1. How to make the welcome real Engage People to Come and Stay between Christmas and Ash Wednesday

2. Opening Prayer Good and gracious God, You are love, and call us to be love in the daily circumstances of our lives. Help us to be witnesses to your desire that all people may be one with you. We ask this through the One who draws us into deep communion with you and one another, Jesus Christ, who is one with you and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever. Amen.

3. Three Steps Put out the welcome mat Invite people to join the family Give them a way to give

4. Step 1:Put Out the Welcome Mat What difference does it make to have faith? to be part of your parish? to reach out to others in caring and sharing?

5. Put Out the Welcome Mat Isnt this what you want for your family, friends, neighbors and co- workers? Give them a special gift this Christmas -- the gift of a community that will help them grow in faith!

6. Put Out the Welcome Mat Help guests to know your real hope that they will stay Remove obstacles where they exist

7. Our Plan Its really very simple: Invite folks to come to Christmas Mass Invite them to stay between Christmas and Ash Wednesday Mass Time with a Small Group

8. Guess What? You will grow too! Your life will be enriched Everyone will be touched

9. Step 2: Invite People to Join the Family Lets talk about this: Recall a time when you were invited to a friends house for the first time or when you have welcomed someone to your home

10. Invite People to Join the Family What happened? The guest is welcomed The family is present and pays attention to them We share traditions and what it means to be part of the family

11. Invite People to Join the Family What happened? We invite the guest to return We grow closer to each other We introduce the guest to other family members

12. Invite your friends to join you Talk about faith and life together Learn and grow in faith Become closer with one another

13. Step 3: Give Them a Way to Give People have a need to give! Make it simple. Perhaps help with a food drive collection or time at a local soup kitchen or a visit to a neighboring care facility

14. Give Them a Way to Give Go with the one you are companioning Chat about how serving is part of the life of faith Be attentive to the needs of your friend as well as those of the people you serve

15. Open the Doors and Keep Them Open! Make this the beginning of a new or renewed way of being in community with one another Enjoy each others presence Grow in faith together Know that all who come will be touched by the impact of your living relationship with Christ in community!