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Greeters Uphold the Stewardship Pillar of Hospitality by Welcoming All Parishioners and Guests
As a stewardship community, we recognize the Four Pillars of Parish Stewardship as Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service. Here at Holy Family Cathedral, the Greeter Ministry works to lovingly fulfill that first pillar of hospitality. After all, when we are visitors at a parish or have had a hectic morning getting everyone in the car, what could be better than a smiling face and someone welcoming us to church?
Jacob and Kathleen Hobbs are familiar faces around Holy Family Cathedral. The couple was married in January of this year. Jacob started greeting in May 2020, when our church reopened for public Mass. Kathleen works behind the scenes as the Communication Manager.
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The pillar of hospitality has always been essential, but with churches closed to public Mass for some time, it is even more important now. There are a lot of ways to show hospitality, and greeting people as they enter God’s house to celebrate the centerpiece of the Catholic faith is so important.
“We are the first face people see when they visit our parish,” Jacob says. “Our job is to help make people feel welcomed and answer any questions that they might have.”
It’s the small things that make the biggest difference — an open door, an answered question, and a smile.
“Something as simple as holding the door, it seems insignificant, but really shares that we are proud of our Cathedral and want to welcome everyone,” Kathleen says. “We are the Mother Church of the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, the parish of Bishop David A. Konderla — if anyone should lead our community in hospitality, it should be us.”
Since the ministry’s duties are carried out as part of the weekend Mass, it doesn’t require a lot of time — greeters only need to arrive about 15 minutes before Mass. The Greeter Ministry is a fantastic way for whole families to serve and be involved. In turn, our Cathedral staff would love to see more families and children participating in this ministry.
Coming back to public Mass in May 2020 was especially meaningful for Kathleen and Jacob — the couple really missed being with their parish family during the closure. It was made even more meaningful for Kathleen as she held the door for parishioners on the first day of resumed public Masses, May 18, 2020. She believes the church closure gave us all much more appreciation for the Mass.
“It was such a surreal experience to see parishioners in person for the first time in weeks,” Kathleen says. “People were giddy to return to Mass, and they were excited to see the parish staff and clergy for Mass in person.”
Currently, greeters are needed, even more, to reduce people touching door handles, while truly welcoming all those who have been away from the Cathedral. Look for information on an upcoming greeter training opportunity in parish communications. Please consider becoming a part of this simple but important ministry!
