2 minute read
Hospitality Ministries: A Great Way to Serve and Provide a Warm Welcome to All
As Catholics, we can recognize the idea of providing a warm and friendly welcome as a scriptural one — as St. Paul wrote, “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). Here at the Cathedral of Christ the King, hospitality ministers, or ushers, have a very special role within the church on Sundays.
“We are called by Christ to be welcoming,” says Matt Whelan, who recently began coordinating our parish ushers. “I want to be that face that makes others feel welcome. If someone is new to the parish or the faith, being greeted and welcomed in is their first impression. We want to help people feel like they belong. It is being a good steward of Christ and helping our congregation enter into a space of prayer.”
Advertisement
These Hospitality Ministers who welcome people as they arrive set the tone for these parishioners as they enter the church for worship.
“As Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit,” Matt says. “If we are that welcoming face for people at Mass, it draws people in and it permeates through the rest of the parish.”
Our ushers’ role is not difficult — greeting all who enter with a smile and a welcome, answering any questions, and passing out bulletins as people leave. In turn, this is a great ministry in which families can serve together.
“There are a lot of ministries in the church that just cannot be done with children,” Matt says. “Whether you are a lector or a Eucharistic Minister, it is great for your children to see you involved and helping at Mass, it just isn’t something they can do. The Hospitality Ministry is unique in that it involves them and demonstrates to them how important it is to help and volunteer. If you bring your children in and have them help in this ministry, that will be ingrained in them as they get older and they will desire to continue to participate in these important ministries.
“My 4, 7, and 9-year-olds come and stand with me,” he adds. “We greet others and hand out bulletins. They enjoy being involved and we encourage them to be.”
For parishioners who are interested in exploring this ministry with their families, Matt encourages them to reach out and talk to him or one of the lead ushers at Mass. He adds that it is something that you do not have to commit to, but can try it out to see if it is something that works for your family.
