The ACST American Beliefs research of nearly 15,000 respondents provided provocative data regarding the state of religious beliefs and practices in the United States. I was particularly interested in how Catholics responded to the question, “What do you look for when searching for a new parish?” Most often, we answered, “Celebration of the sacraments.” But then there was a tie for second: “Quality sermons/homilies” and “Warm and friendly encounters!”
Wait! What? Emphasis on the Sacraments (and, by default, emphasis on an excellent Mass experience) makes sense. Homilies, yes. Warm and friendly encounters? My interpretation of this response is that it reaffirms the priority of hospitality and emphasizes the relational aspect of our faith–as important as the spiritual and catechetical dimensions.
I’m reminded of the Bishop’s pastoral letter on Stewardship, which lays out our call to discipleship and reminds us that stewardship is the outcome of the commitment to be a disciple of Christ. The document ‘Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response’ also highlights best practices for parishes. One of them is hospitality – from initial welcome through ongoing engagement so that each person knows he or she is seen and valued. The best practices for stewardship include operational, spiritual, and relational dimensions.
To learn more about “warm and friendly encounters,” ACST conducted additional research, asking 1,075 randomly selected individuals what behaviors or circumstances make them feel that a church is “warm and friendly.” I looked at the responses from self-identified Catholics to see what was most important to them. Of the four with the highest percentage selected as very warm and friendly, the top selection was “someone greeting you at the door with a smile.”
There are two others that are worthy of more attention: “someone personally inviting you to attend again,” and “someone personally inviting you to attend a church (Mass).” Results from the ACST Discipleship Indicator show that this is particularly an area of opportunity. Parishioners do not often invite others to Mass or parish events. They recommended that parishes could do more to create fellowship opportunities with other parishioners and would like for their parish to provide them with more opportunities to serve others.
Methodology: Online study of 1,075 self-identified American Protestants and Catholics weighted to reflect generational groups at large in the US population, conducted by Campbell Rinker in January 2024 on behalf of ACS Technologies. Margin of error at 3.0% with a 95% confidence level.
What really is striking is that these are not difficult or unusual things, but perhaps too often are assumed and not intentionally prioritized in our parishes. Dirk Rinker, CEO of research partner Campbell Rinker offers this: “It is up to the rest of the attendees to create the welcoming environment once a visitor gets inside. Parish members must look like they’re happy to be there! Interacting with each other with enthusiasm and warmth gives off a friendly vibe. The study results, though, say that this is just the first step. Attendees must take on the challenge of recognizing newcomers and interacting with them – whether it’s with a smile, a wave, or an introduction.”
So what actions can parish leaders take? Rather than focusing on a need or desire to add new parishioners, focus on community and ministry and the beauty of our Mass that we are anxious for others to know. In my experience many parishes have people at entrances to welcome you, visitors to the parish are welcomed during announcements or at the beginning of Mass, and if you are somewhat engaged in the parish, then likely you will see a friend there.
The other actions are truly up to us as parishioners. Do we offer our seat in the pew as we move further to the center? Do we invite others to Mass or to more than a social event? Rather than leave this solely to personal motivation, parish leaders can set the priority:
- Encourage parishioners to invite others during homilies and through other communications. Make invitation part of the culture of the parish, led by the pastor.
- Establish an invitation ministry to support parishioners and receive visitors.
- Prominently display welcome signs outside the church. Offer prayers for people
- Include reminders to parishioners in your regular communications suggesting they reach out to people they know who no longer come to Mass.
Terry Poplava
Terry Poplava serves as General Manager, ACST Catholic. As a cradle Catholic, his faith was lukewarm until he was confronted by the intense challenge and commitment he heard in the message about Stewardship. “What do I own and what owns me?” which led him to executive roles at Our Sunday Visitor and Catholic Leadership Institute before his current focus on serving the Catholic Church at ACS Technologies. Terry has extensive experience working with churches across the U.S., supporting their planning, stewardship, and engagement efforts
