Greeters Ministry: Providing a Warm Welcome to All Who Enter Our Parish Doors

What is a parish community without warmth and welcome? We all hope to encounter a friendly face and a place to call home. Don McGrath knew 20 years ago that if St. Vincent de Paul wanted to create a strong community, there was no better place to start than at the doors of the church.

“Greeters are the first people that visitors meet,” Don says. “Our purpose is to make all who attend Mass feel welcomed and valued.”

At a stewardship meeting 20 years ago, Don presented the idea of a Greeters Ministry. He thought that if the parish wanted to attract and retain parishioners, then making sure everyone is greeted personally as they come to Mass would make a strong and lasting impression.

“If we could become a friendlier parish, we could attract more parishioners,” Don says.

The greeters welcome everyone with a kind word, a handshake, or — in Don’s case — a new joke for the kids. They also keep a particular eye out for visitors. If a greeter sees someone new, they welcome them, have a friendly conversation, and can invite them to register with the parish.

Don remembers one family in particular that he welcomed to the parish. This family told him that they had been to several parishes and this was the first one where they had been welcomed — they decided to stay. Moreover, the whole family of four joined the Greeters Ministry and served until they moved away.

There are about 25 greeters who are scheduled regularly. Most are scheduled every other week, but some choose to serve every weekend at the Mass that they attend. Three greeters are positioned at the main doors, and with one greeter serving at each side door to ensure that everyone is welcomed by a friendly face.

Don is always recruiting new greeters for this vital and rewarding ministry. If you are friendly and outgoing, the Greeters Ministry may just be an ideal fit for you. It’s a simple ministry but has a deep impact on both current parishioners and visitors. A simple and friendly welcome can leave a lasting impression on someone who is searching for a parish to call home.

“It is one of our most important ministries in the parish,” Don says. “It attracts many new parishioners and makes them feel welcomed in the parish.”

In his role as a greeter, Don also has an opportunity to assist the elderly and encourage young men to consider the priesthood. There are truly no limits to the impact a greeter can make.

After leading the Greeters Ministry for 20 years, Don plans to hand over leadership to a younger generation.

“Someone with new ideas can help the Greeters Ministry grow,” he says.

If you are friendly and outgoing, the Greeters Ministry may just be an ideal fit for you.

Don McGrath is always recruiting new greeters for this vital and rewarding ministry