Share about SMP on social media

Spread the word about Saint Michael Parish by downloading and posting images to your social media accounts. Use the graphics to invite someone to Mass!

Remember, to those unfamiliar with the Catholic faith, the Mass may be intimidating or confusing without someone there to explain what is going on. There’s standing, sitting, kneeling, and no Eucharist for non-Catholics. It can even seem unwelcoming to the new attendee. That’s why it’s important that when you invite someone to Mass you accompany them, sit with them, and adequately prepare them for the experience. Let them know that Communion isn’t designed to be exclusionary—we want everyone to be able to receive Christ in the Eucharist. But that has to start with being in full communion with the Catholic Church. It would be an untruth for someone to say “Amen” as they receive when that “Amen” is really an assent to all that the Church teaches and holds to be true, particularly the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

SMP has many other on-ramps to introduce others to the Catholic faith. We offer Vespers, for instance, every Wednesday night — it’s a fantastic introduction to Catholic spirituality. Or, consider an invitation to something like a book/Bible study program, a small group, or invite them to serve with you in helping the community via our many outreach programs!

If someone is interested in learning more about the Catholic Church, please facilitate a conversation between them and Marriann Tefft, our Steward for RCIA. Marriann can guide them through the whole process, from letting them know when the next Inquiry sessions to explore the Faith begin to what the entire RCIA process entails.

Nothing beats telling your story! If you just saw the best movie of your life, or had the best meal you’ve ever eaten, you’d share your excitement with anyone who might care to listen. Shouldn’t we treat the best news in the history of the world in the same way? Don’t be afraid to tell others the story of what Jesus has done for you! How did you come to Christ? How does your faith impact your life? Your enthusiasm will be contagious.

Resist the urge to correct, belittle, church-hurt, or defend your beliefs. Instead, listen for meaning, seek to understand, validate them, care for what people have been through, and have an open/respectful conversation about each other’s beliefs.

Explore these and other topics in friendly conversation. Remember, it’s not a sales pitch but an opportunity to get to know someone, to walk with them and care for them.

• Do you have a faith life? Can you tell me about it?
• Did you grow up going to church with anyone?
• Do you go to church now? Where at? Or why not?
• Have you ever thought about going again?

When we start a conversation, care for, embrace, and reach out to our neighbors, the barista, the check-out clerk, our kids’ teachers, and our coworkers, we open the door for friendship and spreading the Gospel.

• Pray for your neighbors every day as you pass their homes on the way to and from work.
• Take every opportunity to show care (mow lawns, shovel snow, rake leaves, bring cookies, write notes).
• Ask questions: Resist the urge to make every conversation about you. Ask about their lives first.

When you start engaging the people around you, you’ll have more opportunities to share the life and stories of Jesus.

Bishop Robert Barron has a great article on effective evangelization strategies that everyone should read!

Do you or someone you’re talking with have questions about the faith? You can’t always direct someone to the Catechism, but when it comes to apologetics (defense of the faith) Catholic Answers is the next best thing.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has some good resources to read up on when discussing the Mass—especially if you’re inviting someone back to Mass.