Baby Steps: The power of Invitation

August 22, 2022 | NEW MINDS

"Each of us should find ways to communicate Jesus wherever we are. All of us are called to offer others an explicit witness to the saving love of the Lord, who despite our imperfections offers us his closeness, his word, and his strength, and gives meaning to our lives. In your heart you know that it is not the same to live without him; what you have come to realize, what has helped you to live and given you hope, is what you also need to communicate to others."
- Joy of the Gospel 121

Parents will relate well to the memory of when your baby was learning to walk. After mastering crawling and standing upright with the aid of furniture, the baby’s first steps usually resemble an inchworm moving its way along the edge of the couch or coffee table. Eventually, you’re able to encourage them to step away hands-free and take a first real step which usually results in a fall. Once first steps have been witnessed, one’s eagerness to have the baby walk leads to standing him up and encouraging him to try again but this time holding your arms out toward him and encouraging him to keep moving toward you. With each step your baby takes, you move a little farther back until you both realize the good distance they’ve walked on own their own…always moving toward the safety of their parent’s arms.
As we work to move others along the path of discipleship, it may be helpful to remember the simplicity of a child walking and remember you’re inviting them into something wonderful…into the Father’s arms. You should approach it with great joy, not fear. Imagine you have an abundance of hidden treasure and you’re sharing the map to the treasure with them. The only apology necessary is the one you owe for not sharing something so wonderful!
God wants you to be confident and bold in inviting people into a relationship with him! Here are some simple examples of simple ways to begin to invite people into deeper relationship and to keep them moving along the path of discipleship.

Every Christian is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in evangelization; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy training to go out and proclaim that love.

Joy of the Gospel 120
Where do you start?
It's important to always begin with prayer and ask the Holy Spirit for an opening so you may extend an invitation. We have to remember that conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit and it's our job to plant the seseds and make the invitation.

Invite to Mass
You see a family at a soccer game every weekend, but you never see them at Mass, and they’ve expressed they don’t go. How do you invite them to Mass?

· Invite them to Mass and lunch before the game.
· When out of town for tournament, invite the team to join you for Mass before games begin.
· Invite the family to join your family at social event sponsored by the parish but begin by going to Mass together.

Invite to a Small Group or Bible Study
You have a friend who comes to Mass every Sunday but isn’t involved in the life of the Church and admits she only comes to Mass out of respect to her devout Mother. How do you invite her to join your small faith sharing group/Bible study?

· Share why your small group or Bible study has blessed your life and how you’ve grown. You’ve got something special to share. Invite her to join you at your next one.
· Invite her to wine and appetizers gathering with your small group to meet everyone and do a simple version of small group to give her a taste of what it is involved. Let her encounter the friendship and joy associated with the group.

Invite to Retreat
You have a friend who is in your Bible study. How do you invite him to go on a weekend silent retreat?

· Share your own personal encounter you’ve experienced with God on retreat. Perhaps you felt God calling you to come away and give Him some focused quiet time.
· Tell him of upcoming opportunities in the parish or archdiocese where he might also receive the blessing associated with time spent away with the Lord such as a private day retreat.

Invite into Leadership
You have a friend who goes to Mass every Sunday, is part of a Bible study, and goes on retreat several times per year but believes leadership belongs to someone more qualified. How do you invite him to lead a new small group or take on a faith formation leadership position in the parish?

· Remind your friend of the importance of continued growth. We are not called to be stagnant. God often calls us out of our comfort zones to bring us into even deeper relationship with him.
· Encourage discernment of his gifts and where God might be calling him to serve in a leadership position. Invite them to do the spiritual gifts inventory to see what gifts God might be calling them to serve.

Never stop inviting people to move closer into relationship with God – no matter where they are starting. If you don’t take that first step of making the invitation, who will?

"But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring [the] good news!"

Romans 10:14-15

FAQs

What is the strategic pastoral planning initiative, All Things New?
All Things New will examine all of our parishes, schools, ministries and agencies, evaluating our effectiveness as a local Church in proclaiming the Gospel and identifying opportunities for improvement and renewal.

The goals are:

To "make All Things New" by Gospel renewal in our parishes, schools and other ministry efforts

To enhance our evangelization efforts to those on margins of society

To secure a vibrant future for the Church in St. Louis

This initiative is in response to the call of our Lord to be missionary disciples, and to the Church's desire to "make All Things New" by the Power and Joy of the Gospel.

Why are we doing this? Why now?
The Church and its people continue to evolve as society evolves.

The landscape of Catholic faithful in our archdiocese looks different today than it did even a few decades ago. This process will allow us to move our ministries forward to meet people where they are-spiritually and geographically-while remaining constant in mission and rooted in faith.

What is the purpose of this initiative?
The purpose is to:

Reimagine how the Church serves her people throughout the archdiocese.

Foster viable, sustainable, and vibrant parishes and schools that support the evangelizing mission of Jesus Christ and His Church.

Ensure we are serving effectively and preserve the faith for future generations.

What will this entail?
This process will affect the entire archdiocese. We began this process in July 2021 with prayer and listening, and will continue collecting data and feedback from various stakeholders-including our priests, deacons, lay leaders, consecrated religious, and faithful of all ages-which will inform the rest of the planning process.

What is the timeline?
This is a multi-year project, involving ongoing prayer, listening sessions, and collecting feedback from various stakeholders that will develop options for a strategic plan for the entire archdiocese which will be finalized by Pentecost 2023.

July 1, 2021: span Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski announced a new strategic planning effort that will examine all parishes, schools and curia offices and agencies in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Summer 2021: Data gathering from parishes and schools begins. Priests and Deacons surveyed. Focus groups held with ministries and stakeholders. Scripture, guiding texts and prayer unveiled the name, logo, guiding principles and goals.

Fall 2021: Presented and collected feedback for All Things New from Priests, Deacons, Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly, Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Curia, Elementary Principals and Presidents, Youth Ministers and teenagers, Young Adults, and Consecrated Religious.

January 25, 2022: All Things New is officially launched on the celebration of The Conversion of St. Paul.

March 2022: Disciple Maker Index is administered through the parish of the archdiocese. Parish and school data are analyzed. Current reality is assessed.

Summer 2022: Disciple Maker Index results are shared; draft modeling begins; draft of parish planning process is completed.

Fall 2022: Listening sessions at each parish to receive input and feedback on draft models.

Winter 2022: Discernment and refinement of models.

Pentecost 2023: Archbishop Rozanski announces the plan for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Summer 2023: Pastors and parish leaders begin preparing for implementation.

Why does the process take so long?
The initiative is planned for a two-year time period in order to allow for prayer to root and ensure the proper time for discernment, consultation, and the refinement of models based on the feedback collected. It is vitally important to Archbishop Rozanski, priests and diocesan leaders involved to ensure plenty of time for listening and consultation with the people. With 178 parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, this requires time for listening as well as adequate time for analysis and refinement.

Will we be closing parishes and schools? If so, how many?
The data and feedback from various stakeholders-including priests, deacons, lay leaders, consecrated religious, and faithful of all ages will guide the planning process for evangelization. While we are not yet in a place to make decisions regarding structures, we anticipate a significant impact on our current blueprint and will address immediate needs as they arise.

How will this include all of the faithful?
Each pastor was asked to recommend up to five parishioners to serve as Key Parish Leaders and one Primary Point of Contact. Collaborating with the pastor and councils of the parish, these Key Parish Leaders serve as ambassadors to their fellow parishioners concerning All Things New. The Key Parish Leaders of every parish have four primary responsibilities:

Publicize and support the All Things New planning initiative in their daily interactions so that as many people as possible are invited to participate.

Refine the description of their parish provided by the All Things New leaders so that the baseline for discussion about future change is as accurate as possible.

Participate in parish listening sessions within their planning area and give feedback regarding future models of parish life.

Support parish listening sessions to inform parishioners about the pastoral planning initiative and obtain their feedback on future models of parish life.

Please note: the Key Parish Leaders do not have any role in creating the draft models nor do they have the responsibility to make any decisions.

The faithful will be invited to take the Disciple Maker Index survey starting Ash Wednesday, March 2 through April 4, 2022. This fall, listening sessions will take place to hear ideas and concerns.

Who is advising Archbishop Rozanski?
The All Things New initiative has multiple workstreams each with various subcommittees that are helping to guide the conversation and discernment process.

The following subcommittees already engaged in the process:

Archdiocesan Pastoral Council

Deans of the Archdiocese

Archdiocesan Council of Priests

Ministry Team Advisors and Archdiocesan Officials

Archdiocesan Finance Council

Professional Advisory Board

Evangelization Subcommittee

School Advisory Task Force

Young Adult Subcommittee

Youth Ministry Subcommittee

Social Justice Subcommittee

What is the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey?
The Disciple Maker Index (DMI) is a web-based survey that is accessible through an online link that your parish will provide between March 2 and April 4, 2022.

Where will I access the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey?
The Disciple Maker Index (DMI) is a web-based survey that is accessible through an online link from your parish between March 2 and April 4, 2022. Each parish has a unique link that will be shared closer to the launch of the survey. The survey takes between 10-15 minutes to complete. The survey can be completed on a computer or via a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet. A paper version of the survey is also available to download in more than 10 languages.

The DMI will also be accessible through the All Things New website. A dropdown parish selection menu will allow you to select your parish which will connect you to the unique parish link.

Note that this survey will only be active during March 2 and April 4, 2022.

What if I am not registered at a parish?
It is important we hear from you. It is recommended that you use the unique parish link for the parish where you most often attend Mass. If you do not feel affiliated with one particular parish, the All Things New website will offer an option on parish dropdown selection menu for "Unaffiliated with a Parish".

When will the DMI results become available?
Archdiocesan-wide and parish-specific results will be available in summer 2022. Parish-specific results will be shared individually by each parish, and the collective results for the entire Archdiocesan will be shared on the All Things New website and through other archdiocesan mediums. This data is being used to determine how each parish and the archdiocese as a whole can "make All Things New" by Gospel renewal, enhance our evangelization efforts and secure a vibrant future throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis for future generations.

How can I access my parish's results?
Each pastor and his designated parish team will receive the results in May 2022. After the results are reviewed and understood, each parish publishes their results to parishioners in Summer 2022.

Will archdiocesan-wide results be available?
Archdiocesan-wide results will be available on the All Things New website. The results will be sent to parishes as a handout for parishioners in Summer 2022.

When will the All Things New initiative be finalized and announced?
After the conclusion of the public comment period, all of the input provided by priests, deacons, school administration and lay faithful will be considered in order to finalize . Once finalized the recommended models will be presented to Archbishop Rozanski by those who have guided the All Things New initiative. The final recommendation will be the product of more than two years of prayer, discernment, consultative work and numerous iterations. The announcement will be on Pentecost, May 28, 2023.

Are Catholic Schools being considered as part of All Things New?
Yes, Catholic schools are being considered as part of All Things New, and school leaders have been engaged in the planning process. This initiative will affect the entire archdiocese. Archdiocesan Catholic elementary schools and high schools are a direct ministry of individual parishes or grouping of parishes and play a vital role in parish life. The Office of Catholic Education and Formation and the School Advisory Task Force is poised to support and assist as needed with local decisions.

Will any parishes, church buildings and schools close or merge at the end of this planning process?
Yes, however it is not known at this time which ones. There is a plan to create a plan. This is a consultative process. The feedback received during the listening sessions in the fall of 2022 will help to determine new models, including the structures, for parishes and schools. Additionally, the Archdiocese will engage in a process to objectively evaluate the physical condition of all the buildings in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Finally, buildings need to support the ministry of the parish, and the Sunday Liturgy is the center of our lives as Catholics.

What are the listening sessions?
As part of the ongoing strategic process for All Things New, the Archdiocese will be hosting listening sessions for each parish throughout the fall. Parishioner participation in these sessions is critical to helping shape the future of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Could my parish priest and Mass time be affected?
Yes. Canon Law limits the number of Masses a priest can offer. Our declining number of priests is one of the reasons why we will have fewer Masses. Having fewer Masses will ensure that each Mass is well-attended, which contributes to that vibrancy. This is keeping with our archdiocesan guidelines, which say that the attendance at any Sunday Mass should not be less than 50 percent of the seating capacity of that church. The Mass is the source and summit of our lives as Catholics, so we want to gather as a community for the Eucharist.

What is Catholic Leadership Institute, and what role do they play in all of this?
Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI) is working with the Archdiocese of St. Louis to assist with the creation and leadership of the All Things New planning process. CLI is a non-profit apostolate that works with numerous dioceses nationally and internationally, helping bishops to build diocesan teams, training parish leaders, and assisting in the development of strategic plans. Because of CLIâ€™s skills, its focus on evangelization, and its knowledge of the Church. CLI has supported processes like this in other dioceses and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this important initiative.

How can I learn more and stay informed in order to better understand all of this?
Information regarding All Things New is available at www.allthingsnew.archstl.org and will be updated as the process continues. Special editions of The St. Louis Review and Catholic St. Louis magazine will be published during the initiative. Parishes will publish articles and updates on topics related to All Things New through their communication mediums such as the bulletin and website. Become a subscriber through the All Things New website to be among the first to receive updates via email. Follow the Archdiocese of St. Louis on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin.

How does All Things New align with the Synod on Synodality?
The Synod on Synodality is a two-year process of listening and dialogue beginning with a solemn opening in Rome on October 9 and 10, 2021 with each individual diocese and church celebrating the following week on October 17. The synodal process will conclude in 2023.

Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: "It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium." This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church's "renewal" proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live communion, to achieve participation, to open Herself to mission (USCCB website).

There is a working subcommittee making sure that All Things New, the Synod and the Eucharistic Revival all align with one another. Some of the principles of Synodality; listening, discerning and participation, align perfectly with the All Things New Initiative and the conversations we intend to have.

As part of All Things New, every parishioner in the Archdiocese will be provided an opportunity to provide feedback via a survey sent out March 2, 2022 called the Disciple Maker Index, as well as participate in one of the 356 listening sessions we plan on hosting throughout the Archdiocese next fall. Some of the other principles articulated by the Vademecum that also align with All Things New:

Dimensions to Consider

Planning is Permeated in Prayer

Planning ministry is Focused on Fruitfulness---What is our vision/goal

Effective Planning is Rooted in the Teachings of Our Faith and Supported by Foundational Pastoral Practices

Effective Planning Develops a Culture of Encounter and Trust

Effective Planning Requires Training of Leaders

Intentional Stewardship

The Temptations:

To lead ourselves instead of being led by God

To focus only on our own immediate concerns

To see only "problems"

To focus only on structures

To not look beyond the confines of the church

Giving into conflict and division

To view the discernment process as a "parliament" with sides pitted against each other

To listen only to the highly engaged

How does All Things New align with the Eucharistic Revival ?
The first guiding principle of All Things New is unceasing prayer, so it aligns beautifully with the Eucharistic revival that will be taking place over the next few years throughout the United States and here locally in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

We have already posted resources for Adoration that focus on our personal encounter with the person of Jesus, and our call to go out and make disciples! The pillars of the Eucharistic Revival also align seamlessly with All Things New. They are:

Foster encounters with Jesus through kerygmatic proclamation and experiences of Eucharistic devotion.

Contemplate and proclaim the doctrine of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist through the Truth of our teaching, Beauty of our worship, and Goodness of our accompaniment of persons in poverty and those who are vulnerable.

Empower grassroots creativity by partnering with movements, apostolates, parishes, and educational institutions.

Reach the smallest unit: parish small groups and families.

Embrace and learn from the various rich intercultural Eucharistic traditions.

We will keep you updated through our newsletter about scheduled events and other developments regarding the Eucharistic Revival.

Baby Steps: The Power of Invitation

Baby Steps: The power of Invitation

Where do you start?

Invite to Mass

· Invite them to Mass and lunch before the game.

· When out of town for tournament, invite the team to join you for Mass before games begin.

· Invite the family to join your family at social event sponsored by the parish but begin by going to Mass together.

Invite to a Small Group or Bible Study
You have a friend who comes to Mass every Sunday but isn’t involved in the life of the Church and admits she only comes to Mass out of respect to her devout Mother. How do you invite her to join your small faith sharing group/Bible study?

Invite to a Small Group or Bible Study

· Share why your small group or Bible study has blessed your life and how you’ve grown. You’ve got something special to share. Invite her to join you at your next one.

· Invite her to wine and appetizers gathering with your small group to meet everyone and do a simple version of small group to give her a taste of what it is involved. Let her encounter the friendship and joy associated with the group.

Invite to Retreat
You have a friend who is in your Bible study. How do you invite him to go on a weekend silent retreat?

Invite to Retreat

· Share your own personal encounter you’ve experienced with God on retreat. Perhaps you felt God calling you to come away and give Him some focused quiet time.

· Tell him of upcoming opportunities in the parish or archdiocese where he might also receive the blessing associated with time spent away with the Lord such as a private day retreat.

Invite into Leadership

· Remind your friend of the importance of continued growth. We are not called to be stagnant. God often calls us out of our comfort zones to bring us into even deeper relationship with him.

· Encourage discernment of his gifts and where God might be calling him to serve in a leadership position. Invite them to do the spiritual gifts inventory to see what gifts God might be calling them to serve.

Never stop inviting people to move closer into relationship with God – no matter where they are starting. If you don’t take that first step of making the invitation, who will?

Romans 10:14-15

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Baby Steps: The Power of Invitation

Baby Steps: The power of Invitation

Where do you start?

Invite to Mass

· Invite them to Mass and lunch before the game.

· When out of town for tournament, invite the team to join you for Mass before games begin.

· Invite the family to join your family at social event sponsored by the parish but begin by going to Mass together.

Invite to a Small Group or Bible Study You have a friend who comes to Mass every Sunday but isn’t involved in the life of the Church and admits she only comes to Mass out of respect to her devout Mother. How do you invite her to join your small faith sharing group/Bible study?

Invite to a Small Group or Bible Study

· Share why your small group or Bible study has blessed your life and how you’ve grown. You’ve got something special to share. Invite her to join you at your next one.

· Invite her to wine and appetizers gathering with your small group to meet everyone and do a simple version of small group to give her a taste of what it is involved. Let her encounter the friendship and joy associated with the group.

Invite to Retreat You have a friend who is in your Bible study. How do you invite him to go on a weekend silent retreat?

Invite to Retreat

· Share your own personal encounter you’ve experienced with God on retreat. Perhaps you felt God calling you to come away and give Him some focused quiet time.

· Tell him of upcoming opportunities in the parish or archdiocese where he might also receive the blessing associated with time spent away with the Lord such as a private day retreat.

Invite into Leadership

· Remind your friend of the importance of continued growth. We are not called to be stagnant. God often calls us out of our comfort zones to bring us into even deeper relationship with him.

· Encourage discernment of his gifts and where God might be calling him to serve in a leadership position. Invite them to do the spiritual gifts inventory to see what gifts God might be calling them to serve.

Never stop inviting people to move closer into relationship with God – no matter where they are starting. If you don’t take that first step of making the invitation, who will?

Romans 10:14-15

FAQs

Trending

Article

Hospitaltiy Matters

Article

The Primacy of Prayer

Video Series

Evangelization 101

Contact Us

Press Contact

Follow Us

Invite to a Small Group or Bible Study
You have a friend who comes to Mass every Sunday but isn’t involved in the life of the Church and admits she only comes to Mass out of respect to her devout Mother. How do you invite her to join your small faith sharing group/Bible study?

Invite to Retreat
You have a friend who is in your Bible study. How do you invite him to go on a weekend silent retreat?