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St. Andrew’s Greeter Ministry: Upholding The Pillar Of Hospitality For Parishioners And Guests
As a stewardship parish, we’re familiar with the “three Ts” — Time, Talent, and Treasure. But we also recognize the four pillars of parish stewardship — Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service. At St. Andrew’s, the Greeter Ministry works to lovingly fulfill that first pillar of hospitality. After all, when we’ve had a hectic Sunday morning getting everyone in the car, what could be better than a smiling face and someone welcoming us to church?
Kim Rupp, who does the scheduling for the Greeter Ministry, believes this ministry is essential to the life of the parish.
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“Greeters perform the ministry of hospitality,” Kim says. “It is their responsibility, but actually a privilege, to provide a sense of family and warm invitation to all who enter the church. They are there to remind people that they are right where they belong.”
Involvement in the Greeter Ministry is simple. It requires arriving 30 minutes before Mass and being ready to offer a smile and to open the door when parishioners and guests arrive. Kim says everyone is welcome to get involved — parishioners and visitors particularly appreciate it when children serve as greeters.
“All it really takes is a smile and letting the person you’re greeting know that you see them and appreciate that they’re there,” Kim says.
Billy and Sherry Mathiowetz have served as greeters for about two years. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they were scheduled about once a month — the couple has taken a hiatus from greeting due to pandemic safety concerns. They enjoy the simplicity of this ministry and how it seems to have an impact on everyone who walks through the doors.
“It is a way to welcome people to let them know they are important, and we are glad they are here joining everyone,” Sherry says.
The couple looks forward to the day when life returns to normal and they may, once again, greet parishioners and guests with a friendly smile.
All are welcome at St. Andrew, and the Greeter Ministry makes this clear to all who enter the doors. And as Kim says, we all should make a point to welcome everyone who walks through the doors of our parishes.
“I enjoy the opportunity to share God’s love and family with my fellow parishioners,” Kim says. “No matter what kind of a day we’re having, when we get to church, we just want to feel comfortable and glad to be there.”
Billy and Sherry Mathiowetz have been greeters at St. Andrew’s for more than two years.
