In a recent church meeting, a consultant hired by the parish priest presented a plan to re-model the church. He was to provide an overview of the renovation project, the estimated time of completion, and the total cost of the project. After the presentation was over, the parish priest stood up and appealed to the congregation for financial support, explaining to all that he is confident that the goal was feasible. The parish priest knew that for the project to succeed, total participation of the parishioners was vital. Who are these interesting church parishioners who the priest was asking enthusiastically for more contributions? They are all members of the church. They are the regular churchgoers, the not so regular churchgoers and the occasional churchgoers. .
The regular churchgoers are the members of the congregation who are always present on Sunday worship year-round on a regular basis. There might be a storm brewing outside or a blizzard forecasted, but these regular churchgoers would attend mass undeterred. They are very serious about their religious commitment and view that coming to mass every Sunday as a sacred duty. They are likely active member of church organizations, like the Knights of Columbus or the Legion of Mary. They are seen serving in the mass as Eucharistic ministers or gospel readers. They are mostly older or retire church members and are successful businessmen. They are one of the most important pillars of the church. No church project of fundraising can succeed without their active financial and moral support. Before the mass, they are seen standing at the door, extending greetings to other churchgoers. At the entrances, they are giving out current issue of the church newsletter and the choir's new song sheets. In the wall are inscribed names of their parents and grandparents attesting to the generations that have worshipped in the church.
Unlike the regular churchgoers, the not so regular churchgoers try very hard not to miss Sunday church service but they sometimes fail.
