We recognize the Four Pillars of Parish Stewardship as Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service. At the Cathedral of St. Joseph, the Greeter Ministry members work to lovingly fulfill the first pillar of Hospitality. After all, when we are visitors at a parish or have had a hectic morning getting everyone in the car, what could be better than a smiling face and someone welcoming us to church?
At the Cathedral, greeters stand at the doors, hold them open, and wish people a good morning or evening. There are six greeters per Mass — one at each side door, two for the main entrance at the front, and two for the interior doors that lead from the narthex into the Cathedral.
Malissa Briggler first signed up to be a greeter because it seemed easy. She didn’t grow up Catholic, so some of the other ministries seemed intimidating at the time, but she still wanted to do her part. To her, it’s essential that everyone who walks through the doors, whether parishioner or guest, always feels welcome.
“Greeters offer the first encounter at Mass, and it is an especially important role that can help new parish members and visitors feel welcome,” Malissa says.
There are nearly 200 Cathedral members registered for this ministry. Malissa sees this as a great opportunity to greet people she may not otherwise see at Mass. After she got accustomed to serving as a greeter, she began serving with a few other ministries, including the Welcoming Committee.
“I enjoy talking to people and helping them to feel welcome,” she says.
Steve Meystrik, Stewardship Coordinator, considers this ministry to be extremely important to the life of the parish.
“Hospitality is the first of the Four Pillars of Stewardship we discuss because it is so critical to the other pillars — Prayer, Formation, and Service,” Steve says. “A parish must be a kind and welcoming place, first and foremost, before others will want to dive deeper into all the other spiritual, social, and service activities available.”
This ministry allows people to make a quick connection with someone they may not know. This is another thing Steve appreciates about the ministry.
“These little connections that begin with hospitality open the door to other encounters, and God works amazing things through little encounters,” he says.
Malissa agrees and says that we should find ways to be hospitable to everyone. All it takes is a simple smile and “hello” to make people feel welcome.
“Welcoming people shows love,” she says. “Taking time and effort to create a welcoming environment is a way for us to experience and share the love of Christ.”
To become a greeter, call the parish office at 573-635-7991.