NOVEMBER 2020
the phi lipian
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F S T . P H I L I P N E R I C AT H O L I C C H U R C H
•
’RE WE
GLAD YOU’RE HE RE •
The New Parishioner
Welcoming
Ministry
Sharing God’s Love with Open Arms
A
s soon as new members join our parish family, they catch a glimpse of God’s love, as well as the kindness of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Thanks to the New Parishioner Welcoming Ministry, they are welcomed into our community with open arms. “When I started working at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Fr. John was the pastor, and he had said he wanted this ministry to happen so that every single new parishioner would be contacted by phone and
welcomed,” says Volunteer Coordinator Jenny Funk. “So we put together a group of volunteers, and we have been doing it ever since. We currently have about 50 members.” When new parishioners register at our parish, Jenny informs them that a volunteer from the New Parishioner Welcoming Ministry will be contacting them soon. They also receive a welcome bag which includes items such as a map of the parish campus, a booklet from the safety team, a parish cookbook, and a Mass schedule. “Each ministry member is assigned an area, and if a newly registered parishioner lives in their area, Jenny notifies them so they can contact them,” says ministry member Emily Whittlesey. “When I call them, continued on back cover