Welcomers and Welcoming: the first Mission Lab webinar

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}

An exciting evangelistic initiative has been launched in the Diocese of Nottingham to equip parishes for mission, in 2025 and beyond.

Caritas Nottingham and the Department for Adult Formation for Mission have collaborated to launch a series of ‘Mission Lab’ online workshops, to share inspiring ideas between parishes on how to reach out beyond the parish walls.

Paul Bodenham, Programme Manager for Social Action, explained: “Mission Lab offers fresh ideas for the future of parishes. In nine online sessions, which started in May 2025, we showcase how parishes around Nottingham diocese are seeking to build vibrant, attractive and outward-facing Catholic communities.”

The first of nine, monthly, online sessions took place on Tuesday May 20, focusing on the theme of ‘Welcomers and Welcoming.’

Practical ideas emerging from the meeting included ‘Name Badge Sunday’ which involves parishioners wearing name badges on one designated Sunday per month, to build and strengthen relationships within parishes.

In the first online seminar, Yvonne Ripley, parish council chair from St Anne’s Buxton, alongside Ann King and Liz Nash from the Glossop parishes, shared their wisdom and experience, with 34 online participants.

Parishioners also explained that simple things, like standing outside the church, to welcome newcomers, can be a significant step in extending the hand of welcome.

Group discussions highlighted the importance of digital activity, prior to people attending church, which can be a powerful means of cultivating the first crucial stages of engagement.

“In today’s world, the challenges involved in launching parish initiatives can be intimidating and overwhelming,” Joe Hopkins, Director of Adult Formation for Mission, explained. “We want the Mission Lab to give people the confidence and the head space, to launch fresh ideas within their parishes, knowing there is a strong diocesan family right behind them, who can help to outline the first few steps.”

The following talks are planned to take place on:

Monday 8 September - Engaging volunteers

Tuesday 14 October - Fundraising for outreach

Monday 10 November - Global parish

Monday 12 January - Parish as synod

Tuesday 10 February - Cell groups

Monday 9 March - Mission Enabling Fund

Sign up here: dioceseofnottingham.uk/events

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