merrier--the festival happens in the centre of the village!
Thanks Gemma! I love that language of fostering relationships. I just heard a short clip of Pope Leo talking about being people who build relationships. It's so necessary!