Walk With One: Invite

As Advent gives way to Christmas Time this week, we continue to prepare our hearts to receive and share the good news of Christ's coming. The National Eucharistic Revival, through its Walk With One initiative, has given us the four Stages of Spiritual Companionship to guide our evangelical efforts. For the conclusion of Advent and the beginning of Christmas Time, we'll focus on Stage 4: Invite.

How can you invite someone into a deeper relationship with Christ this week and throughout the Christmas season? Some family members and friends might be ready to go to Christmas Eve Mass with you, but others might feel more comfortable with a parish Christmas event, a small group gathering, or a simple family gathering. Use your best judgment guided by the Holy Spirit. You can also think about how to make the most of conversations with family members who do not practice the faith but who will be tagging along to Mass or other activities out of a sense of family obligation.

"Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit to invite him or her to a concrete next step in fostering a personal relationship with Jesus and the Church.

"It is important to remember that it may not be easy to invite a person to come to Mass, particularly someone who has been away for some time or someone who has had no religious formation. It may be better to begin with an invitation to a parish small group experience, a service opportunity, or a social event. For those who need healing or an experience of God’s merciful love, an invitation to accompany them to the Sacrament of Reconciliation could be appropriate.

"If you discern that inviting the person to Mass is the best next step, encourage them to come with you and your family or with a group of friends. Your invitation could be as simple as: 'Our family/my friends and I always look forward to celebrating Sunday Mass. It is a source of strength and hope for us, and it reaffirms our trust in Jesus. My family/friends and I would love for you to come with us. We are going to the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. John Parish on Sunday, and you are welcome to come with us to Mass and to lunch afterwards. If you need a ride, let me know!'

"If the person shuts down the conversation, do not take it personally. Maybe they are not yet ready. Follow up with a statement that keeps the door open. 'I understand. Thank you for talking with me about this. If you ever want to talk about your faith, I am always here for you.' No matter what the outcome is, keep persevering in your friendship and ask the Lord to continue to guide you. After every encounter, thank God for the conversations that you have been having and remember to keep this person in your prayers."

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.

This collect prayer begins the Mass for Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Jesus is calling us to "take up battle against spiritual evils." We'll explore fasting itself in a few weeks; during the week of Ash Wednesday, we're going to dig into an important set of weapons the Lord gives us to fight evil: sacramentals.

What's a sacramental? Well, if you attend Mass on Ash Wednesday, you're probably going to receive one on your forehead.

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The Fourth Week of Advent & Christmas Time

Walk With One: Invite

4. Invite that Person on a Path Most Suitable for Him or Her

2. Intercede for that Person in Communion with the Holy Spirit