One of St Joseph’s Statement of Aspirations is to be ‘a welcoming community’ where all can explore, develop and deepen their faith. Last years ‘Celebrate and Share’ events were a practical example. See picture below.
Everyone has an important role to play in delivering this aspiration, but our church ‘Welcomers’ are the front line. The people you first see at the door when you attend Mass, handing you Hymn books, welcoming new parishioners and answering queries. All with a friendly face!
Mary Burke is the lead Welcomer and, as with all our leads, sits on the Coordination Team. Mary has recently met with all the Welcomers to discuss how they can best make people feel welcome. This ranges from how many Welcomers we need at each Mass to organising the Offertory Gifts and Collection.
As a result of this inaugural meeting, we have revised the letter new parishioners receive and will be hosting a “get to know you” session in the church hall on the first Sunday of each month, after the 10.30am Mass. If you would like to become a Welcomer or give us feedback then please contact the parish office.
Here are some of our aims as we develop welcoming within our parish:
- To create a welcoming culture so that parishioners and visitors feel valued and become part of our vibrant community.
- To create a team of well-trained Welcomers who enhance the experience of all those attending Mass and whose role is valued by parishioners.
- To increase the number of registered parishioners and those regularly attending Mass.
- To ensure all members of the parish community feel well-informed and know what to do if they want to become involved in specific events or activities.