NOVEMBER 20, 2014 EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE MEETING
In attendance were: Lee McGrath * Nancy & Tom Buchanon * Becky Estep * Cara Johnson and William, John Larmour * Carolyn Large * Amanda Noel * Amber Girte * Flo Lankster * Sue Sopala
Lee started the meeting with a prayer and then asked us each to say something about ourselves in relation to Mary Queen.
Amber shared that her coming into the church was partly due to that she was married to a catholic. Read in the bulletin about the RCIA program and wanted to look into it. Has become very active in CAC and B.U.I.L.D.
We must become intentional; asking someone to join the ministry is good. It starts with us; sharing the goodNews. Think about reading the book, “Intentional Disciples”. As members of this evangelization ministry,
think about adding a prayer, read scripture, asking ourselves who is Jesus to us. What kind of environment do we set up for others to ask us questions? Plant a seed with our bags of seed. God will water and make it grow, and decide what fruit it will bear. God will remove any fear we have. Take time to discern what your gifts are and how you use those gifts in your daily life.
Referring to the survey done by the “homework assignment” from Fr. Dan 97 people could be a list to invite back to church. 134 emails from 2nd survey. Homework assignment will be repeated by Fr. Dan.
Office has made up a revised registration form; adding a whole bunch of ways to feed the new parishioner: small groups, mom & tots group , bible studies , etc.
Trust was discussed. How do we build a relationship with those who have left the church, Catholics not coming to church, and new members of the church? Hospitality and trust are something to be intentional about. How to welcome them back home? Learn more about Catholics Returning Home, a program offered at Christ the King Cathedral. No child care at CTK. We need one here at Mary Queen as well. We need to approach those that we know have left the church. We need to train leaders a leader that can facilitate Catholics Returning Home here at MQ, leaders who are capable of heart to heart talking, who are non-judgmental, and who accept others where they are. Lee will invite Dcn. Tim Weinmann to the Jan 15th committee to share CRH with us.
Cara Johnson has instituted the postcards inviting someone back to church at Christmas. We are challenged to invite a person to midnight Mass, to extend a warm invitation, person-to-person to one of the most beautiful and meaningful Masses of the year besides the Easter Vigil.