The Need

So there is clearly a need to attract distanced Catholics back to the Church, but why do we need a program like Landings to help them return?  After all, as long as there is no obstacle to them receiving the Sacraments, they could come straight back to the Eucharist via Reconciliation, right?

However, many seem to feel a real need for support and friendship within a small, friendly group before venturing into the wider parish community.  Landings does not compete with existing evangelization or catechetical programs for people who wish to become Catholics or for practicing Catholics who wish to deepen their faith. Instead it exists alongside them, complementing them and offering something new and exciting to the substantial numbers of Catholics who are open to returning to the Church but who need structured help and support.


How do we begin?

This unique ministry helps parishioners along with the parish staff to welcome back returning or inactive Catholics.
The group training process teaches parishioners to provide a safe, gentle "landing spot".
Steps to follow:

  1. A parish makes a decision to begin a ministry to inactive Catholics
    • A process of investigation begins

  2. ** As a parish, make a decision to implement Landings **

  3. Schedule a Landings training workshop
    • About 6-8 hours for as many people as the parish sends
      (often a Friday evening and Saturday exercise)
    • Usually from 10am to 3pm Saturday

  4. Landings Representatives are always willing to do a presentation for your priests and the start-up team
    • Form a Landings team (Welcomers) of 5-10 people
    • Choose a facilitator
    • Choose someone on the parish staff as coordinator

  5. Following the workshop, a parish has the materials, knowledge and enthusiasm to begin this ministry
    • A date is set on the parish calendar
    • Following the training, your parish will be certified/licensed to offer the LANDINGS program

  6. To inquire into a training session for your parish or for more information, contact:

    Fr. Jim Moran, C.S.P.

    Phone: 718-291-5995
    E-mail:     jmorancsp@aol.com

    		 

    Joan Horn

    Phone: 979-690-7953
    E-mail: joanlandings@aol.com
         

    Regional Coordinator: Anna LaNave
    Office Administrator: Camille Bissmeyer

    E-mail: landingsdc@yahoo.com
    Phone: 202-269-2550

    St. Paul's College
    3015 4th Street NE
    Washington DC 20017

    		    

Who is the Training Workshop For?

Ideally a team of three or four interested and active parishioners and the parish priest. Having received the Workshop Training, they will then be able to offer a Landings series within their parish.

Parishioners return not only with their training and materials, but full of enthusiasm to immediately begin a ministry of Welcome and Reconciliation. This has helped ensure the success for Landings across the globe for over 25 years.


The Process for the Returning Catholic

After an initial interview with a priest, or trained representative of the Church, the returning Catholic is directed to the Landings group. The group will meet for approximately ten weeks in 90 minute sessions. The conclusion of the program will be a weekend retreat, perhaps with other Landings groups from the diocese.



To see an example of a Landings Meeting,
click here to watch our video.