Hospitality Ministry: Fostering a Welcoming Connection with God, Faith and Grace

While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives and affected ministries in churches across the world, some new opportunities also arose as a result of the pandemic. For Katie Biancalana, the pandemic was how she became involved in the Hospitality Ministry here at St. Francis of Assisi.

“I got involved during the registration period and process,” Katie says. “I was able to use my strong computer skills, customer service and communication skills, and decisive nature to support Masses when it was a confusing time.”

The Hospitality Ministry serves the parish community present in our church. The members coordinate the Mass from the back, as well as help out the other ministries within our community.

“We track all ministries serving the Mass and find backups for no-shows, or we complete their jobs if they aren’t present,” Katie says. “We conduct the collection, facilitate and observe Communion, greet upon arrivals and departures, and answer a lot of questions for new parishioners and visitors. We also tidy up, restock, and attend to emergencies, like water leaks, alarms, lighting, or candle fires — and that’s just a quick list.”

Because we have many visitors to our parish, we must have a welcoming atmosphere. Hospitality is, after all, one of the four pillars of stewardship. This ministry is devoted to this service in our parish community.

“We also help our community to feel comfortable and welcome and provide assistance to make Mass ful-

filling and as simple as possible for people to attend,” Katie says. “Whether you have children, need seating assistance, need special care, have a question, or just need a welcome smile, we are here to help.” Approaching Mass may be challenging for those who’ve been away for some time, or who may be visiting our parish. The ministry hopes to help create a welcoming environment for everyone. “Church can bring a lot of anxiety for Katie Biancalana assists with people, and like in society, hospitality can the Hospitality Ministry here make church more of a refuge — a place at St. Francis of Assisi. where you come to find God, restore faith, and feel grace,” Katie says. “I hope we support that and make it easy for people to come and be part of our community each week.” Hospitality isn’t limited to Mass, however. Extending patience, greeting one another with a smile, and offering comfort to remove anxiety in situations are all ways we can each bring hospitality into our community, even outside of our church walls. “People are still going through a lot, and every day we are faced with situations that evoke a lot of emotion — emotion that is still very close to the surface for a lot of people,” Katie says. “We can all show hospitality by de-escalating energy, taking a deep breath, helping to provide context, and a caring smile. Often we can just provide a pause for people in tense situations and I think that is hospitality so needed today.”

Serving in the Hospitality Ministry requires an introductory training. Ministry members may serve one Mass per month, or more frequently if they want. There is a need for new volunteers in this ministry. If someone wants to help, they may refer to upcoming bulletins for the next training, or call/text Katie Biancalana at 720-339-9538 or email her at ksbiancalana@gmail.com.

Katie Biancalana assists with the Hospitality Ministry here at St. Francis of Assisi.