In for the Long Haul
This week has been rough - just gonna say it. It’s taken its toll on us all. Where I live there has been a surge in Covid cases and we are back to the beginning with closures, testing, hospitals at capacity, and for that matter - people at capacity.
I had a chance to talk with youth ministers in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis last week. They are valiantly finding creative ways to stay connected, reach in where they can with youth and families and try new things. One thing I heard is that relationships are key. If those can be nurtured and supported during this year - they will have done the most and the best.
We all have relationships and know that it takes time, energy, and effort to keep them healthy and happy. But this virus has added obstacles - like those in a favorite video game - things that try to prevent us from reaching our prize or the goal. So here are the cheats for you to build relationships right now. People really need to know they are loved, remembered, belong, are important, and they have a beautiful future.
Check in with all your people regularly. Even if you have been able to come back for Mass, not everyone is there. It will be some time before that happens. Organize, as this whole year with be different, and schedule check-in’s like you would any other event or weekend liturgy. Invite everyone to be a part of this too! It’s a hospitality basic - it’s everyone’s job to care for the community - let’s make it real. Invite people interested or able to be part of your outreach efforts. (These are the people who will be your missionary disciples!) Gather names and get planning.
Excite people about this mission. Like the early Church, we have to care for each other in all things. When we take care of those in our community, it is a witness to the world that hope is not lost, joy still exists, and we are not alone. This group needs affirmation, resources, ideas, creative brainstorming sessions - all to find new ways to reach each person in the parish.
If you have to, rearrange budgets to support relationship building and outreach. This is the thing that will help tether people to the community and see its value in our lives even when we can’t celebrate and gather as usual. So, investing money differently is good stewardship. People… spend it on people.
Ideas for that budget or non budget:
Cards, bookmarks, treats, online events, family movie nights (drop off microwave popcorn, junior mints and then gather after to chat about it).
Host a virtual all-parish dinner party.
Meet up on a Friday night for dinner and storytelling with your pastor.
Line up meals for those who have Covid, flu, new babies, surgeries, cancer treatments, deaths, acknowledge milestones of children, youth and teens with a social media blast or fun signs on the parish property.
Gather for prayer on a Sunday evening - with teens leading prayer, lectio divina, the rosary or a prayer dear to your community.
Send out instructions on how to make bread or ginger cookies for Santa Lucia or other feast day,
Offer sessions on Zoom for all kinds of things - knitting class, winemaking, beermaking, kids crafts, Lego building, jewelry making, breadmaking, painting, decluttering the house, meals on a dime.
The bottom line - we are called to be church in new ways right now. It’s right and good for us to change things up and to use this time given to us to get to know our people better and offer them life - abundant life!
Peace,
Jane
