New Parishioner Receptions: Helping People To Find A “Second Home” At Cathedral Of Christ The King

There is something special about gathering around a table for a meal. Whether it’s something as festive as a holiday dinner with extended family, or as low-key as Friday night pizza, food has the power to bring people together and help them to connect and build relationships. Even in Jesus’ life and ministry, there is a theme of people gathering together to “break bread.”

Here at the Cathedral of Christ the King, we hope to meet and welcome those who have recently joined our community at our New Parishioner Receptions. And while our typical evenings of in-person food and fellowship have temporarily moved to the Zoom videoconferencing platform during the pandemic, we hope that these will still be an opportunity for people to experience the warmth of our Cathedral community.

“We try to provide some kind of a reception or welcome event where they can meet other new parishioners, as well as staff members, ministry leaders, and Parish Council to give them an overview of this parish they’ve joined,” says Katie Sheppard, our Director of Advancement at the Cathedral.

Our community typically welcomes 100-160 new parish families a year, and despite the limitations of the pandemic, newcomers have continued to join. The hope is to host these welcome events once a quarter or so.

Although the Zoom receptions look a bit different, they provided an opportunity for those who have recently registered to connect with other parishioners, our priests, and staff who want to welcome them. Newcomers were divided into small breakout groups based on their stage in life, and ministry leaders and staff were available to answer questions.

Katie hopes that these events will help people feel connected within the parish community, and allow them to explore where they might use their gifts to serve and become involved.

“I want it to make the difference between someone who just sits in the pew and doesn’t interact with anyone, versus someone who feels invited to be actively involved in the life of the parish beyond Sunday Mass,” Katie says. “I want them to feel excited about the prospect of a ministry they feel called to, or an encounter they want to repeat.

“The more connections you have, the more ownership you feel, and the more you want to then create that for somebody else,” she adds. “It’s the difference between 'this is the church I go to' vs. 'the church I belong to.'”

Parishioner Jenn Stosberg was struck by the sense of welcome and hospitality she experienced when she joined the parish several years ago and became involved in helping with the New Parishioner Receptions during COVID.

“I’m from Louisville — I didn’t know anybody at the parish, but they’ve always been so nice,” Jenn says. “That’s what I’ve always liked the best about this parish, just how welcoming everyone is.”

Katie and Jenn hope that other parishioners will consider what role they might play in welcoming our new parishioners, whether by offering a smile to someone they don’t recognize or by preparing part of a meal.

“I would love for people who can’t give their time, to commit to bringing a casserole or to come and set up and leave a little note for a family saying, ‘We’re glad you’re here!’ so they just feel wrapped in love,” Katie says. “We’re all called to be ushers in one way or another — we’re all called to usher people in.”

“If you like talking to people and meeting people, the New Parishioner Receptions are a great way to get involved,” Jenn adds. “I want people to feel like, even if they don’t know anyone, we’re approachable and friendly. That’s what first attracted me to the parish and I want to be part of that.”

Our New Parishioner Receptions have temporarily moved to Zoom, but we hope to welcome newcomers, in person, again soon.