Connect this activity to lessons around the first Pentecost and the beginning of the Church. Ask the students to consider what factors help them to feel at home in a parish community. Put the students into small groups in order to help them identify more specifically what helps or would help them feel at home in a parish. Write these prompts on the board for them to think about (not every group needs to address every question):
· How would you prefer to be invited into the parish?
· How would you like to be greeted when you arrive at church?
· Whom would you like to see at church each week?
· How would you like to participate?
· Describe the ideal atmosphere of the building you worship in.
· What type of music do you prefer at Mass?
· What type of homily would you like?
· What kind of activity or gathering after Mass would you like to attend?
· What else do you suggest for making your parish more welcoming?
After students have spent time in small groups, ask them to identify welcoming attributes for a parish, and then see how much the groups have in common. Challenge the students to bring some of these ideas to a staff member at their parish and to report back in writing on what happens in response.
See: The Holy Catholic Church: History and Mission of God’s People
