“Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, and serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, and persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.” - (Romans 12)
The Minister of Hospitality is equipped for this ministry by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts make that ministry effective and enable the minister to build up the Body of Christ. In their welcome and Christ-like attitude, ministers of hospitality ensure that the faithful see and experience the love of Christ. Hospitality Ministers act as the welcoming face of Christ to both the community and to strangers.
Those who desire to serve as Ministers of Hospitality should be active and faithful members of the Church. They should be of good character and reputation. Respect for others, discretion and appropriate decorum are the hallmarks of a minister of hospitality. Above all, ministers should be noted for their care to the assembly. Furthermore, the minister should be comfortable meeting and greeting others. They must always extend a sense of welcome to others and make them feel at home. Such qualities are a blessing, especially to the stranger in our midst which is why we have a separate ministry of hospitality to help create a sense of welcome. Hospitality ministers are the welcoming faces of the liturgy. In addition to greeting people as they arrive, and preparing the church environment for the liturgy, they are also involved throughout the Mass. Hospitality ministers assure that the liturgy itself will flow smoothly and prayerfully by preparing the altar for the celebration of the Eucharist, greeting the assembly and inviting the people in the assembly to greet one another.
