In a world where many people feel disconnected or isolated, the Church has a profound opportunity—and responsibility—to foster a culture of invitation. This culture is not just about filling pews; it’s about extending the love, hope, and joy that are at the heart of the Gospel to those who may be on the periphery of our parish communities.
The culture of invitation is deeply rooted in the Gospel itself. When Philip invited Nathanael to meet Jesus, he simply said, “Come and see” (John 1:46). This invitation was not a demand or a detailed explanation; it was a gentle and open invitation to experience something transformative. In the same way, when we invite others to “come and see,” we are extending an invitation to encounter Christ through the community, worship, and sacraments of the Church. This simple yet powerful phrase reminds us that our role is not to convince or argue, but to gently invite others to experience the love and truth of the Gospel for themselves.
Many Catholics feel uncertain about how to invite others into the life of the Church. This is where the ACORN method, developed by Michael Harvey, offers a simple yet powerful approach, centered on the spiritual practice of daily prayer and discernment.
1. Understanding the Culture of Invitation
A culture of invitation within the Church is one where every member feels both empowered and responsible to reach out to others, inviting them to experience the love and community of Christ. This culture is rooted in the understanding that the Church exists not just for those already within it, but for everyone, especially those who are seeking meaning, connection, and truth.
Building this culture involves shifting from a mindset of maintenance to one of mission. It requires us to move beyond our comfort zones, to engage with those who might not feel welcome or connected to the Church. But this invitation must be authentic and grounded in a genuine desire to share the joy and hope we have found in Christ.
2. The Role of Prayer in Invitation
At the heart of the culture of invitation is prayer. Before we can invite others, we must first seek guidance from God, asking Him to open our eyes to the needs around us.
The ACORN method centers on a simple daily prayer: “Lord, is there anyone beyond the church You want me to connect with today?” This prayer is not just about identifying someone to invite; it’s about cultivating a heart that is sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It’s about being open to God’s call, even when it leads us into uncomfortable or unexpected situations.
3. What is the ACORN Method?
The ACORN method is an acronym that stands for:
- A – Ask: Ask God to reveal someone outside the Church whom He wants you to notice and possibly invite.
- C – Call: Be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s call during your day, keeping an open heart and mind.
- O – Obey: When you feel prompted, obey that nudge from the Spirit, whether it’s to start a conversation, offer an invitation, or simply show kindness.
- R – Report: Reflect on the experience and share it with someone—a friend, a small group, or your parish community—to encourage others and hold yourself accountable.
- N – Notice: Continue to notice the people around you, growing in awareness of how God is working in their lives and how you might play a role in their journey.
This method is simple, but its impact can be profound. By committing to this daily practice, we open ourselves to the possibility that God is already at work in the lives of those around us, and we become His instruments in drawing them closer to Him.
4. Overcoming Barriers to Invitation
Despite the simplicity of the ACORN method, many Catholics still find it difficult to invite others to Church. Common barriers include fear of rejection, uncertainty about what to say, or a feeling of inadequacy. However, when we rely on prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, these barriers can be overcome.
- Fear of Rejection: Understand that an invitation is an act of love, and even if it’s not accepted, the gesture itself can plant a seed. Trust that God is at work, even if the outcome is not immediately visible.
- Uncertainty about What to Say: Remember that the invitation doesn’t have to be complex. It can be as simple as, “Would you like to come to Mass with me this Sunday?” or “We’re having a community event at our parish—would you be interested in joining?” This is where tools like Alpha can be the best net step for where you can invite them into!
- Feeling of Inadequacy: You don’t have to have all the answers or be a perfect example of faith. What matters is your willingness to share the love of Christ and to be open to where God is leading you.
5. The Transformative Power of Invitation
The act of inviting someone to Church can have a ripple effect, not only in the life of the person invited but also within the parish community. When we step out in faith and invite others, we become more attuned to God’s presence in our daily lives and more committed to our own spiritual growth.
Moreover, as more parishioners embrace the ACORN method and the practice of invitation, the parish as a whole becomes more vibrant and outward-focused, embodying the missionary spirit that Pope Francis calls for in Evangelii Gaudium. This missionary impulse transforms the Church’s customs and structures, making it a place where everyone feels welcome and where the Gospel is lived out in every aspect of parish life.
Cultivating a culture of invitation is essential for the Church’s mission of evangelization. By integrating prayer into our daily lives through the ACORN method, we can overcome the barriers that often prevent us from reaching out to others. As we grow in our openness to the Holy Spirit, we will find ourselves more naturally extending invitations to those around us, drawing