How to Welcome Others at Christmas Mass
Making Christmas Mass a True Encounter with Christ
The season of Advent sometimes brings very specific goals. Growing closer to Christ, replacing a vice with a virtue, spending more time in Adoration, etc. When we reflect on our Advent journey, we may have met those goals, or at least some of them. Or maybe life threw some curveballs, and we feel like we need to begin again. I suspect that most of us fall somewhere in the middle. Wherever you are on your Advent journey, I want us to pause together and consider how to prepare your heart not only for Christmas but also for Christmas Mass.
Christmas Masses are lovely in their liturgy. The glowing lights, the beautiful music, and the full pews. Many people attend these special liturgies who you might not see the rest of the year. So often, the temptation is frustration (why aren’t they joining us the rest of the year?). Or we initiate a bit of well-intentioned banter (“Haven’t seen you in a while, good to see you!”) that unintentionally comes across as criticism.
Let’s spend a little bit of time today pondering how to warmly, kindly, and constructively welcome those who come through our doors, and how to ensure that an encounter with us leads to an encounter with the Lord.
People We May Encounter
This is an important place to start, since a variety of people in different situations are likely to cross our paths. More often than not, regardless of their situation, their hearts are more open to relationships with their parish and their Lord at Christmas. Some reasons they may be drawn to the Church this time of year include:
- Nostalgia or tradition.
- Loneliness, or a search for hope.
- Curiosity or a feeling of being unsettled.
- Someone invited them!
Regardless of the reason they attended, they may have one, or many, of the following fears about attending:
- Being judged for their absence.
- Not recalling the Mass ritual or prayers.
- Feeling inadequate.
- Fear that people are disappointed in them.
- Fear that God is disappointed in them.
Since we cannot know every struggle a person is facing, it is essential that we open our hearts in a Christ-like way and have a plan for how to greet those God places in our lives during this powerful and inviting season. It is crucial to remember that this is not a time for guilt or lectures. To avoid those pitfalls, our choice of words is key. For example, when you might be tempted to say “Wow, good to see you! It’s been a long time!” try replacing that with a simple “Welcome! It’s so great to see you!”
It would be a good idea to spend a few moments beforehand coming up with some positive, inviting go-to phrases to have at the ready when you have the opportunity to greet others.
Changing Your Mindset
This process starts with a shift in mindset. Instead of focusing on thoughts such as “they only come once a year” or “they’re not too serious about this,” try reframing them toward a more positive, constructive outlook. For example, “Grace led them here, and they responded,” or “This is a good opportunity to plant seeds, a fresh start.” Do not allow yourself to forget that an encounter with us should mirror an encounter with Christ, and might be the first step in changing a life.
To wrap up, here are some simple practices, in addition to what we already discussed, that you can implement this year:
- Smile! This goes a really long way!
- Make space in the pew – standing and searching for a place to sit can feel very embarrassing.
- Remember that the goal is encounter and relationship, and let your words and actions flow from that goal.
- Invite! Whether you invite them back to Mass with you, to a study or parish event, or even out for coffee, find a way to continue nurturing the relationship.
- Consider getting a small group together in your parish to make themselves available to pray one-on-one with anyone after Mass who may be struggling or need extra prayer support.
I hope these ideas serve as a starting point for your own reflection and conversation. May all of our parishes be welcoming sanctuaries for those we encounter this holiday season!
What are your thoughts on this topic? Join other homeschooling parents and me in the Homeschool Connections Facebook Group or in the HSC Community to continue the conversation.
