A few years ago, I attended a Church service at one of our neighbouring Churches, (not Catholic). Upon arrival, I was welcomed at the door, handed a hymn book and ushered to a seat in the Church. Unfortunately for the congregation, I had scored a seat in the midst of their choir and so felt obliged to join in their singing. But as everyone in the Church participated in the singing with great gusto, I do not think it would have mattered where I sat that day. What struck me about the gathering, though small in number, was the sense of welcome and hospitality I had experienced from that little community.
As Catholics, we seem to believe that our coming together is more about “me and God” than about celebrating as people united in faith. Time and again, I get a sense that when Catholics gather it is simply to pray and meet God, and to avoid any connection we may have with the people around us. Even in Europe, such was my experience of visiting Churches over there. Time and again, I would simply sit in the Church, and was totally ignored. No one came to find out about this stranger in their midst. After Mass I simply went back to my accommodation.
Somehow as Catholics it is important for us to learn from our non-Catholic brothers and sisters who welcome with great enthusiasm and make you feel welcome. Hospitality is not the role of just those who are rostered to stand at the door and hand our newsletters, great job that these people do, but it is the role and ministry of all of us who gather.
To be effective in celebrating God’s love as a Community of faith, first of all we need to BECOME A COMMUNITY. To endeavour to welcome one another and enable people to feel that they are important, that they are welcomed, that they belong.
So, when you gather at Mass next time, look out for people that you may not know, and introduce yourselves. They may be visiting from overseas, and your sense of welcome may just make a difference in their lives, and give them something to take back home to their own Community. Welcome and hospitality begins with us. If people feel at home in our midst they may even come back, because someone noticed them. So please, let us make welcome and hospitality the first priority of our ministry and of our Community of faith.
– Fr. John Conway