Find creative ways to support our Welcoming Committee in reaching out to new and potential members.

 

§  Review and evaluate a standard protocol of welcome and invitation for all potential new members of the community

§  Invite new members to become an active part of the church community through membership in parish groups, ministries and activities

§  Work in support of creating, designing and promoting efforts to build a new parish hall that would allow for increased social and community activities

§  Greeters; Have one or two greeters outside church to welcome people as they walk through the door. (Lectures and Eucharistic ministers would still be in the back of the church but to the side so they don't appear to be a greeter or so people aren't coming to mass feeling like they are walking through a reception line).

§  At Mass; Acknowledge visitors at mass - perhaps ask visitors to stand at beginning of Mass so they can be welcomed and ask where they are from

§  Ushers should also greet, seat and move people in pews towards center or to the front of the church.

§  Table; Once a month the welcoming committee will have a table outside church after mass to allow parishioners to update their personal information and provide ministry opportunities.

§  On Time; Start Mass on time so people would arrive on time

§  Name Tags; Have a 'Name tag Sunday"

§  Outgoing; Step out of our comfort zone and take 3 to 5 minutes to talk with someone you don't know, especially those that look like they are visiting or are new to the parish.

§  NOTE: this is a parish effort, not just a welcoming committee effort.

§  Our hall is not very welcoming in itself.  A new hall would greatly enhance the welcoming efforts.

§  Discussion of the value of a personal phone call rather than a mailing to new parishioners.

§  Youth and singles need to be included.  Youth music, youth mass perhaps at the 11:30 mass.

§  A short bio and pictures of new parishioners and those new to a ministry sent out in a flyer.

§  Need to spread the word that information is available on our website.

§  The Welcoming Committee has a staff of 8 parishioners but is looking for more volunteers. Marie Bonilla from the Welcoming Committee was present at this gathering and was very available, enthusiastic, and welcomed new ideas and volunteers