2 minute read
The Mass Greeters Ministry: A Simple Gesture Of Hospitality Making A Great Impact
St. Peter Catholic Church has a beautiful vision statement for the parish. That vision statement is, “St. Peter Catholic Church will give glory to God and make saints.” From this vision statement flows the parish’s defining characteristics: Teaching of the Apostles, Fellowship, Breaking of the Bread, and Prayer. Hospitality is an important part of Fellowship and is defined as the friendly and generous reception of guests, visitors, or strangers.
Since the church has such a focus on hospitality, it only makes sense that the Mass Greeters Ministry is a vital part of the parish. For parishioner Becky Huebner, her experience with the welcoming environment at the parish was a key component to her conversion to the Catholic faith.
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“I know from experience how important a ‘you are welcome here’ is,” Becky says. “Everyone who is approaching the church doors is either committed or curious. We want this to be a mustard seed that grows. Whatever people are looking for within the church, I want to help that grow.”
Becky joined the church at Easter Vigil in 2019. Now she is the coordinator for the Mass Greeters Ministry.
“When I was visiting, there was a greeter who eventually learned my name and I felt seen and welcomed,” she says. “It can really be something as simple as that.”
Being a greeter is a very straightforward role. Greeters arrive 20 minutes early and wear a name badge. Depending on the weather, they stand outside or inside the doors and visit or assist anyone coming into the church. A greeter’s job is to be a welcoming presence at the church and to answer any questions that someone might have or know who to ask to find out the answers.
“We want to greet people in a friendly way and make connections,” Becky says. “We want to learn peoples’ names so all feel welcome. And a humble ‘hello’ is just the beginning of that.
“Ultimately, this is a very simple ministry with a possibility for a great impact,” she adds. “We put a smile and a welcome out there and see what the Lord does with it.”
Fr. Clark, Becky Huebner and Gary Bouc enjoy welcoming parishioners.
Jean Bouc welcomes parishioners and visitors alike to St. Peter.
