Greeters at St. Joseph and Nativity: Offering a Warm Welcome to All Who Enter Our Churches
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few years ago, St. Joseph’s Parishioner Phil Rawlings attended a retreat where he learned that one of the biggest reasons people fall away from the Catholic Church is because they don’t feel welcome and that the atmosphere is not warm and friendly. He decided he wanted to do something about that. So, he started to arrive early to Sunday Mass to open the door, help people out of their cars and just serve as a smiling face. Phil is now the Greeter Ministry coordinator, following in the footsteps of former coordinator Greeters welcome parishioners and guests at St. Joseph’s. Pam Belkis. He feels this is just one way he can share the faith and important that parishioners and visitors entering Nativity make people feel more welcome. The Greeter Ministry has become even more important since feel welcome. “You want a friendly face to greet people when they come to our parishes reopened following the COVID-19 closures — Nativity,” Marrianne says. “We want everyone to feel welcome.” in addition to providing essential hospitality, the ministry’s At both Nativity and St. Joseph, we want all those who enter service helps to limit the spread of germs when people are not to be greeted. Phil says this is the way to be a disciple of Jesus. touching the door handles so much. “We need to feed those who are hungry and invite the At Nativity, the ushers primarily fulfill the role of stranger in,” he says. “Being a greeter ties in with these.” greeters, welcoming people when they arrive and helping When Phil retired seven years ago, he decided to spend with any questions. Marrianne Pellittieri, her husband, Joe, his extra time learning more about his faith through reading and brother-in-law, Dee Darin, all serve as ushers. John and Kathy Rokasy also serve as ushers. For Marrianne, it’s and becoming more involved at St. Joseph’s. He enjoys continued on page 5
“We need to feed those who are hungry and invite the stranger in. Being a greeter ties in with these.” — PHIL RAWLINGS page 4
