Operation Understanding takes place this Sunday. A joint effort in ecumenism of all the parishes of the Atlanta archdiocese, ‘Understanding’ will give Catholics an opportunity to introduce the Church to friends and neighbors who are Protestants or non-Christians.

Initially announced in Archbishop Hallinan’s pastoral letter on Christian Unity (July 4), Sunday’s effort, sponsored by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Men, will be dedicated to the promotion of better understanding among all persons of good will. Catholic laymen will be given an unparalleled opportunity to promote the ultimate goal of Christian Unity by exhibiting knowledge of an enthusiasm for their own faith to their friends and neighbors.

During the afternoon (the schedule covers from 2 until 5 p.m.) visitors will be conducted in small groups through each parish church by tour guides, each of whom will offer a concise explanation of a pertinent physical or liturgical part of the church, including the baptismal font, confessional, Stations of the Cross, displays of vestments, missals, Bibles and religious articles, sacred vessels, the sanctuary, altar and sacristy.

In those parishes in which the school adjoins the church, the tour will include a visit to the classrooms.

As part of the visit, guests will be given an opportunity to meet with the pastor and, where possible, the teaching sisters. There will be refreshments and souvenir programs.

The sponsors of the programs point out that “Understanding’ is a project of nearly limitless possibilities in its potential for presenting a realist image of the Church. However, they point out, if the afternoon is to be successful, a sincere personal effort must be made by each parishioner to invite and personally accompany his neighbor on the tour.

The following acting committee has been appointed by Ferdinand Buckley, acting president, Atlanta Archdiocesan Council of Catholic men, to direct Operation Understanding: Dr. J. Norman Berry, St. Jude’s Parish, general chairman; Herbert G. Farnsworth, Cathedral of Christ The King, coordinator; and Lewis Gordon, Jr., Cathedral of Christ The King, publicity chairman. In addition, a general chairman named for each parish.

The committee has pointed out that many neighbors will be understandably hesitant without a friendly face to guide them. This is a most important part of “Operation Understanding.” No amount of publicity will accomplish the mission without a personal invitation accompanied by a smile and an offer of transportation. Parishioners will be given personal invitation cards for their friends and neighbors.