Ministers of Hospitality

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Grace and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ be with you. I would like to reflect upon the essential role of the Minister of Hospitality within our faith community. The Minister of Hospitality serves as an official host, embodying the spirit of welcome and extending a warm embrace to all who enter our church, during liturgical events. This ministry is rooted in the rich tapestry of our Christian tradition, with welcoming gestures traced back to the earliest pages of the Old Testament.

 In the Book of Genesis, we find Abraham entertaining angels without even knowing it. His hospitality demonstrated a selfless openness to the stranger, a virtue at the core of the Minister of Hospitality’s calling. The Book of Job speaks of the importance of helping those in need, reminding us that genuine hospitality extends beyond physical comfort to encompass compassionate care for all. Chronicles highlights the role of serving, even as lowly as a doorkeeper in the temple, emphasizing the dignity and significance of every act of welcoming within the context of worship.

 We witness numerous instances of hospitality as a transformative act throughout the scripture. The widow who welcomed Elijah and his son into her home experienced God’s provision through her generosity. Jesus exemplified the power of hospitality when he fed the multitude of five thousand, demonstrating that simple sharing can have profound spiritual implications.

 The Minister of Hospitality should perceive themselves as servants of the faith community, embodying Christ’s teachings by bringing Christ’s welcome to every moment and reaching out to Christ in others. Their primary role is to assist their fellow brothers and sisters in feeling at home, fostering an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance, and inclusion within the worshipping community.

 However, the responsibility of hospitality extends beyond the designated Minister of Hospitality. It is a shared duty that rests upon the entire faith community. Each member is called to embrace the role of a welcoming host, fostering a sense of belonging and fellowship through their words, actions, and example. By embodying the spirit of hospitality, we create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can encounter God’s love and experience the transformative power of authentic community.

 Indeed, the Minister of Hospitality is a vital link between the faith community and the divine. By embodying the virtues of openness, compassion, and generosity, they reflect the timeless tradition of hospitality that pervades our Christian heritage. However, let us remember that hospitality is a collective effort, and each community member is crucial in creating an environment where all are welcomed, valued, and embraced.

 May we, as a community, continue to embrace the call to hospitality, extending Christ’s love to all who enter St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church’s doors. Through our shared commitment to this sacred ministry, may we cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community of faith where all can find solace, acceptance, and spiritual growth.

 Thank you for being interested in participating in the ministry of hospitality within our faith community. Your willingness to serve God and His people is truly commendable. If you would like to participate in this ministry, please speak to one of our current ministers of hospitality, and they will be delighted to provide you with further information and guidance.

 Blessings and peace be upon you all.

 Yours in Christ,

Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor.