[PARTNER-PROVIDED CONTENT] What Do Catholics Seek in a Parish?
Promoting a Culture of Invitation
Terry Poplava Comments Off on [PARTNER-PROVIDED CONTENT] What Do Catholics Seek in a Parish?
The research conducted by ACS Technologies, involving nearly 15,000 respondents, provided insightful data on the state of religious beliefs and practices in the United States. For deacons, especially those serving in parish ministry, understanding these findings can greatly benefit their work in building up the community. One of the key questions posed in the survey asked Catholics, “What do you look for when searching for a new parish?” The top response was, unsurprisingly, “Celebration of the sacraments.” Equally important, however, was a tie for second place between “Quality sermons/homilies” and “Warm and friendly encounters.”
While the emphasis on the sacraments and homilies aligns with our spiritual and liturgical tradition, the high value placed on “warm and friendly encounters” reveals the crucial role of hospitality in parish life. For deacons, this presents an opportunity to enhance their ministry by focusing on the relational aspect of faith, which is as vital as the spiritual and catechetical dimensions.
This focus on hospitality aligns well with the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response. The document stresses that stewardship is a response to our call to discipleship and highlights hospitality as one of the best practices for parish life. Hospitality should be more than just a warm greeting; it is about making each person feel seen, valued, and welcomed into the Body of Christ.
Further research conducted by ACS Technologies Catholic on what behaviors make a church feel “warm and friendly” offers practical insights. Catholics identified four key actions, the most important being “someone greeting you at the door with a smile.” Other significant actions include “someone personally inviting you to attend again” and “someone personally inviting you to attend a church (Mass).” These findings reveal an area of opportunity for parishioners and clergy alike. While many parishes may excel at greeting people, the practice of personally inviting others to Mass or events is often underutilized.
For deacons, this calls for intentional efforts to foster a welcoming atmosphere and cultivate a culture of invitation. In their role, they can encourage parishioners not only to greet newcomers but also to engage with them beyond a surface level. Simple acts of kindness and engagement—such as offering a seat in the pew, sharing a smile, or initiating a conversation—can have a profound impact on someone’s experience of the parish.
Dirk Rinker, CEO of Campbell Rinker, a research partner, highlighted the importance of parishioners in creating a welcoming environment. He emphasized that it’s not just about a friendly greeting but about parishioners taking the initiative to recognize newcomers and make them feel part of the community. This points to a deeper level of hospitality, one that requires parishioners to actively interact with each other and with visitors in a spirit of genuine enthusiasm and warmth.
So how can deacons and parish leaders implement this in their ministry? Rather than solely focusing on increasing parish membership, the emphasis should be placed on fostering a sense of community, ministry, and the beauty of the Mass—gifts that we want others to share in. Here are a few practical steps deacons can take to promote a culture of welcome and invitation:
Encourage Invitation in Homilies and Communications: Deacons have the opportunity to inspire parishioners through their homilies, emphasizing the importance of inviting others to Mass or parish events. This can also be reinforced through bulletins, emails, and parish newsletters. By making invitation part of the parish culture, parishioners are reminded that evangelization begins with a simple act of reaching out.
Establish an Invitation Ministry: Collaborate with parish leadership to create a formal “invitation ministry” that supports parishioners in reaching out to newcomers and visitors. This ministry could include trained volunteers who greet visitors, follow up after Mass, and personally invite them to return. Deacons can play a role in organizing and leading such initiatives.
Promote Visible Signs of Welcome: Ensure that the parish environment reflects its hospitality. This can include clearly marked welcome signs, prayer cards for visitors, and spaces that facilitate social interactions before and after Mass. Deacons can help ensure that the parish is not just spiritually welcoming but also physically inviting.
Provide Opportunities for Parishioners to Serve: The ACS study also found that parishioners desire more opportunities to serve. Deacons can help create or promote service opportunities that allow parishioners to engage more deeply with one another and with the broader community. Serving together fosters relationships and strengthens the sense of belonging in the parish.
Deacons are called to serve not only at the altar but also in the community. By focusing on hospitality, invitation, and community-building, they can help create parishes that not only meet the spiritual needs of the faithful but also foster the relational bonds that are essential for a vibrant, growing Church.
Terry Poplava serves as General Manager, ACST Catholic. Terry has extensive experience working with churches across the U.S., supporting their planning, stewardship, and engagement efforts. Learn more: visit ACSTCatholic.com.