What would you do if you were invited to someone’s home for dinner and, when you arrived, nobody welcomed you or greeted you as you entered? We, the parish family of St. Jude welcome people to our parish home for five Masses a weekend. Ideally, there should be a minimum of six people per mass in order to cover each door to greet people as they enter, and then (because our people do double duty as greeters and ushers), take up the collection. We need your help. The Hospitality Ministry is a ministry of evangelization and welcoming current parishioners and visitors to Mass and special liturgical events.

It is important that each person be greeted as the body of Christ gathers together. The welcome of a greeter sets a tone of love. It reminds people that they are entering a special time of worship, where they will experience God and God’s love. Maybe someone had a difficult week. A warm greeting can remind people that they are entering a place that will treat them differently than the way the world treated them. A warm greeting also reaffirms to each person that they belong. It’s a way of saying, “You belong here, and we are glad that you do.” After all, everyone is important to the Body of Christ.

Won’t you consider joining this ministry? Anyone over the age of 12 can help be a greeter, and those over 16 can also be an usher. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please sign your name and telephone number on the sheet in the Narthex. Someone will be in touch with you.