Welcome is a two-day, one-overnight renewal weekend at your parish. It is an experience that helps parishioners discover what is missing in their lives and what to do about it. Most people want to work this out but have no idea how to do it or even where to start. Welcome puts a framework around the questions and struggles we all have so that every day, in every way, we can become a-better-version
-of-ourselves. We all want to feel a sense of connection, a sense of family, and a sense of home. Often- times a sense of community is missing within a parish. How many people do you know who make the trip to Mass each Sunday, but otherwise remain distant from the Church? We all long for a desire to feel welcome. This program acknowledges this desire by giving parishioners a community that helps them grow in faith and engage with their parish in ways they never have before. What happens on the weekend? The Welcome Weekend combines witness talks, small group discussions, meals, Mass, Reconciliation, prayer, and social time. It is an opportunity for Receiving Team members to explore Jesus’ call to them in a relaxed and supportive environment. It is also one of the best ways for them to meet and develop community with other parishioners. During the weekend, Receiving Team members will listen to a number of Giving Team members who have volunteered to give a personal witness to the power of Jesus Christ in their lives. Group discussions, usually made up of four to five people, follow each presentation. These discussions are led by the Table Leader at each table. Each member of the Receiving Team is free to share as much or as little as he or she feels comfortable. There will be readings of Scripture and time set aside for prayer and personal reflection. Sacraments are an integral part of the weekend. There will be Mass and an opportunity to go to Reconciliation.