Catholic parishes were facing considerable challenges before the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Since then, we all know these challenges have been magnified exponentially. In order to rebound from this assault, parishes need to plan now. Waiting for the crisis to end, might be too late. When the churches are open again, your parish can hit the ground running, ministering to the many suffering parishioners. Like with most misfortunes throughout history, the secession of the Coronavirus will bring many opportunities to evangelize and bring those who had fallen away and new converts into a relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Sadly, as parishioners get used to not going to Mass, getting them back into the habit of coming out on Sunday mornings might be difficult. People are developing new patterns, especially since many lose track what day it is during the lock-down. Fortunately, many parishes have offered online alternatives to Masses and other services. Regrettably, only 34% of practicing Catholics have pursued the online opportunities and that seems to be decreasing. At the beginning of the lock-down, there was a lot of online activity especially during Lent, the Triduum and Easter. As the lock-down drags on, much of that initial enthusiasm may be declining. Parishes need to do things to keep parishioners engaged.
Parishes can use this time of lock-down to begin to reach out to all parishioners and especially to inactive parishioners, just to show the parish cares for them during these dark times. It can go a long to bring inactive parishioners back into the Church, when they see we are concerned for their physical and spiritual well-being. During the lock-down, parishes can stay engaged with their flocks, reach out to those fallen away, and plan for an exciting reopening of the Churches, the sacraments, and all your ministries.