The Newcomers Ministry: Helping People to Find a “Second Home” at Holy Family Cathedral

There is something special about gathering around a table for a meal.

Whether it’s a festive holiday dinner with extended family or a low-key Friday night pizza, food has the power to bring people together and help them to connect and build relationships. Even in Jesus’ life and ministry, there is a theme of people gathering together, to “break bread.”

“In Scripture, Jesus was always sharing a meal, even cooking over a charcoal fire on the shore, to bring people in,” says Maureen Petty, who serves as part of our recently formed Newcomers Ministry. “Hopefully that is what we are doing.”

The Newcomers Ministry, which began in the fall of 2019, hopes to help new parishioners feel welcomed and connected within our parish family. Although currently on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry offers a quarterly Newcomers Brunch as an opportunity for those who are new to the parish to meet other new parishioners, as well as to be greeted by the friendly faces of our rector and members of this committee. For those who serve in this ministry, it’s an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ through hospitality.

“Hospitality is the most important aspect of building community and growing the parish,” says Maureen, who serves along with her husband, Scott. “The Cathedral is a very special place. We have been members for over 35 years and we want to share our love of the Cathedral and its ministry with the new members.”

The informal brunch has been held in the church rectory Community Room — however, upon completion of our renovations, this will likely move downstairs to the newly remodeled parlors. The event typically takes place on a Sunday morning and is hosted by three couples who set up and cook for the brunch, as well as greet and get to know new parishioners.

Maureen hopes that the quarterly brunches will give new parishioners a place to start, in terms of building connections and getting involved in the life of the parish. It can often be intimidating to volunteer in a new setting, but hopefully, by meeting and getting to know members of our parish family, newcomers will begin to feel at home at Holy Family.

“I hope that they feel a sense of belonging,” Maureen says. “It’s very important that every parishioner looks upon Holy Family as their spiritual home. As their home, they will want to take ownership, work to meet the needs of others, and hopefully become involved in other volunteer opportunities.”

Maureen encourages her fellow parishioners to consider becoming involved in the committee, helping others to feel welcome and at home in our parish community. Volunteers are needed to cook and greet at the brunches, as well as those who want to make financial donations, send invitations or make follow-up phone calls to new parishioners. She encourages those who are unsure to come to check out a Newcomers Brunch, to see what it’s all about.

“Just come be our guest at the next Newcomers Brunch,” Maureen says. “We can visit, and start to form friendships. I’m excited to be able to get to know these folks. If you’re hesitant, come to an event and I think you would find it to be really fun.”

She reminds us that whether or not people feel drawn to become a part of this ministry, all of us have a role to play in helping others to feel welcome at the parish.

“This is our parish,” Maureen says. “It’s not just the deacons and the priests. We have to take ownership of it. I love this idea of stewardship.”

If you would like more information, or to become part of the Newcomers Ministry, please contact Maureen Petty at 918-671-2538 or maureenpetty@yahoo.com.

Parishioners Maureen and Scott Petty love to make new parishioners feel welcome at our Newcomers Brunches.