Help Catholics Come Home!

This Advent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, we remember our call to share our faith with one another. We remember the words of St. Peter who tells us “to always be ready to give witness to the reason for our hope” (1Pet 3:15).

From November 22- December 25, the Diocese of Portland is partnering with Catholics Come Home® to air beautiful and inspiring commercials on local TV, Cable, Streaming and Social Media to welcome people back home to the Catholic Church.

We encourage each of you to invite your family, neighbors and friends, those who may not be practicing their faith or may have never encountered Christ to join us for this Holy Season.

We lovingly invite all those who have fallen away, to come home, to find healing, answers and support. There is always a place for you here.

To learn more visit CatholicsComeHome.org

How Parishioners Can Help Catholics Come Home

Volunteer

One of the best ways to support our efforts to bring Catholics back to the Church is to volunteer as a greeter.

In anticipation of Catholics coming home, we are in need of additional greeters for the Advent and Christmas season. A warm welcome goes a long way to make someone feel like they truly belong at a Catholic church.

Call the Parish Office and ask for Rose if you are interested.

Pray

Our efforts will be in vain if not for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Please join us in praying for all of our brothers and sisters who may return to the Church.

Returning Catholics Prayer

Dear Lord, may our hearts and minds be nourished by Your sustaining love, may our words and actions be guided by Your ever-present grace, that all who seek to know You encounter You here, that all who seek to serve You be welcomed to the vineyard, that all who seek to love You know that they are loved, and that all who seek to return to their Catholic faith be welcomed and received. Amen.

Be a Welcoming Parishioner

Pray	Before Mass, say a quiet prayer for the people around you, especially the faces you don’t recognize yet.
Share Your Pew	Scoot over to the middle and leave the aisle and back seats open. Newcomers will appreciate the easy spot, and you might make a new friend!
Introduce Yourself	If the moment feels right, share your first name and, if appropriate, ask for a newcomer’s. If a name is shared in return, greeting that person by name the next week is a wonderful gift.
Smile	A warm smile and a sincere handshake at the sign of peace may be the first sign that someone truly belongs here.
Help	Share a hymnal, point to the page with the readings or prayers, or lead the way up to Communion or for a blessing. A little kindness goes a long way.
Linger After Mass	Stay a few extra minutes after the closing hymn. Newcomers might pause at the door, hoping someone will say hello or strike up a conversation. Be that someone!
Listen	Many returning Catholics carry a story of leaving. If someone wants to share it, listen with an open heart, without rushing to respond.
Welcome Without Judging	Every journey home is different. What matters is that someone is here today — what a reason to rejoice!
Extend an Invitation	Ask a newcomer to join you for coffee and donuts or an upcoming parish event. As you say goodbye, a warm “It’s so good to have you here” means more than you might think.