HOW TO INVITE AND WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TO OUR PARISH
Definition:
This presentation to local parishes provides practical tools for inviting inactive Catholics or those without church affiliation to become part of the faith community and make them feel welcome in the life of the Church.
Approach to Implementation:
This three-hour work session includes a PowerPoint presentation, videos for effective marketing, group discussion, and planning to invite new members to the parish community.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Pastors, pastoral associates, pastoral councils, parish evangelization teams, and parish staff will be expected to participate in this session. Parish staff would have the responsibility to provide the location, invite people and take registrations.
Training:
The participants will be introduced to some traditional and new forms of marketing to be more effective when inviting people to the parish. And at the same time, practical and helpful tips to be a welcoming minister and parish will be reviewed. The main topics for this session are: The Jesus Method (Personal Invitation), Dynamic Marketing, Door to Door Evangelization, Welcoming Committee, Welcoming Packet and Welcoming Table (ministries info for new members and returning Catholics.)
Expected Resources:
The Office of Lifelong Faith Formation – Evangelization will provide the training for each participant and will provide the necessary technical resources (computer, projector, speakers, screen, etc.) for the PowerPoint presentation and video. A folder with materials, including a sample welcoming packet and the “Parish Self-Assessment of Hospitality and Welcoming” will be distributed to the participants.
Contact information:
Andres Arango
Director
Office of Lifelong Faith Formation
Evangelization, and Hispanic Ministries
Phone: (856) 583-6181
andres.arango@camdendiocese.org
