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St. Joseph’s Welcome Committee: Promoting Hospitality As We Gather At The Lord’s Table
Moving to a new community can be intimidating and overwhelming. It doesn’t always seem so easy to get to know people. But at St. Joseph, a dedicated group called the Welcome Committee is here to do just that — welcoming all who join our community at the Lord’s table.
Karen Kling leads the group, and she takes this mission straight from Matthew 25:35 — “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.”
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“I believe it is important for us to create a friendly and welcoming community and show how our love of God overflows to His people,” she says.
The Welcome Committee is informed by the office when St. Joseph’s gains a new member. The person or family is mailed a welcome bag with placemats that read “Welcome to Our Table,” along with several prayers. New parish members also receive a coupon for two free adult meals at the Fall Festival and information on Mass times, parish staff contact information, and contact information with a picture for Karen.
Karen wants to be there to welcome people to our community, of which she has been a part for more than 50 years — her parents joined St. Joseph in 1959.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were also three or four gatherings each year to welcome new members. Coffee and donuts or a light lunch were served after 10:30 a.m. Mass.
“We served food because it invites us to sit a few minutes and visit with each other,” Karen says.
This spirit of welcome and hospitality doesn’t end there. Karen makes a point to keep up with these new members and continues to welcome them and make them feel a part of the parish community.
“I enjoy getting to know them and learn about their families, and invite them to become involved at the various church events,” Karen says.
Karen Kling encourages all of us to be welcoming to those we see at our parishes. Importantly, she would be happy to have more help when the welcome events can resume. If you would like to get involved in the Welcome Committee, please email Karen at slkekling@gmail.com.
These items are included in the welcome packet that is sent to new parishioners, welcoming them to our parish community with open arms.
