As a stewardship community, we recognize that Hospitality is the first of the Four Pillars of Parish Stewardship. A key part of hospitality is the need for a welcoming environment and the appropriate facilities to host events. Here at St. Francis Xavier, we have a team of stewards who joyfully assist with these essential hospitality tasks.
Amanda Fiorazo is the Director of Hospitality and coordinates the Kitchen Angels Ministry.
“The Kitchen Angels Ministry helps clean and maintain the commercial kitchen,” Amanda says. “They often work behind the scenes by stocking silverware, doing in-depth cleaning of the kitchen, and cleaning fridges and freezers.”
The goal of the ministry is to keep the kitchen operational for our parish community to provide a hospitable environment for the other parish ministries, as well as for parish events such as weddings and funerals. Amanda says the schedule is flexible and the tasks include a variety of activities, to allow the ministry members to serve in whatever capacity they can.
“This can include but is not limited to various activities such as mopping floors, cleaning walls, folding towels, stocking silverware, plates, and napkins, cleaning fridge/freezers, and notifying the Director of Hospitality when supplies are needed,” Amanda says.
Amanda first became involved in the ministry because of her role as Director of Hospitality. While spending time in the kitchen, she got to know some of the Kitchen Angels ministry members who helped her learn the ropes. After praying about it, Amanda offered to help coordinate the ministry. One of the things she enjoys about serving is the behind-the-scenes way in which the ministry members provide service to the parish.
“It allows for silence and prayer in your daily life,” she says.
The ministry provides the opportunity for members to give of their time and talent, building up efforts of stewardship in our community.
“It also provides an opportunity to grow and get comfortable around a commercial kitchen,” Amanda says.
With so many ministries requiring the use of the facilities, Amanda says the kitchen sees some wear and tear over time.
“So, the Kitchen Angels and their work of cleaning and maintaining the commercial kitchen are crucial to keeping to our mission of hospitality,” she says.
All are welcome to serve our parish in this ministry. It usually is a one-hour weekly commitment or every two weeks. And a few times a year, there is an in-depth cleaning of the kitchen.
Anyone who is interested in joining the Kitchen Angels Ministry may contact Amanda Fiorazo at amanda@sfxstillwater.org.