The Greeters Ministry: A Valuable Opportunity for Parishioners and Families to Foster Hospitality

Whether you are a parishioner or a visitor, being met by a friendly face when you arrive at church can make a huge difference. A smile and a friendly word can remind you that we are here to worship together and that each of us has an important role in the Body of Christ. The Greeters Ministry at St. John is blessed by the service of the Hessedal family. Drew, Bonnie, and their 9-year-old son Ridge all offer their time as greeters.

“What really inspired me was getting my son involved in things and helping him see the importance of volunteering and making church a friendly place,” Bonnie says.

While they have been parishioners for over 20 years, the Hessedals began serving as greeters almost three years ago. Although Ridge was nervous at first, Bonnie quickly learned that he looks forward to the Sundays that his family is scheduled to serve. Ridge often asks when they will be able to greet next.

“He doesn’t see it as a chore,” Bonnie says. “He actually wants to do it.”

Ridge enjoys arriving 20 minutes early to greet parishioners at the main entrance or the side door. By now he has gotten to know many parishioners and they have been able to see him grow and gain confidence in the last few years.

“I like saying ‘hello’ to everybody and saying good morning,” Ridge says.

Greeters are scheduled to serve at a weekend Mass about once a month and they get their schedule for the year well in advance so they can easily find a substitute if they plan to be out of town. Like most families, the Hessedals are busy but find that arriving a little early has been a manageable and very rewarding way to serve the parish.

“As greeters, we participate once a month so it’s not a big chunk of time you have to give,” Bonnie says.

The role is simple but enjoyable and Bonnie believes it really makes an impact.

“I think if you see a friendly face coming into church, it sets the tone,” she says. “It’s really important to be happy and realize that church is a place to get closer to God and if our smiling faces can help, that’s really our goal.”

Serving as a family has given Bonnie and Drew a chance to model for their son what it means to give back and be a steward to the church. Ridge has started to think about other areas in which he would like to be involved. He has served as a lector at school Masses and is considering being an altar server next year.

“We just want to encourage him and teach him that this is what we do — we help where we are able,” Bonnie says.

If you are interested in serving as a greeter, please contact Bonnie Hessedal at 715-610-0707.

The Hessedal family — Drew, Bonnie and Ridge

Ridge volunteering his time as a greeter.