Being Christ to the un -Evangelized at Mass
Mon, 06/29/2009 - 12:33am
I have a tough time with this. Today, at my home parish usual 9:00 Mass we had a baptism. My family was sitting in our usual spot near the front. Directly in front of us was the family of the infant being baptized. As usual several members of the family showed signs that probably aren't regular Mass attendees.
In today's case, 4 younger adults (20 somethings) were right in front of us. One young man was wearing a very tall spiked mohawk, and those 1/2 inch ear piercing holes. 2 young ladies with some sort of eastern / asian style tatoos, and anothrer young man that looked like what we in PDX call a "hipster." These 4 were whispering much of the time, snickering on occasion, 3 of them were chewing gum. They didn't show any sign of interest or participation in what was happening. They seemed to be trying to be respectful in the sense that they at least knew not to be loud - If I'd been a few pews back or on the other side, I wouldn't have notieced.
I particularly noticed that they actually payed not attention during the baptism (which was presumably the only reason they were there), and that they seemed almost to make a point of not responding to the renewal of baptismal vows (I was close enough to hear).
Now, my dilemna really doesn't have much to do with any of "what they did." I want to be judgemental, and feel a little superior. I'd like to be self-rightous. I thought of approaching them and asking them a pointed question, or lecturing them. Only by God's grace was I able to ask for Charity and to pray for them. Then I was able to see that maybe, just maybe being here today will be a small spark that brings them back to the Church (at least 3 of them probably were Catholic - the went to communion anyway). Anything I said to them was unlikely to help, and might be one more thing that pushed them (or they used as an excuse) away from the Church.
So how do we evangelize people who are Catholic and who are at Mass, but who don't seem to know about the Gospel or the Eucharist?
Sun, 07/26/2009 - 12:20am
#2
make a connection
Try to make a connection with them. Ask about a tattoo - where did they get it done, what does it symbolize? Ask the one with the mohawk what he uses to get the spikes to stay up. Show a genuine interest in who they are. Smile at them. If they are in the row right near you, make sure you pass the peace to them genuinely. I sometimes have a problem with kids misbehaving during Mass - so I make sure that I touch their shoulder or offer my hand - even the littlest ones - at the peace. I tell their parents or guardians that it is a true joy to see children in church. I smile A LOT. Complement their singing if it warrants. If they aren't singing, offer them your hymnal/missal open to the right page - perhaps they aren't familiar with what you have in your pews. On my first day at my former church, the lady sitting next to me helped me find the right hymnal, and after the service pointed out an event in the bulletin she thought I might enjoy. I felt instantly at home. If you don't know them, introduce yourself and ask them "Were you here for the baptism?" Take time to offer yourself to them, and thus offer them Christ.
Thu, 07/30/2009 - 1:34pm
#3
Make them feel welcome
I agree with reckshow that making a friendly connection is a good response. I personally would not bring up their tatoos or hair styles, but I would comment on the baptism. "We love it when we can witness a baby's baptism. Are you related to the baby? How? Are you from around here? Welcome and have a great rest of the day." Keep it simple. Kindness and hospitality go a long way.
You can always lead by example, of course! That is the first way that we can lead others back to Christ. I think a lot of people I know who have fallen away from the Church have done so because they have never had anyone to look up to in the Church, and they probably see most people not caring (or not seeming to care) about the Sacraments.
In addition to leading by example, you can always tell somebody flat out, "It was good to see you here! I hope you'll come again." This can be disarming, but that open invitation can work wonders—trust me!
Advancing the faith.