Dear Friends,
Our Parish Mission Statement includes three Parish Values. Our first Parish Value is: “Extending Hospitality and Welcome – Like Christ, we share with all, an open-minded, non-judgmental spirit of welcome.”
What better time to demonstrate this open-minded, non-judgmental spirit of welcome than Holy Week and Easter, when our church is filled with our weekly Mass-goers, Christians on-the-fence, lapsed Catholics, non-believers, “nones”, “searchers” and everyone in between.
Easter, like Christmas, Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings and Funerals are critical spiritual moments in our lives, and provide us opportunities to not only celebrate with those experiencing these graces, but to also Evangelize to others in attendance who might not otherwise have a faith community. These are celebrations of life’s significant spiritual passages, times to share the joy and welcome with those who join us. Hospitality will open hearts.
Open Our Home to Everyone
So what are some things we can do to visibly demonstrate express that Saint Patrick Parish values Hospitality and Welcome during Holy Week and Easter?
- If someone’s sitting in “your pew” on Easter, resist the urge to think “who is this in my pew, who never comes to Mass.” Put a smile on your face, sit down next to them and say “isn’t this a great seat! I love the view from here.”
- Consider parking at the Parish Center or the outer edge of our church lot, to give guests closer parking near the church.
- Make room by sitting closer to the front to allow guests to sit in the rear where they may feel more comfortable. Or sit in the center of the pew to give guests the ends, so they do not need to awkwardly crawl all over you to get a seat in the center.
- If someone doesn’t seem to know the responses, don’t get annoyed. Instead, pick up the laminated card and use it yourself. You don’t have to say anything – perhaps they will take notice of your example and see how they can follow.
- Share the hymnal with a guest or ask them if they heard what the number of the song was. Your question might might be the key that motivates them to sing.
These are some really simple acts (I’m sure you can think of many more) but they can go a long way towards making someone feel welcome, and that feeling of welcome might be the key that unlocks a hardened heart.
Preparing the Way for Christ and all of His Family
As we prepare our hearts for the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord, let us also prepare our hearts to welcome our friends and neighbors. We are all part of God’s family.
And if you happen to be new to Saint Patrick Catholic— welcome! We’re glad you’re here, and we hope you enjoy the view from your seat. If you don’t know the song we’re singing, the guy next to you will be glad to tell you the number or share their hymnal with you.
Saint Patrick and Saint Rita – Pray For Us!
Kevin Lovejoy
Pastoral Coordinator
