I had just moved to Washington, DC, years ago, and I didn’t know anyone yet — until a funny coincidence brought me a new best friend.
I had stopped in a local Adoration chapel for a quick visit to Jesus before work one morning when I noticed a girl around my age sitting in the back. “She looks nice,” I thought as I walked out the door. I wished I could meet her, but she was busy praying and I needed to get to work.
Later that day, in a different part of the city, I was at daily Mass after work when I turned around for the Sign of Peace — and saw that same girl behind me!
Naturally I went up to introduce myself to her after Mass. She was also new in the city, and we had a whole bunch of things in common. We hit it off and quickly became close friends.
And honestly, this wasn’t a one-time occurrence. I’ve got at least a half dozen stories of becoming friends with someone by striking up a conversation with them after Mass, and many more stories of meeting friends through church-related activities.
In fact, when I stop to think about it, I think I’ve met most of my friends through church! I'd venture to say that churches can be part of the solution to our culture's epidemic of loneliness.
And of course, meeting people doesn’t just apply to making new friends. Many people meet their significant others through church activities, so church also can be a place to meet someone to date too.
A great place to make friends
The beautiful thing about meeting someone at church is that you know you most likely have some pretty big things in common, including shared values and a love for Christ.
Something I especially appreciate about my “church friends” is that their company is uplifting because of their striving to live in a saintly and Christlike way. They make an extra effort to be kind and charitable, and are quicker to pray for someone than to criticize. It’s a community where I feel very cared for, accepted, and comfortable.
If you are in a new city, or feeling lonely and hoping to make friends, try introducing yourself to someone next time you’re at Mass. With any luck, they’re hoping to make friends too, or they can connect you to an existing social network at the church. And being friendly after Mass helps build a positive culture of connection and welcome at all our churches.
Give the “after-Mass hello” a try, and I hope it’s as successful for you as it has been for me!
