FOR PARISHES & CATHOLIC VENUES
A little planning.
A warm welcome.
Use this guide as a starting point for a fireside evening for Catholic singles, couples, or your wider parish community. Work with your venue to set the details before inviting guests.
1. Begin with your venue
- Speak with the parish or venue's responsible staff and obtain permission to host.
- Choose an approved outdoor fire area and check applicable fire restrictions with the venue and local authorities.
- Confirm the venue's event requirements, capacity, insurance, and any safeguarding policies that apply.
- Check accessible paths, restrooms, seating, parking, and lighting after dark.
2. Decide who the evening is for
- Choose a singles, couples, or mixed-community gathering.
- State age guidelines, whether children may attend, and who will supervise them if permitted.
- Set a guest limit, an arrival time, an end time, and any cost.
- Choose a clear registration method and a host contact before announcing the event.
3. Plan for the fire and the weather
- Assign a responsible person to manage the fire in line with venue requirements.
- Agree on seating distances, available extinguishing equipment, and how the fire will be fully extinguished.
- Keep access routes clear and identify the venue's emergency procedures.
- Make a rain, wind, or fire-ban plan. Decide when and how guests will hear about cancellation or relocation.
4. Make it easy to join the circle
- Have a host greet guests at arrival and introduce people who come alone.
- Begin with a brief welcome and, if appropriate, a moment of prayer.
- Use simple conversation prompts: “What brought you here?” or “What is something good from your week?”
- Let conversation happen naturally. Keep the focus on friendship and shared faith.
- List refreshments and relevant allergen information if food is provided.
5. Share a complete invitation
Before publishing, include: the venue name and address, confirmed date and time, intended attendees, registration instructions, cost, accessibility information, weather plan, what to bring, and host contact.
A good first evening can be simple.
A permitted venue, a safely managed fire, a few chairs, and a thoughtful welcome are a strong place to begin. This guide does not replace your venue's policies or local requirements.