As a stewardship community, we recognize the Four Pillars of Parish Stewardship — hospitality, prayer, formation, and service. As stewards, we practice hospitality specifically by being Christ to others.
If we want others to feel welcome when they visit our parish for a tour or to join, we want them to feel welcome. What’s more welcoming than a plate of fresh-baked cookies? Here at St. Francis Xavier, we have a group who perform straightforward but essential work — they make cookies for the Parish Welcome Center. Each weekday, two dozen cookies are available for visitors to our parish.
Jill Metzger had been a member of this ministry for many years and took over coordinating the ministry’s efforts in March. She knew this would be a good fit because she could easily coordinate the team while still working. The 50 members are on a rotation throughout the year. However, there are no cookies offered during Lent.
“The previous coordinator was moving, so I agreed to take over,” Jill says. “Plus, I like making cookies.”
As Jill notes, this is a pretty simple ministry with a low commitment. While it might not seem like a big deal, it serves an important role in the life of the parish.
“People need to feel welcome when they come in and feel at home,” Jill says. “This is one way to do that.”
In turn, she encourages more people to
get involved.
“There are a lot of people who are eager to help — they just need to be asked,” Jill says. “If you ask, they will help out.”
People often visit our parish to see the building, and this visit is a great way to introduce them to the Catholic faith. We want them to walk in and feel at home.
Jill has been a member of this parish since the beginning. In addition to her service with the Cookie Ministry, she leads the Parish Council and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She and her husband, Charlie, also serve as greeters. She loves how parishioners are so involved and that the parish continues to grow.
“We are a vibrant community open to new ideas,” Jill says.
This ministry is often called on when there’s a special event at the parish that needs treats. Ministry members are always happy to pitch in, and Jill is thankful for that. She wants to thank everyone who makes this ministry possible.
To get involved with the Cookie Ministry, contact Jill Metzger at 405-385-2695 or jill_metzger@sbcglobal.net.