"I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (MT. 25:35)
God gives gifts or charisms to each one of us to give to others, to build up the kingdom of God. A greeter has been given special knowledge and skills to make their ministry effective and build up the body of Christ.
In Christ, you have received God's unconditional love, and, in Christ, you are called to extend that same unconditional love to others. The ministry of greeting is perhaps the first exposure people have to Good Shepherd and perhaps the most crucial in the church because it is one of the most visible. It is a ministry vital to the saving work of the Church.
First impressions are often lasting impressions. When a person steps into a church for the first time, he or she evaluates the atmosphere. He asks himself: "Will they accept me? Will it be easy to make friends? Will my spiritual and personal needs be met? Will it be easy to find my way around? Will my family like it here?"
Members/Visitors of Good Shepherd should be made to feel that it does make a difference that he/she is there and that someone is happy to see them.
Your willingness to serve as Greeter reflects not only response to your Baptismal call to serve the people of God, but a commitment to Christ as you share in the welcoming, teaching, and leading aspects of the church. You offer hospitality! Your willingness to commit to a schedule, to prepare properly for your service, and to arrive on time dressed appropriately for your assigned Mass further reflects that commitment.
Once trained and commissioned in this ministry, you will be given an identifying Greeter name badge. Wear this badge humbly for it signifies that you have accepted the awesome privilege of welcoming and being for others a representative of a welcoming gracious, God!
Qualities
- A loving heart and a welcoming spirit
- A practicing Catholic of faith and prayer
- A registered member of Good Shepherd Catholic Community
- A person who is dependable, responsible, and flexible
- A person who has the gift of hospitality, service, and evangelization
General Responsibilities
- At Good Shepherd, at every regularly scheduled Weekend Mass and at Masses offered during the Christmas and Easter Season, the Ministry of Greeter is an important and valued ministry.
- The role of the Greeter is one of offering a friendly, welcoming presence to those coming to worship and answering any questions they might have about the liturgy or the parish. If greeters are unable to answer questions, they find the answers or redirect inquiries to the Lead Greeter.
- Committing oneself to ongoing faith and ministry formation is essential in being an effective minister, regardless of the ministry. Attend workshops, classes, retreats, and Small Church Communities to help you grow in your own faith.
Responsibilities Before Mass
- On the day you are assigned to serve as a greeter it is appropriate and a good practice to develop the habit of taking time to prepare for your service with quiet prayer and if possible, a reflective reading of Scripture.
- Plan on arriving 20 minutes before Mass starts.
- Be familiar with current events in the parish.
- Wear your Greeter Name Badge (found on the magnetic board in the working sacristy) so that it is visible to all those coming to worship.
- Warmly greet people coming to Mass with a smile, a handshake, and an appropriate oral welcome.
- Be prepared to answer any questions they might have about the parish or the Mass itself.
- Be aware of new parishioners and visitors, and make each group feel especially welcome.
Responsibilities After Mass
- Make sure that the welcome desk is "manned" for 10 minutes to answer any questions that new or existing parishioners may have.
- As a welcoming member of our parish, remember to congratulate Baptismal and First Communion families in the Narthex after Mass.
Ministry Lead: Barbara Shea
Staff Contact: Sr. Michelle Nguyen, CMR, 817-421-1387
