The liturgical calendar offers many opportunities to reach out to inactive Catholics and those with no faith community. This section lists only a few. Feel free to adapt these ideas to the unique needs of your parish community. (Periodically check back to this site as new ideas will be added.)

For additional information contact:

Maryanne Harrington MHARRINGTON@adphila.org 215-587-0500.

Advent/Christmas – Do You Hear What I Hear?

Do You Hear What I Hear? is an Advent parish event that tugs at the hearts of all those who enjoy hearing, and singing the Christmas carols. It is an opportunity to understand the true meaning of Christmas using carols, prayer, ritual, games, gifts and additional surprises.

Here are some of the comments heard from parishes that did it in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: awesome…great community builder…everyone left smiling…participants were overwhelmed by the experience…was a smashing success…turnout was beyond our dreams.

Click here for the materials needed for Do You Hear What I Hear?

Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Easter
Lent is a time when many people visit our parishes. Some are seeking a spiritual home, some want to rekindle their Catholic faith, some are intrigued by the ritual, some are there for the free ashes and palms and some are drawn in by an inner hunger that they cannot name. Whatever the reason, it is a holy moment for parishes to reach out and encourage them to “come and stay.” Every parish should prepare well for these holy days. Below are some materials that may be helpful in your preparations.

Booklet: When They Come, What Makes Them Stay? Practical Suggestions for Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday and beyond

Invitation postcard  
Encourage your parishioners to hand out to friends, family, work associates and neighbors. This is a wonderful way to commission your parishioners to be about the mission of the Church which is to share their faith. Also have them available at the Ash Wednesday services. (The postcards should be put on heavy stock paper.)
 
Turn to Me crosses
Encourage every parishioner to display these crosses so others can see them.
How to use cross – English
How to use cross – Spanish
Display cross – English
Display cross – Spanish
Display cross – Vietnamese

Additional resources:
How to go to Confession (front) (back)
Pew Cards
Witness Talk Outline

Celebrate Pentecost!
When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be my witnesses. (Acts 1:8)

Pentecost could be considered the “feast day” of all Catholics.It is the feast that celebrates our call to witness to our faith. Anointed at our baptism and empowered by the Holy Spirit we, too, are called to “make disciples”. By highlighting this feast in your parish, you address Goal 1 in the Evangelization Document: Go and Make Disciples:

“Bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.”

For Simple Suggestions to Celebrate Pentecost  click here.