As the first Pillar of Parish Discipleship, Hospitality is about making others feel welcomed and connected. Through their efforts, the members of the Mass Greeters Ministry uphold this essential pillar while showing just how simple, yet profound acts of hospitality can be.
Mikaela Hanson and her family of six have been members of the Mass Greeters Ministry for a while. Mikaela, who serves in a leadership position within the ministry, has witnessed how it has served the parishioners on an individual level and built up the parish community as a whole.
“Greeters make an impact by being the first welcoming face that people see when they attend weekend or holiday Mass,” Mikaela says. “It’s a way to help people feel connected to the parish and serve others in a way that makes them feel seen when they arrive at Mass.”
As a place where we gather as one body in Christ to worship and grow in faith, our parish is truly our faith home. The Mass Greeters are on a mission to welcome each of us into the house of the Lord and create the union that Christ desires His people to have in worship of Him.
“We are an example of hospitality,” Mikaela says. “Greeters provide an immediate opportunity for people to see a familiar face or a friendly smile as they come to encounter our Lord through the sacraments.
“Discipleship is about giving of oneself,” she adds. “Being a greeter offers the opportunity to share your time and talent. The best part is that the only talent you need to bring to this ministry is a smile.”
The Mass Greeters are always welcoming new members to the ministry. Scheduling is flexible and can be tailored to your needs. Each quarter of the year, the leadership team sends out a calendar through which members sign up for the Masses that they can greet. Throughout the quarter, members are encouraged to refer back to the calendar to fill in any Mass times that seem to be low on greeters and jump into the ministry when they are at Mass themselves, even when they are not scheduled for that time.
The flexibility of this ministry makes volunteering extremely easy and the time commitment is minimal — simply arrive at Mass a few minutes earlier than you usually would.
“My favorite part of this ministry is seeing people of all ages greet at the doors,” Mikaela says. “It is a wonderful way for the whole family to be involved in the same ministry at the same time.”
Almost anyone can be a greeter. To sign up on your own, you must be 18 years or older, but couples and families with children of all ages are welcome to be greeters as well.
Mikaela notes that the kids get the most smiles in return and are the best fist-bumpers!
If you are interested in joining or would like more information, contact Mikaela Hanson at 402-730-0946 or mikaela1129@gmail.com.