As a Minister of Hospitality you are the voice of welcome and the first person to greet your brothers and sisters who have come to be nourished at warmth of Christian fellowship to all who come to worship. You play an important role in creating a welcoming atmosphere and setting the tone for all who take part in the Mass. Here at OLMC, we believe that every parishioner also plays a role in welcoming each other in community.  As a Minister of Hospitality you will be a positive presence within the parish and must be a fully initiated, practicing Catholic and a registered parishioner.

All that we say and do when we serve as a minister at Mass speaks about our reverence for the sacred action that is to take place during the liturgy. That includes our demeanor and how we dress. The focus at the liturgy is the Eucharist. Anything that detracts or calls attention to oneself and away from that central point, including one’s dress, should be avoided. A business casual dress code is recommended. “Sunday best” works best for every occasion! Exceptions may be allowed if you are filling in without advance notice.

Greeting is recognizing and valuing the treasure that people are offering to God. It is a mindset and an attitude that draws people in and make them feel a part even if only a visitor/guest. Also, the hospitality minister will facilitate the Holy Communion flow per Lead instructions.  Like all liturgical ministries, it is a gift and a blessing and should be carried out with great care.

 SERVING AS MINISTER OF HOSPITALITY AT MASS

Minister Duties:

·        Your ministry begins at least 30 minutes before mass begins.

·        Sign in on the clipboard in the Narthex (entrance hallway)

·        Vest and Nametag. Go to the Environment Room (by Confessionals)

·        Report to the Mass Lead for duties assignment. (Lead = first name on the Mass team listing, designated by an *)

·        First duty is to be by the entrance areas to Greet parishioners as they enter the church.

·        Second duty is to facilitate seating, especially for those needing extra help and arriving after Mass begins; families with small children (Children and Cry Room); and assessing those who will need to be brought Communion to their seats.  Generally, the hospitality ministers would come up to receive Communion at the end of the procession. When you do receive and there is someone who needs to receive Communion in the pew, please inform the (Non-Clergy) Extraordinary Minister and escort him or her where the person is located.

·        Upon dismissal of the assembly, return to church exits to be available in case of questions.

·        Check with Mass Lead if needed for Collection procedure before returning Vest/Nametag to Environment Room.

·        Be familiar with location of Hearing Aid devices; First Aid Box, and Wheelchair.

·        Keep updated with Parish activities: Website, Mighty Network, Events etc.

The more you know about YOUR parish, both the physical environment and general parish life, the better equipped you will be to serve as a bridge between those who come to worship and the parish community.

As the first face of the community to people who come, you might be asked all sorts of questions. Of course you will not need to be able to answer every possible one, however, it is helpful to know to whom questions can be directed for resolution.   

Contact Martha Perez at welcomeolmc@gmail.com.