Ask for contact information. Consider a welcome desk at one or more entrances to the church.
The Transformation Challenge: What if everyone did this?
Think about it — when was the last time someone at your parish made you feel like you truly belonged? When did you last do that for someone else?
Here's my challenge to every Catholic reading this.
This Sunday, find one unfamiliar face and simply say hello.
Smile. Introduce yourself. Ask their name. That's it.
What would happen if all of us committed to this one tiny act?
Imagine walking out of Mass and instead of anonymous faces rushing out the door, you encounter:
Warm smiles from strangers
Genuine conversations after Mass
People who remember your name
A community that notices when you're absent
A ripple effect that could make all the difference
Could the secret to helping people become and stay Catholic be as simple as “be friendlier?”
I’m not sure, but I know that the results of this study will change my approach after Mass. I'm committing to smile and greet every unfamiliar face. I'll start conversations with anyone who seems alone.
I'm just one person, but what if you joined me? What if thousands of Catholics reading this decided to become “connection ambassadors” in their parishes?
How would it change our parishes — and through them, how would it change our Church?