In our contemporary world, where distractions are many and commitments are endless, the future of the Catholic faith is at a critical juncture. With declining church attendance and the waning engagement of young people, we must urgently return to the core of our mission—to invite and welcome. The time for action is now.
The foundation of our faith is community, built through relationships and strengthened by personal invitations. It is easy to talk about engagement strategies in meetings, but the true transformation begins when we extend heartfelt invitations as individuals and as a community. We must ask ourselves: when was the last time we invited someone to Mass? When did we last share the beauty of our faith with those who might be searching for meaning?
Young people today crave authenticity and connection. They are not merely looking for another activity to fill their time; they are seeking a community where they feel valued, and their presence makes a difference. To engage them, we must offer opportunities that resonate with their experiences and aspirations.
One successful example is the rise of youth groups that combine faith with service. Programs like “Faith in Action” allow young people to see their faith in motion through community service projects. These initiatives not only engage them but also demonstrate our faith’s living, breathing nature.
A recent conversation with a generous benefactor to the Diocese of Wilmington highlighted an often overlooked yet critical perspective: the role of the family. She rightly pointed out that young people who remain engaged with the church are typically those who were brought to Mass consistently as children. This underscores the importance of family in fostering faith. However, we cannot rely solely on familial influence; we must also support and engage these families.
Parish programs that cater to the entire family, such as family retreats or intergenerational faith formation sessions, can be incredibly effective. By creating spaces where families can grow together in faith, we strengthen the foundation for the future church.
In an age where marketing is pervasive, the church must also embrace it—not to sell a product but to share our faith’s profound beauty and truth. Our traditions, sacraments, and community life offer answers to the deepest human longings. We need to communicate this effectively, using modern tools and platforms to reach those beyond our immediate audience.
Social media campaigns that highlight personal testimonies, the beauty of our liturgies, and the impact of our charitable works can reach hearts and minds that are currently disengaged. Collaborative efforts with Catholic influencers, content creators and even parishes with strong digital presences can amplify our message.
For those who have drifted away or never felt connected, our approach must be one of relentless outreach and welcoming arms. Initiatives like “Come Home for Christmas,” where parishes extend special invitations to lapsed Catholics during Advent, have shown promise. Similarly, offering open forums or Q&A sessions about the faith can address misconceptions and invite dialogue.
Moreover, we must consider the pastoral needs of those who feel marginalized. Ensuring that our parishes are places of welcome for all—regardless of their past or present circumstances—is essential. This includes robust support for those undergoing life transitions, such as new parents, those experiencing loss, or individuals returning from incarceration.
As the director of development for the Diocese of Wilmington, I have the privilege of speaking with many of our benefactors. Their biggest concern for our church is carrying the faith into the future. They often ask: How can we encourage young people to get more involved? Bishop Koenig is keenly aware of the need for invitation and engagement. He has initiated “Reconciliation Monday,” where every church is open for the sacrament as we prepare for Easter.
Additionally, he is planning a Eucharistic Congress to bring folks back and strengthen those who participate in our Catholic faith. What can we do? Invite our friends and neighbors to attend the Eucharistic Congress on Oct. 5, 2024. Let us encounter the Eucharist and accompany others in this sacred encounter, as the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith.
Ensuring the future of the Catholic church is not a task for a few, but a responsibility for all of us. It requires more than strategic planning; it requires action rooted in love and commitment. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to invite, engage, and accompany. The future of our faith is not merely in our hands but in our hearts and our willingness to extend those hands to others.
As we move forward, let us remember that every invitation, every act of engagement and every moment of welcome can plant a seed of faith. And it is through these seeds, nurtured with care and love, that the future of the Catholic Church will not just survive, but flourish. Our actions today can shape a brighter tomorrow for our faith.
Sheila O’Hagan McGirl is directo of development for the Diocese of Wilmington. Email her at sheilamcgirl@cdow.org
