Hospitality Ministry

Simply being present is an important part of being a host. In order to know how to serve others, you must have some kind of relationship with them.

Being present to someone is sometimes neglected as a means of ministry, especially in a liturgical context. Ministers of Music serve the community by helping it pray in song. Proclaimers serve the community by proclaiming the Word. Ministers of Hospitality have a unique role, the opportunity to serve the community in a way that is far more basic than other liturgical ministries. They have the time and the ideal location simply to be present to the community. They can help this group of people develop from a group into a Christian community.

As Paul wrote to the Romans, he urges them to look on the needs of the saints as their own: "Be generous in your hospitality" (12:13).

Hospitality helps people feel "at home" and welcomed while they are at church. It is as essential for regular church-goers as it is for newcomers, for it is the first step in the gathering of the assembly of believers, which we call "Church". A sense of community (koinonia) is a prerequisite for community prayer.

Ministers of Hospitality deal with physical details to make the building hospitable. But the focus is on the people who gather. Ministers care for people, above all, and secondarily for the building.

Ministers of Hospitality are persons of faith who can perceive Jesus present in the gathering community. They welcome people at the gathering area, because entering the church building and signing the cross with holy water upon one's body is a dramatic recall of our baptism. It is fitting for the Minister of Hospitality to represent the Community right where a "mini-baptism" is being acted out. A believing Minister of Hospitality is there to greet the church-goer. The attitude of hospitality "rubs off" on people and creates an atmosphere of quiet joy and acceptance. As time goes on, the whole community will be sharing a sense of hospitality. The ministry permeates the whole of the parish life. A worshipping community is conscious of hospitality and will do everything possible to make even the exterior of the worship building inviting.
These are the goals of the Hospitality Ministry at St. Michael Catholic Community.