Parishioner Engagement: Using Parish Coffees to Grow
Lately, the Parishioner Engagement committee has been eyeing coffees as a way to grow parish ministries. The committee has identified three components of a successful parish coffee: food and beverages, a committed ministry host and a service activity for the children. Each ministry receives a new tip sheet, created by the parishioner engagement team, on “How to Host a Successful Parish Coffee” with suggestions for soliciting food, finding volunteers, quick set-up, clean-up, etc. The sheet also emphasizes ways the ministry can use the coffee to promote itself, its mission, activities and […]
Do you know one sign of a vibrant parish? The sight and sounds of young families at Mass. Children are always welcomed at St. Katharine’s, but taking care of them in church can be stressful for parents, and makes it difficult to focus on the Word of God. The Pastoral Plan’s Liturgy Experience committee understands this and, with the help of Mothers of Young Children and Faithful Families, has put together baskets of quiet toys for families to borrow during Mass. The baskets are located in the Lancaster 
Human hand holding Christian cross with a sunset sky background 
Would you guess that St. Katharine’s has almost 20 active ministries? Music, Bible Study, Walking with Purpose, Mercy Hospice, Youth Group, to name a few.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Catholic Church is the sacrament of Reconciliation. Instituted by Jesus Christ, Reconciliation allows us to obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God. All three Pastoral Plan committees (Faith Sharing, Liturgy Experience and Parishioner Engagement) have been called to increase attendance at confession and, in doing so, help parishioners receive peace through the priest’s audible assurance of forgiveness.
“…Make their words the echo of Christ’s voice so that those who hear them may be drawn to obey the Gospel”