How Knights of Columbus Can Strengthen Parish Community Through Outreach

A strong parish is more than just a place of worship—it’s a spiritual home. Yet too often, new parishioners go unnoticed, never truly connecting with the faith community. As Knights of Columbus, we have a unique opportunity to change this by creating a more welcoming and engaged parish environment.

The Problem: A Disconnected Parish

Currently, our parish’s welcoming process is limited. Once new members are added to the collection envelope mailing list, there is little follow-up. Even our parish business director rarely sees their faces. Many new parishioners attend Mass but struggle to feel like they truly belong.

As Knights, we are called to serve. By taking an active role in welcoming others, we can foster a sense of belonging and deepen the faith experience for all.

A Vision for Parish Connection

Imagine if every parishioner were part of a small group—similar to our Lenten study groups—but based on neighborhoods. New members would automatically be connected to a group near them, ensuring they find fellowship from the start. As groups grow, they would naturally divide, maintaining strong, personal connections.

While the Church cannot share personal information without permission, there are still many ways we, as Knights, can integrate new members into the community.

What We Can Do as Knights

1. Be More Intentional in Greeting Others

• Welcome parishioners at the church doors before and after Mass.
• Engage in conversations at the donuts and coffee area after Mass.
• Ask, “How long have you been part of the parish?” If they are new, introduce them to others.

2. Help New Parishioners Connect

• If someone has been a parishioner for over a year, ask if they’d be willing to help welcome and get to know new members.
• Gather basic location information (such as neighborhood) to connect parishioners with nearby Catholic neighbors.
• Encourage active members to invite newcomers into existing groups or ministries.

3. Introduce New Members to Others

• If a parishioner has been in the church for less than a year, personally introduce them to several people at the same Mass.
• Make an effort to engage with them regularly—it takes about eight interactions with the between a person and the new parishioner over several months before he/she feels truly connected.
• Learn about their work, hobbies, and background to foster genuine relationships.
• When the time is right, ask if they’d like to meet other parishioners from their neighborhood and help facilitate those introductions.

Next Steps

• Identify Knights willing to take an active role in greeting and introducing parishioners.
• Develop a simple system to track and connect new members to others in their area.
• Work alongside parish leadership to enhance the overall welcoming strategy.

Conclusion: A Parish Where Everyone Belongs

By taking these small but meaningful steps, the Knights of Columbus can be the driving force behind a more connected and engaged parish. Welcoming new members is not just an act of kindness—it is an act of evangelization that strengthens the entire Church. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to deepen their faith and become active members of the community.

Let’s step forward in our mission as Knights and make our parish a true spiritual home for all.

Written in collaboration with ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).