Visitors Welcome

Two posts on Threads (an alternative to X) last year made me think about how “outsiders” perceive the Catholic Church. One person asked whether it was okay to attend a Catholic Mass if she sat in the back and did nothing to draw attention to herself. She just wanted to see what it was like. The second post, several weeks later, was posted on behalf of a writer’s nephew. He had been baptized in the Catholic Church but had never gone to Church or religious classes, nor had he received First Communion. He wanted to know whether he could receive Communion at a Catholic Mass, since he was baptized Catholic.

Many people responded to both inquiries, and some were helpful while others were not.  As interesting as the responses were, I was more interested in the questions. They made me ask how we welcome visitors to our parishes. I suspect that many people are interested in the Catholic faith and the Mass but would never consider “visiting.”

Visitors In Our Midst

We also know that visitors come to our parishes for baptisms, first communions, weddings, funerals, and other special events. Some of those visitors may be Catholics who have been away from the church for so long that they feel like visitors when they return for family celebrations or special holy days such as Christmas, Ash Wednesday, or Easter. How do we welcome them?

Communicating Welcome

When I create content for parish websites and social media about the community, I include the phrase “all are welcome.” I am wondering whether I also need to say, “visitors are welcome.” Are parishes and their parishioners prepared to welcome visitors? I know some parishes have welcome cards in the pews or at the entrance for visitors, and others have a visitors’ Guest Book. Some have special ushers for funerals to assist the family and their loved ones. Some include a welcome to visitors in the bulletin and on the outside sign. Some presiders include a welcome to everyone, including visitors, at the beginning of Mass.

What’s Your Experience?

1. How do your parish or parishes you have attended acknowledge and welcome visitors?
2. How does a parish website that you have visited acknowledge and welcome visitors?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience and helping us learn more ways to welcome visitors.