If you don’t go to church regularly, you can discuss the reasons why with Father Doug Della Pietra, pastor of Church of the Good Shepherd in Henrietta, who will hold a special session on the subject on Monday, April 17, at 7 p.m. at the Henrietta Regal Cinema 18 complex.
“On Easter and Christmas, our churches are full to the brim, but not so on most other Sundays,” Father Della Pietra said. “What I want to ask people is, what are some of the obstacles that keep them from coming? Is there anything we can do to help?”
Father Della Pietra said he rented the Regal, at his own expense, to establish a “neutral ground” where people would be comfortable sharing their comments, ideas and feelings. The complex is located at 525 Marketplace Drive, adjacent to The Marketplace Mall.
“And I really do just want to listen — this isn’t going to be a debate!” Father Della Pietra said.
Father Della Pietra’s church also started a 6 p.m. Sunday Mass about a year ago to reach out to people who might otherwise not attend on Sunday mornings. A growing number of people, including many young families, teenagers and young adults, have begun worshipping at the Mass, which features contemporary music.
The meeting at the Regal is free. People can bypass the box office and go to the ticket ripper. A guide from the parish will be on hand to direct visitors.
