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Mass Refreshments Ministry Serving Hospitality and Belonging
With Hospitality being one of the Four Pillars of Parish Stewardship, it is only natural that St. Peter Parish has established the Mass Refreshments Ministry to bring us all together in fellowship after weekend Masses once a month.
Debby Rye is coordinating the ministry that currently has 56 members serving.
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“We look forward to having more join us as they fill out their Stewardship Renewal cards,” Debby says.
The ministry began in earnest in May, when it held Taco, Nacho, and Margaritas Weekend. This event welcomed parishioners back to Mass after COVID-19 restrictions were
lifted. Pastries and fruit were served after the 8 a.m. Mass, and tacos, nachos, and margaritas, along with other beverages, were served after the 4 p.m. Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses on Sunday.
Tables were set up in the courtyard, and thus far, the weekends have been held outdoors. Plans are still being made for the cooler months. There also are plans to organize “team” captains to take care of each Mass.
The refreshment weekends have been an instant hit! In June, Mass Refreshments served hot dogs, chips, cookies, and a drink after the Saturday 4 p.m. Mass, and Sunday 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses. After the 8 a.m. Sunday Mass, the ministry served yogurt, donut holes, and juice boxes. To observe Deacon Tony Shukei’s last weekend at St. Peter in July, it was a hot weekend, so the ministry celebrated his service with popsicles after all Masses.
Young parishioners assisting the Mass Refreshments Ministry
To observe the Stewardship Renewal Weekend in August, the ministry served up pizza, pop, and beer after the Saturday Mass, and egg casseroles, fruit, and mimosas after the Sunday Masses. Parishioners could also choose from water, coffee, and juice boxes for beverages.
There is no charge for the weekend refreshments, but free-will donation boxes are in place.
It was a yummy treat for this young parishioner during the breakfast served on Stewardship Commitment Weekend in August.
There is no doubt that everyone enjoys the food and beverages during the Mass Refreshments Weekends, but there is more to the ministry than physical sustenance.
“It makes you feel a sense of community, and you get to know people,” Debby says. “When you know others, you feel like you belong. Hospitality is a Pillar of Stewardship, and our Renewal slogan is ‘St. Peter — A Place to Belong.’ We want all to feel they belong and are welcome. When people feel welcome, they want to be more involved and bring some of their gifts and talents to the church.”
