Converting Creasters: How to Bring Cultural Catholics Back to Sunday Mass

For many parishes, the holiday season ushers in the “Creasters”—those who attend Mass only on Christmas and Easter. While these seasonal visitors acknowledge the spiritual significance of the major feasts, they also present a profound opportunity for evangelization, to guide these individuals back to the regular practice of the Faith.

Lifeway Research shows that six out of ten Americans attend a Christmas church service, but for many parishes, attendance declines sharply after the New Year.

There are many reasons for this—not to mention widespread inadequate spiritual formation—but a different reason we might examine is the lack of parish outreach and engagement after the Christmas (and Easter) Masses. Visitors often leave without a clear understanding of the parish’s community and mission, making it less likely for them to return. However, with this focus in mind, there are tools and strategies we can employ to create meaningful impressions, enhance communication, and encourage active involvement among the occasional attendee.

Simply, we must tend to the human needs and senses in order to “access,” so to say, the spiritual. Just look how Our Lord instituted the sacraments: He gave us generous channels of supernatural grace through physical, tangible signs. With that said, we ought to seriously evaluate the environment we create and increase parish outreach to its members, especially at these times of year, so that visitors might be inspired to rediscover the richness of the Faith. By establishing genuine connections and sharing the beauty of Christ’s Church, parishes can help bring these individuals into fuller communion with God and His sacraments.

Parishes face major hurdles in retaining holiday visitors. The long-term trend of fewer people attending church services is connected to a broader decline in religious identification. Many have grown distant from the Faith due to life circumstances, misconceptions, or simply a lack of invitation.

Another critical barrier is the perception that the Church may not meet people where they are. Addressing this requires a pastoral approach that emphasizes compassion, understanding, and an invitation to grow spiritually. Parish leaders must prioritize building relationships over programs, focusing on the transformative power of Christ rather than on administrative processes.

The heart of any successful outreach effort is personal connection. While tools like parish websites and digital outreach platforms can aid in communication, the focus should always remain on human connection and spiritual growth. Here are three ways parishes can foster these relationships:

1. Welcome Visitors with Warmth and Authenticity
   First impressions matter. A warm, genuine welcome at the door, combined with a heartfelt homily that speaks to the challenges and joys of everyday life, can leave a lasting impact. Parishes should consider enlisting greeters to engage visitors and make them feel at home. Thoughtful touches, like a take-home reflection or an invitation to a small group or event, can also encourage visitors to return.

   It’s also important to meet parishioners where they are and connect with those who may be more tech-savvy. Social media, mobile apps, and updated websites can be powerful (and often overlooked) tools to introduce visitors to the parish’s mission, values, and community. These platforms allow parishes to share inspirational messages, highlight community stories, and provide essential information, such as Mass times and ministry opportunities, which all work to showcase a vibrant community and mission in a way that resonates with first-time visitors.

2. Follow Up with Personal Invitations
   On the technology front, tools like QR codes and digital sign-up forms simplify this process, enabling parishes to collect contact details and send personalized follow-ups. I’ve heard from numerous priests that using QR codes to collect visitor information during Christmas Mass allowed them to follow up with customized invitations to New Year’s events, resulting in a noticeable increase in attendance.

   Parishes should focus on personal outreach rather than relying on technology alone. A handwritten note from the pastor, a follow-up phone call, or an invitation to an upcoming event can show visitors that they are valued members of the community. This intentional approach can help bridge the gap between occasional and regular attendance.

3. Highlight Opportunities for Spiritual Growth
   Visitors are more likely to return if they see clear opportunities to grow in their faith. Parishes can share information about Bible studies, prayer groups, or service opportunities. These initiatives deepen faith and foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the parish community.
4. Tracking Engagement to Inform Outreach
   To effectively engage visitors and encourage their return, parishes must be intentional about understanding who is coming through their doors. By tracking attendance, donations, and event participation, parish leaders can identify those who attended holiday services and events but haven’t yet returned. However, tracking trends isn’t about numbers but about understanding how to best serve and connect with individuals. For example, noticing which events or ministries draw the most newcomers can guide parishes in focusing their resources on the most impactful initiatives that serve parish members best.

The holiday season is more than a time to celebrate—it’s an opportunity to evangelize, to extend Christ’s love to those who may have drifted from regular practice of the Faith. By focusing on personal connections and spiritual growth, and by utilizing the modern tools at our disposal, we can help transform seasonal visitors into engaged members of the Body of Christ.

Ultimately, the goal is not just to fill pews but to bring souls to Christ. With prayerful planning and a commitment to loving outreach, we can inspire individuals to rediscover the beauty of the Catholic Faith and the joy of a life centered on Christ. We shouldn’t forget to evangelize the Creasters; after all, Mass is not just part of our Christmas celebrations—it’s a continual invitation to return home to God’s loving embrace now and throughout the year.

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash