Parishes find unique ways of bringing parishioners back to church
Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark are finding unique ways to re-connect with their parish communities following their return to Mass after most pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Such activities include the building of a memorial rock garden honoring pandemic victims at St. Michael’s Church in Cranford, a “Welcome Back” picnic at Immaculate Conception Parish in Mahwah, and a “September Fest” that reunited parishioners amid festivities, food and music at Our Lady Mother of the Church in Woodcliff Lake.
These events are part of Vine and Branches, an archdiocesan initiative to encourage parishes to create social events and activities that inspire Catholics to return to church. Many parishes throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties have participated since the initiative launched last month.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Maywood also took a creative approach to encourage a return to church. Rather than planning a single event, the parish introduced a campaign titled “Reboot, Revive, Renew” to focus activities on rejuvenating parish life according to its three pillars: Spirituality, Socials, and Service.
“We had a lot of fun,” said Father Tony Ricarte, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace. “People enjoyed being together. After, they said, ‘Let’s do it again.’”
So far, the campaign has resulted in a four-day gathering that blended religious activities with fun social events. For example, their “Parish Festival ’21” featured a day-long Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, during which parishioners prayed the Rosary every hour and a “Treasures of the Church” event where visitors could admire sacred relics including pieces of wood from the True Cross.
On the social side, “Parish Festival ’21” included an evening of music and dancing to support the launch of FORMED, an online faith formation platform. The festival then culminated in a ministry fair where parishioners learned about parish services, signed up for programs, and enjoyed a picnic featuring food from various cultures.
Overall, the gatherings resulted in an influx of parishioners from Our Lady Queen of Peace and outside communities converging on the church, according to Father Tony. However, he said the parish is far from finished. They are planning additional Vine and Branches events to coincide with upcoming holidays and feast days. On top of that, he said he is already thinking of campaign ideas to follow up “Reboot, Revive, Renew” that will continue to strengthen the parish community in future years.
“Vine and Branches is not just something we’re checking off a list — it’s the start of a journey,” Father Tony said. “Hopefully, we’ll continue moving forward in deepening our faith. We want to revive the faith of our people and grow together as parishioners and clergy. And I’m so grateful that our community is willing to participate and bring back the life of the parish.”
Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell also took a unique approach to re-engaging with parishioners. First, Father Tom Dente initiated a four-week speaker series titled “Returning to Faith.” He referenced the Gospel to teach parishioners about the key reasons for celebrating Mass: the parish family, prayer, service, and Christ. By linking his homilies, Father Tom said he wanted to provide a narrative arc that would compel people to keep coming back to Mass until they heard the conclusion. And once they did experience the series, Father Tom said he hopes his parishioners gained a new appreciation for the necessity of faith.
“Faith gives people hope and strength and a sense of community,” Father Tom said, pointing out that this sense of community is why attending Mass each week is crucial for everyone. “Some days you go to church, and you’re feeling really strong in your faith and zealous and vibrant, but the person in the pew next to you is having a dark time with a lot of doubts. Your faith can carry that person. And when you’re having your difficulties, their faith can carry you.”
Beyond the “Returning to Faith” series, Notre Dame hosted an interfaith candlelight service to honor everyone impacted by COVID-19. Approximately 100 people of all faiths participated in the evening of prayer, song, and reflection. Many wrote the names of loved ones or special intentions on notes displayed outside the church during the vigil. Father Tom said it was all very moving because it gave people the chance to grieve for those lost during the pandemic. It also demonstrated the value of coming together in faith, he added.
Now that those events are finished, Father Tom said he is discussing ideas for other Vine and Branches gatherings with parish leaders. Whatever they come up with, he said the goal would be the same — to inspire Catholics to embrace their faith.
“There are folks out there who are going to sporting events or going out to restaurants but are still not coming back to church,” Father Tom said. “We want to show them all the positives of going to church so they’ll return. Church has a lot to offer.”
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In the coming weeks, Jersey Catholic will highlight other parishes participating in the Vine and Branches initiative. To learn more, check with your local parish and visit https://www.rcan.org/vineandbranches. Past articles highlighting Vine and Branches activities are available at the links below:
- Church of the Little Flower in Berkeley Heights: https://jerseycatholic.org/vine-and-branches-initiative-inspires-church-of-the-little-flower/
- Vine and Branches prayer services: https://jerseycatholic.org/bishops-engage-with-parishioners-introduce-new-initiative-at-prayer-services/
- St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Cresskill: https://jerseycatholic.org/upcoming-youth-rally-looks-to-spark-faith-and-fellowship/
Featured image: Parishioners gathered for a candlelight service at Notre Dame Church to pray for all affected by COVID-19. (Photo by Terrie Michaels)
