Do you have a secret Mass crush? You know…that cute lector who always wear the same beat-up pair of dress shoes. Or the sacristan who you see scurrying around at daily Mass. Or the out-of-your-league woman who sits alone, behind you, and has the most beautiful voice. Or the man who sits with his elderly parents and seems to be on a first-name basis with the pastor. You know. Those IRL crushes you would love to talk to but are too nervous to!
This Christmas, make that first conversation happen—and give them a gift to boot! Scared it’ll be weird or awkward? Think again! Not only will they be very likely be touched that someone’s been thinking of them, you might even get their number out of it :)
1. A Prayer Card of Your Favorite Saint ($1)
You’re meeting them at church after all, so an invitation to get to know one your favorite friends in heaven is a great, simple gift to casually share with someone you don’t know (yet). Find a good assortment here. Or slip them a St. Raphael prayer card, and explain that if they are single, they could ask him for help finding a spouse. (Bonus: they might respond that they aren't single, and then you know they're off the table!)
Try this: “I’ve seen you around the parish and wanted to say hi. Also, I don’t know if you know much about St. So-and-So but I love his/her story and wanted to share it. This is for you.”
2. Something Delicious ($5)
A fudge-y candy bar, a bag of homemade granola, or your secret family taco seasoning in a little jar.
No one can turn down something delicious and indulgent around Christmas.
Try this: “Hey! This Christmas, I’m doing small small acts of kindness for people I don’t know yet and I’ve seen you here before. I bought/made this for you and hope it brightens your day a little!”
3. An Advent Meditation Guide (Free!)
Give them the gift of growing closer to the Holy Family this Advent and share some inspiring Catholic resources with them. Print off these pre-made business cards or flyers and share it with them so they can sign-up by email. Or give them a physical book like one of these. Or share with them some great Advent talks to listen to, like the ones we have available in our free Advent course.
Try this: “Hi, I noticed our parish (or my friend’s parish) was promoting this resource this Advent. Have you ever heard of it? I’m looking for a good one to use.”
4. A Treat From Their “Secret Admirer” ($0-10)
Admittedly, this one will make it pretty obvious you’re interested in this person, but what a romantic story it would make!
Choose a simple, thoughtful gift that either conveys something about one of your interests (a book you love, a copy of your favorite prayer, your favorite Christmas candy) or their interests if you can figure it out (sleuth around the parish for more information about this person—think of how flattered they’ll feel when they’ve heard you’ve been wanting to get to know them). Then include a simple note with your phone number (no name!) and see if they’re interested. Ask a friend or someone at the parish to give it to them.
Try this on the note: “Merry Christmas! I’ve seen you around the parish and have always been too nervous to say hi. But this Christmas, I wanted you to know that I’d really like to get to know you better. If you’re interested, call or text me. From, Your Secret Admirer"
5. In Invitation to Grab Coffee, Even Just After Mass ($5 + some courage)
If all else fails, seize the opportunity after Mass one weekend and ask them to coffee—either in the narthex if your parish has a little coffee & donuts gathering, or a nearby coffee shop.
What do you have to lose?
Try this: “Hey, would you like to have coffee with me?” (Simple as that!)
