HOSPITALITY MINISTRY: Building Opportunities to Break Bread with One Another

It is no coincidence that key moments in Christ’s public ministry revolved around meals. From the wedding feast at Cana to the breaking of the bread following the Resurrection, these moments embodied personal communion. Meals refresh and unite, renew us physically, and strengthen the bonds of those who share them. As the fruit of our labor, meals beget thanksgiving.

Here at Holy Family Cathedral, the Hospitality Ministry takes the experience of communal meals and adds an element of mission. Volunteers work as a group, bringing personal talents and warmth to the table at special events.

“We have so many different parish ministries that involve food,” says Hospitality Ministry Coordinator Maureen Petty. “Basically we are here to help meet the needs of the parish.” It is in our shared experience, often around the table, that

The Hospitality Ministry responds to requests for assistance from Fr. Kastl we grow in communion with one another and Our Lord. and our parish ministries. They prepare the Newcomers’ Brunches and assist with other parish events. At the recent parish picnic, they worked alongside the Knights of Columbus in food preparation. During the pandemic, they provided three meals a day for quarantined seminarians and priests. They are always ready to step in for special circumstances that arise.

Maureen, a Holy Family parishioner of 30 years, was drawn to the Hospitality Ministry after running the catering department at her specialty grocery store, Petty’s Fine Foods.

“I like food preparation, cooking, and parties,” Maureen says. “It felt very natural to get involved.”Since becoming more active at Holy Family Cathedral, Maureen is now blessed with a deep sense of belonging. “For a while, we were the kind of parish where people went to church and went home and didn’t know other people,” Maureen says. “I found it difficult to reach out to people because I didn’t know them. Gradually, this is changing and great friendships are being developed.”

We extend our gratitude to all who volunteer their talents to make Holy Family Cathedral a warm and welcoming house of faith. It is in our shared experience, often around the table, that we grow in communion with one another and Our Lord.

“We have so many parishioners with fabulous talents that we don’t know about,” Maureen says. “We have pastry chefs and wine connoisseurs, people who love to cook and host. It will be amazing what we can accomplish together.”

The Hospitality Ministry would be thrilled to welcome new volunteers. Interested parishioners are encouraged to contact Maureen Petty at 918-671-2538 or maureenpetty@yahoo.com.

Holy Family Cathedral — a warm and welcoming house of faith.

It is in our shared experience, often around the table, that we grow in communion with one another and Our Lord.