Hospitality Ministries: Welcoming Everyone to the Table of the Lord

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Basic Questions About Our Stewardship Renewal

When Steward for Liturgical Ministries Nicole Nussel trains new ministry members, she tells them their job is to “help the priest pray.” She believes that is the job for all liturgical ministers, including the ushers and greeters, known as Hospitality Ministers.

“If you go to a Mass and the ministers know what they are doing, it makes all the difference,” Nicole says. “The congregation can really enter into prayer. When people don’t know what they are doing, it can be distracting. It makes me really excited when I am seeing people pray. The better the ministers do, then the better people can pray.”

In all they do, these ministers uphold the First Pillar of Parish Stewardship — Hospitality. The greeters are there at the front doors for each Sunday Mass. They lend a smiling face and offer welcome to parishioners and guests alike, and also watch for new people who might be interested in joining Saint Michael Parish. Greeters also show guests to the restroom and answer any questions they may have. It’s so important to make all who enter our church feel welcome, particularly when people return as the COVID-19 pandemic threat wanes.

“It always feels really nice to be welcomed when you arrive at a church, especially if you are just visiting,” Nicole says.

Normally, the ushers assist with the collection and help people find seats. With COVID-19 precautions still in place, the ushers have fewer tasks — they maintain the lines for Communion, as well as assist the greeters, when needed, and move the collection baskets to a secure place after Mass begins.

Nicole asks all of us to be hospitable to our fellow parishioners and guests by making space when someone wants to sit in the same pew as you.

“Say ‘hello’ to people,” she says. “Make room for people and smile.”

Everyone is welcome to join the Usher or Greeter Ministries. Currently, there are some families and couples who serve as greeters. Both ministries are essential to our celebration of the Liturgy.

If you would like to get involved as an usher or greeter, please contact Nicole Nussel by calling the parish office at 360-754-4667 or emailing her at nnussel@saintmichaelparish.org.