Six People To Look Out For In Our Parish

When we think about what it means to be the Church in our parish, it should be more than just showing up every week, sitting in the same pew, saying hello to the same people, and going home. Church is meant to be a vibrant community—a family full of energy and life—where everyone feels seen, welcomed, and valued. At the heart of our mission is this: to actively accompany people to encounter Jesus. That means every smile, every conversation, every moment of attention has a greater purpose because it can be the beginning of someone’s journey toward Christ.

In our parish, there are people who might be slipping through the cracks, just waiting for someone to notice them. If we truly want to be the kind of Church that lives out our mission, then these are the six types of people we must keep an eye out for—so that through us, they can encounter Jesus.

1. The Visitor Who Keeps Coming Back
They’ve been showing up for weeks now. You’ve probably seen them around—but have you said hello? Asked their name? Invited them for coffee? If someone keeps coming back, it’s because they’re searching. And what are they searching for? Belonging. Hope. Meaning. Maybe even Jesus Himself. This is our chance to accompany them. To make the love of Jesus visible in a simple “Hey, I’m really glad you’re here.” Sometimes, that is the first real step toward encountering Him.

2. The New Parishioner
They’ve just moved here from somewhere else. They’re excitement and eager to be part of the community. Butwhat happens after their arrival is just as important as their arrival itself. If we don’t walk with them that spark can fade, but if we actively accompany them—invite them, pray with them, include them, guide them—they will encounter Jesus again and again in our community. Remember, you may have been new once too. You know how much that first invitation, that first connection, meant.

3. The Overwhelmed Parent(s)
They made it to Mass—maybe with a crying baby, a restless toddler, or a diaper bag in each hand. That alone is a victory. You can see the fatigue in their eyes. Maybe they’re wondering if it’s worth the effort. Maybe they feel judged. This is where we live out our mission—by offering grace instead of criticism, support instead of silence. A kind word, a smile, a helping hand can show them that this is a place where Jesus sees them through us.

4. The Young Person Who Feels Invisible
We call them the Church of tomorrow—but they need to know they’re part of the Church today. Too often, they feel overlooked or unheard. But if we invite them, listen to them, and empower them, we aren’t just being nice— we’re being faithful to our mission. When a young person is seen, they’re more open to encountering Christ in a personal way. And that can change their life.

5. The Elderly Parishioner Who Feels Forgotten
They’ve given so much to the Church—time, love, wisdom. But now, they sometimes sit alone, unnoticed. We must not wait until they are gone to honour them. We’re called to actively accompany—not just the new, but the faithful who’ve paved the way. Visit them. Listen to their stories. Pray with them. Show them that their presence still brings us closer to Jesus.

6. The Parishioner Who Doesn’t Come as Often Anymore
You remember them—they used to be here all the time. But now they’re distant. Fading. Missing. There’s almost always a reason—hurt, discouragement, burnout. We’re not called to judge them—we’re called to go after them, gently and lovingly. A simple, “I’ve missed seeing you,” might open the door to healing and renewed faith. And when we reach out, we’re not just inviting them back to church—we’re inviting them back into a living encounter with Jesus.

So what is Church, really?
It’s not just a building or a Sunday routine. It’s a vibrant community on mission. It’s a place where we don’t just worship Jesus—we help others meet Him. It’s a place where no one goes unnoticed, because we’re all committed to seeing, loving, and walking with one another. Let’s be that kind of Church. Let’s live our mission together. Let’s be people who see each other, and in doing so, help each other see Jesus.

Peace and Blessings, Fr Josh