The Greeter Ministry:
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Welcoming Others with the Love of Christ
s St. Pope John Paul II once said, our calling is to “open wide the doors for Christ.” And while all of us can strive to welcome everyone to the Lord’s house, these words hold a special meaning for one new ministry in our parish. As the first people to greet parishioners and visitors to Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption with a smiling face and warm welcome, greeters provide an invaluable service to our parish community. For several years, an informal group of parishioners With the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines that are in has been greeting people as they arrive at some of our place, the friendly services provided by our parish’s new weekend Masses. Hoping to expand upon this group to Greeter Ministry are more important than ever. cover greeting at all of our Masses, the Pastoral Council came up with the framework for this new ministry. In Columbus. Members of the Knights are tirelessly setting addition to welcoming parishioners and visitors to our up for outdoor Masses each Sunday and checking people in parish, greeters may also share information on hearing as they arrive. An established greeter ministry lending them aid services, provide an umbrella service, or walk people a hand will prove to be a blessing. back to their cars after evening Mass. Of course, no matter where or how a Mass is being held, These days, as Masses are outside due to the COVID-19 the true mission of a greeter always remains the same — to pandemic, the greeters’ tasks look a little different. Now, “open wide the doors for Christ” by providing a warm welgreeters are needed to assist people at the Mass check-in come to the faithful who gather on our parish campus. tables and explain the current health-related restrictions. “We are not just a place of worship, we are a home,” says DeaOur parish is grateful for the dedication of our Knights of con Michael Tateishi. “We don’t put ‘go away’ mats on our door continued on back cover
Are you interested in learning more about serving as a greeter? If so, please contact the parish office at 916-481-5115 or via email at parish@olaparish.net.
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