Seasonal Outreach Ideas
Outreach for Lent/Easter/Advent/Christmas
Ash Wednesday Soup and Discussion Night
Ash Wednesday is unlike Christmas and Easter because it is not a family holiday. No one really has to rush off to an “Ash Wednesday Dinner” with parents or grandparents after the service. Young adults who come on Ash Wednesday are coming by themselves or with other people their age. And unlike weddings and funerals with much preparation and pastoral care, Ash Wednesday is short, simple, and to the point.
After the Ash Wednesday evening service, invite young adults to a time of discussion and networking. Provide (or have parishioners donate) a few meatless soup choices (tomato, potato, broccoli cheese, onion, vegetable, etc.) and bread, plus some simple drinks (water, lemonade, juice, etc.). The discussion portion can either be informal or structured on topics such as Lenten practices, what to “give up” for Lent, the Scriptures, Catholic traditions, almsgiving, social justice, or something of interest to the parish or to the young adults. At this gathering, be sure to get young adults’ contact info and follow up with them throughout Lent over email, phone, Facebook, or other means available.
Cost: $-0- . Pot luck meatless meal.
Resources & Links: www.pemdc.org, www.awakeningfaith.org, www.dynamiccatholics.com
After the Ash Wednesday evening service, invite young adults to a time of discussion and networking. Provide (or have parishioners donate) a few meatless soup choices (tomato, potato, broccoli cheese, onion, vegetable, etc.) and bread, plus some simple drinks (water, lemonade, juice, etc.). The discussion portion can either be informal or structured on topics such as Lenten practices, what to “give up” for Lent, the Scriptures, Catholic traditions, almsgiving, social justice, or something of interest to the parish or to the young adults. At this gathering, be sure to get young adults’ contact info and follow up with them throughout Lent over email, phone, Facebook, or other means available.
Cost: $-0- . Pot luck meatless meal.
Resources & Links: www.pemdc.org, www.awakeningfaith.org, www.dynamiccatholics.com
Lenten Six-Pack
In the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday or Easter Triduum, give all active parishioners a “six pack” of cards with information on the upcoming holy days.
This “six pack”system will encourage evangelization by all members of your congregation, and also be a quick and easy way for active Catholics to invite newcomers to their church. The cards should be attractive, simple, and list the basic information necessary (dates and times of masses or services, location of the church, and contact info for the church); there can also be a note of welcome and invitation on the card to whomever is reading it. Ideally, they should be about the same size as a business card, and the “six pack” can fit into a simple carrying case that the active parishioners can easily put in their pockets or purses and distribute to those they meet throughout their daily lives
Who: Challenge every parishioner to find six other people they know, especially young adults, who don’t regularly come to church to invite them to come to the upcoming services, masses, or special liturgies you want to promote.
Cost: $100 or less for 250 cards. $150 or less for 500. Shop printers – there are many good deals out there.
Target Audience: People who parishoners know, especially young adults, who don’t regularly come to church.
Measureable Goals: Track attendance at events. Track number who attend events that become active Catholics.
Resources & Links: www.dioceseofjoliet.org
This “six pack”system will encourage evangelization by all members of your congregation, and also be a quick and easy way for active Catholics to invite newcomers to their church. The cards should be attractive, simple, and list the basic information necessary (dates and times of masses or services, location of the church, and contact info for the church); there can also be a note of welcome and invitation on the card to whomever is reading it. Ideally, they should be about the same size as a business card, and the “six pack” can fit into a simple carrying case that the active parishioners can easily put in their pockets or purses and distribute to those they meet throughout their daily lives
Who: Challenge every parishioner to find six other people they know, especially young adults, who don’t regularly come to church to invite them to come to the upcoming services, masses, or special liturgies you want to promote.
Cost: $100 or less for 250 cards. $150 or less for 500. Shop printers – there are many good deals out there.
Target Audience: People who parishoners know, especially young adults, who don’t regularly come to church.
Measureable Goals: Track attendance at events. Track number who attend events that become active Catholics.
Resources & Links: www.dioceseofjoliet.org
Chocolate Christmas Carols (for Catholics and non-Catholics)
Faith-filled local parish members armed with songs celebrating Christmas (salvation history) in their hearts and hundreds of Hershey candy bars in their hands. The candy bars have different wrappings and are inscribed with a message, “We have found Him,” inviting all to worship Him particularly on Christmas Day. Invite them to bring the candy wrappers as a free ticket to a meal at the parish hall before Christmas.
Cost: $100, to purchase 200 chocolate bars (talk to store management for discount). Cost can vary depending upon how many bars will be given away. Pot luck supper for the follow up dinner - no cost to the parish.
Target Audience: Local shoppers at nearby malls, Walmart or Kmart parking lots, other places people will be drawn to.
Cost: $100, to purchase 200 chocolate bars (talk to store management for discount). Cost can vary depending upon how many bars will be given away. Pot luck supper for the follow up dinner - no cost to the parish.
Target Audience: Local shoppers at nearby malls, Walmart or Kmart parking lots, other places people will be drawn to.
