Welcome

When we welcome visitors to our home, we normally tidy the house, greet guests at the door, and make sure that all are comfortable and included.  This hospitable behaviour applies also to the worshipping community that gathers each weekend at Stella Maris, St Mary’s, St Catherine’s and St Peter’s.  It is amazing how first impressions can sometimes leave a lasting impression!

Some parishes have designated ministers of hospitality whose job it is to make visitors welcome.  But everyone at Mass has a ministry of welcome and warmth to others as fellow members of the Body of Christ.

This isn’t just a ‘feel-good’ fad or part of some trendy push to be inclusive.  The General Instruction of the Roman Missal clearly calls on the faithful to share charity toward all who share with them in the celebration.  They therefore are to shun any appearance of individualism or division, keeping before their mind that they are all brothers and sisters to each other.  They should become one body ……..  There is a beautiful expression of this unity when the faithful maintain uniformity in their actions and in standing, sitting or kneeling.

In other words, going to Mass is not a time for ‘doing my own thing’ or ‘my time with God’.  We’re all in this together! It is up to each one of us to ‘pay attention’ to those who are with us at Mass and to make everyone welcome.  With the start of school holidays this weekend and influx of families on holidays, it is timely for us locals who call the Sunshine Coast home to smile, be aware of the visitors in our midst and not be afraid to make the first gesture of welcome. After all, we are all in this together!

So if you are New

Welcome! We live in an extremely mobile society and especially here on the Sunshine Coast there are always people     coming and going.  It is too easy to get lost in all the activity of our Parish community.   If you are new to our Parish, or if you are reconnecting with the Church, we would love to welcome you more formally to our Parish Family.  You will find “welcome packs” at the entrance of all our churches, and if you complete and return the forms, we will be in contact with you. Once again, welcome.

Hospitality in Action

Speaking of hospitality, it is hard not to miss the coffee van at Stella Maris and it is easy to see why it has become the hub for our post Mass gatherings.  We have had some great volunteers who have become great baristas!   Usually, we need a team of 3 or 4 to operate the coffee van and if you would like to be involved in this ministry or would like to form a team and go on a roster once a month, please record your name on the volunteer sign up form at the entrance to Stella Maris.  Barista training will be provided.   This weekend after the 9am Mass there will be a Latin American flavour to our coffee!!!