Increase Baptisms, Increase Membership Enrollment. Spiritual Networking

 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Gospel of Matthew 28:19-20)

 Try this idea in your Parish?

 Every January, promote for 1-month Sacramental Formation for Baptism, starting with the Feast of Our Lord’s Baptism.

 What will you need? The Pastoral Team, Catechist Team, and Baptism Catechists and Volunteers working on this plan:

Begin on the feast of the Baptism of our Lord. If you can ask all the priests and deacons to speak on Baptism for that Month (Daily and Sunday Masses). Using the readings, mention the connection to Baptism (using the Catechism and Saint Teachings). At the end of the Homily and at the end of the Mass, encourage Parishioners to promote and live out their Baptism within your Parish Boundaries. They can encourage people to register their children for baptism. This idea can bring new families into the Parish.

 

“The Church's ministry with adolescents and their families has an important contribution
to make in building healthy communities and in providing the developmental and relational
foundation essential to a young person's healthy development.”
(Renewing the Vision: A New Moment;  pgs 8-9)

 Each Sunday:

 1. Create brief announcements for Registration to your Baptism Program. You can add an invitation for families to join the Pastoral Team and Parish Council for breakfast and give a brief talk.

          2. Create a promotion that can be taken and mailed. Have the youth put a promotion on one side or each side of the pews. At each Mass, the youth can straighten or put in new promotion cards. When Parishioners enter or leave the building, the youth can give the promotion cards.

         3. Use the Bulletin and create a front cover for the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. You can also create weekly images to promote the theme of Baptism. Create one News Blurb for the bulletin – it could also be in a different language. Make sure it has Rectory Contact information.

          4. Use your Parish website to register future members who may need the Sacrament of Baptism. Have a QR Code for any Images or News Blurbs to access your online applications.

          5. Create Posters to post in locations within the Church or any of the facilities that have foot traffic. Use the Bulletin image.

          6. The following January, repeat the process and new ideas for networking within the boundaries.

Each Monday: Use your Sunday promotions for…

 1.  For your Parishioner Email List.

2. For Social Media

3. Create Scriptural and Catechesis teaching on your next bulletin, and social media. Network with your Archdiocese or Diocese to use teachings on Baptism – written or videos.

         4. Recording a testimony of a Pastoral Staff to invite families and individuals to receive Baptism.

         5. Form a Baptism Team under the Office of Faith Formation in your Parish. You would need a lead Catechist, and 2 Catechists / Volunteers to commit to local outreach, and research on the communities within the boundaries. Use the Parishioner Registration List to connect the network to the Pastoral Team to reach families who need Sacrament of Baptism and more.

 “Our work, dear catechists and religion teachers, is more necessary than ever
and requires on your part constant fidelity to Christ and to the Church.” 
Saint John Paul the Great 

You may not be the savior of your Parish, but you offered a template that can be used by other groups if they believe in the Mission Jesus gives within the Boundaries. Try it. What do you have to lose?