Welcoming Back Chreasters

Many regular Catholics will be amazed to see a majority of those attending Mass for the Christmas obligation who last went on Easter. It is easy to judge them and make snobby remarks. Then, we can plant the seeds to encourage them to attend Mass on a more frequent basis.

Here are some things we can do to make Chreasters feel welcome. Yes, we should see them again.

Even our priests need this reminder as this well-attended Mass is getting closer than we can blink.

Don’t judge

Easier said than done, right? It may be easy to say some presumptive. Every person that makes this twice a year has different reasons for why they’re not active in the faith as others. It does help to pray for them. 

Welcome Them

A friend once shared how a priest welcomed back those who went to Mass for the first time since either Christmas or Easter. He would end the message with encouragement to consider getting to Mass every Sunday.

Give them Spiritual Reading

Augustine Institute has done giveaways every Christmas with a deal when ordering in bulk. By now, many parishes are looking to do this. Then, we have those looking for a “Hail Mary” pass. Some suggestions are works done by Dr. Scott Hahn, Edward Sri, or other converts about the basic teachings many disagree with.

An Invitation

Going back to the first point, the priests and even those who greet, or ushers should consider handing out brochures for the many parish groups they offer. It can be a great channel for them to return before Easter or Christmas.

We may not know the main reason they don’t attend weekly, but they do need our faithful witness to bring them home.

Bring someone home to the Catholic Church this Christmas and New Year.