Stop sending out RCIA press releases

Image Credit: Kingston Chen | Unsplash

6 thoughts on “Stop sending out RCIA press releases”

  1. Great article! We can never underestimate the personal touch, whether we’re looking for inquirers or for catechists. Bulletin and pulpit announcements serve only as backup reinforcements to a personal invitation. And they shouldn’t be aimed at inquirers, they should be a rallying cry to the rest of the congregation… Do YOU know someone who is considering the Catholic faith? Reach out to them and have them contact us… or ask if it’s OK if someone can contact them and let our team know to reach out. When I look back at all the different catechetical and liturgical ministries in which I’ve been involved, they ALL began with a personal invitation. So the more we teach our fellow Catholics to reach out on our behalf, the greater our chance of reaching those who we are seeking.

  2. Trying to get “others” to evangelize is like herding cats, so it is up to the RCIA team to seek out people who 1) don’t go up for Communion, 2) people who go up for a blessing at Communion time, 3) people who appear to not know how to “behave” in Church (know the prayers, when to stand, when to sit, etc.). These people can be approached after Mass and just ask of them,”I saw that you didn’t go to Communion, does this mean you are not Catholic, can I talk to you about that?” This is how I have brought several people in as seekers who then ended up receiving their sacraments and becoming Catholic. It is that personal touch and that word of concern that brings people in.

  3. “And it never works. Never.” Really.

    While I believe the personal, face to face invitation is the way to go, I can’t be everywhere. We have had good success with bulletin announcements. Something like this:

    Do you ever ask yourself…
    What am I looking for in life?
    What is the meaning of my life?
    How can I be a better person?
    What can I do about the loneliness I feel?
    How can I come to know God’s love?
    How can I know the right path God has in store for me?
    If you are asking these questions, or questions like them, we may have the answers you are looking for. Are you interested in finding out more?

    Sessions are always held on [day] at [time].
    This first session is [date] in [location] at [parish name and address]. Feel free to come any [day].
    Please give us a call if you have questions, would like further information, or need directions, at [number]
    or email at [email address]. Or check out our church’s website: [web address].

  4. Sid Manchego, RCIA Team Lead

    Great comments. I too took the liberty to step out last year and talk to people not in the communion line. It works! Takes very gentle conversation to begin the encounter, like, “I have seen you at Mass and not participating in the Communion line. Do you know everyone is welcome in the line to receive a blessing if not Catholic.” This opens the door for more discussion.
    I have a couple of people in mind that I will soon approach as well. As RCIA Team we need to pay attention to recognize new people at Mass and those not participating at Eucharist. Step out of that comfort zone and speak.

  5. Dcn Bill King

    When Jesus recruited the Apostles, he didn’t send out flyers; he got in the boat with them. We need more of that.

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