The power of hospitality
Opinion
At a recent gathering, a dedicated parishioner and longtime volunteer shared a thought that struck a chord: ‘We already know how to be welcoming. We know how to greet others, care for one another and create a sense of belonging. But…we don’t always do it. Why not?’
That question is at the heart of what the Community Life and Worship team strives to address. We want our churches to be places where everyone feels embraced; where they are wanted, safe and valued, like family.
Many parishes even include this idea in their mission statements. Yet, while those actively involved in Church life often experience this deep sense of belonging, those on the outskirts may not.
Why is that? It’s rarely intentional. But once we’re connected and engaged in ministries, serving on committees, attending events, it’s easy to forget what it felt like to be new, uncertain or on the fringes. We become immersed in parish life, but in doing so we sometimes overlook a crucial responsibility: inviting others in.
When we notice the same people leading and volunteering year after year, we wonder why new volunteers aren’t stepping up. The truth is, we may not have shared our experiences enough. We may not have personally invited others to our Bible studies, book clubs or ministries. We may not have extended that simple but powerful invitation to be part of something meaningful.
An invitation
The Church exists to spread the Good News – to share Jesus and his gift of salvation. We gather not just for worship but to learn, grow and support one another as disciples. Our mission is to welcome, love, form and equip. And that’s where hospitality plays a key role.
Hospitality isn’t the encounter with Christ itself but it prepares the way. It’s everything we do – both big and small – to create a space where people feel safe, seen and open to God’s presence. It’s the foundation upon which deeper faith and connection is built.
That parishioner was right, we already know how to be warm and welcoming. But it can’t be an afterthought or a task left for just a few; it must be a priority embraced by everyone.
A challenge
Take a fresh look at your parish ministries. How well is each one fostering hospitality and welcome?
Celebrate what’s working and for areas that need improvement, develop a plan. Invite new voices into the conversation and take action.
Create opportunities where people can share stories about their sense of belonging with the parish community and how they became involved. This will be a journey of growth and renewal amongst the people.
A story
At the age of 20, while I was volunteering as a musician for the Youth Mass on Sunday nights, I noticed that the sound system was failing and was over 25 years old. When I mentioned to the parish priest and a few of the regular volunteers that an upgrade would be beneficial, I was met with a little resistance and hesitation. I believe this was more a reaction of being overwhelmed and possibly some concern that I was young and wanted to make significant changes.
This is the part of the story where a new voice was ‘allowed’ to be heard. I sought a quote from a local music store for speakers and soundboard and came up with a plan to put on a concert to raise money. With a bunch of musicians on a Saturday night in the church hall, we called it “Night Acoustica” and the ticket price was a donation to go towards the upgrade of the church sound system.
We raised more than enough for the new speakers as well as the cost of installation and that church is still using the same system 20 years later today (it’s probably time for another upgrade!).
The present moment is a gift, an opportunity to make our churches even more inviting and to extend the joy of belonging to more people. That experience of offering an idea or a solution to a problem and being trusted to see it come to life was a solidifying factor in my sense of belonging to the Church.
Let’s embrace the concept of hospitality and extend our invitation.
Lauren Bierer, Pastoral Support: Community Life and Worship
Jump to next article
