Hospitality Committee

Hospitality: The DOORway to Evangelization 

With the Pope’s opening of the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Rome on the 50^th anniversary of  the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and Bishop Bambera’s opening of the Holy Door of Mercy at the Cathedral of Saint Peter’s in Scranton, we, as parishioners of Gate of Heaven and Our Lady of Victory Churches invite you to learn more about Hospitality:  The DOORway to Evangelization

The ministry of hospitality is based on scripture:  “For I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 24:25). “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” (Heb 13:2)  “Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me: and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” (Jn 13:20)

The spiritual pillar of Christian hospitality is our call to see Christ in others. A further element of being hospitable is developing an attitude of mercy. Fostering in our hearts an attitude of mercy can in turn help us to accept all we meet.  EVERYONE who comes is in need of God’s love.  The ministers of hospitality are hosts who put a face onto the parish.  They welcome those who arrive and begin the process of forming them as a worshipping body.  Practically speaking, they can welcome with love newcomers who visit the parish and they can awaken the “regulars” to the place of love and mercy at which they have arrived.  This is done concretely by removing concerns, creating a sense of belonging and let people know, “This is a place where I can be loved”.

Goals for the ministry to achieve a more welcoming parish:

My parish is easily identified with the name and times of Masses visible from the road.

Hospitality ministers are present to greet and assist people at all Masses.

New parishioners are welcomed into the parish community.

Our parish welcomes young children, those with special needs and of all ethnic backgrounds.

The parish community reaches out in times of grief.

Ask yourself: How welcoming am I?

I am a welcoming presence in my parish.

I am welcoming in my facial expressions and my mannerisms.

I see Christ in others. Do others see Christ in me?

I greet people as I approach the church.

I greet people in the gathering space of the church.

I make a conscious decision to speak positively about the Catholic Church, my parish, my pastor, etc.

I make a conscious effort to participate in the Mass to give glory to God and give good  example to others.

I extend Christ’s peace to others, looking them in the eye, and acknowledging everyone around me.

We invite you all to cultivate a hospitable heart and help to create a more welcoming atmosphere in our church community.  We are looking to grow this important ministry both within and beyond the greeter role.  If you would like to become more involved please attend one of our meetings or contact one of the co-chairs:

MerryAnn Edwards (OLV) 570-639-5426 or Susan Sheridan (GOH) 570-991-8296

Hospitality Committee meets the third Wednesday of every month at alternating OLV/GOH