Building Vibrant Communities​

The welcoming embrace of hospitality is at the heart of what it means to be God’s people, the church. By virtue of our own initiation into the family of God through our Baptism, we are called and empowered to welcome others. We are the face of God to the world, when we gather to celebrate the Mass.

At the heart of our faith is the . God reached out beyond ‘Godself’ and created humanity. In that extraordinary expression of God’s desire for relationship, connection and embrace, humanity was created in the very image of God.  The fullest embodiment of this hospitality of God is seen in the incarnation - Jesus Christ – entering fully and dynamically into our story.

Our mission as Christians is to continue the welcoming hospitality of God, to be God’s face in the world today.

Liturgy is the “source and summit” of our Christian life (SC #10).  It is the action of Christ the Priest and of his Body – which is the Church (SC #7). Therefore, it is in liturgy that we ought to most fully embody the outreaching, welcoming, inclusive and valuing hospitality of God. 

The ministry of hospitality belongs to all the people of God, not simply to those who welcome people at the doors of the Church.  This attitude of welcome reveals the heart of God to all who come to worship.  As we welcome one another and join together in worship, Christ is present.  We are called, nourished and commissioned to be Christ in the world. For, no one can face life in isolation… We need a community that supports and helps us, in which we can help one another to keep looking ahead.  (Fratelli Tutti #8)

How are we, the living church, a welcoming people?

• What is my understanding of hospitality and welcome?  How do I prepare for Mass?  (In order that the liturgy may possess its full effectiveness, it is necessary that the faithful come to it with proper dispositions. (SC #11)).
• Am I open to being involved in a particular ministry? (The faithful, moreover, should not refuse to serve the People of God gladly whenever they are asked to perform some particular ministry or function in the celebration. GIRM #97)
• How do we greet and welcome people at the door?
• Am I aware of those around me and any special needs they may have?
• Do I sing, listen, acclaim, respond and gesture within Mass? Am I able to participate fully, consciously and actively? (SC#14)

How is the church a welcoming building?

• Are doors open? Is the building clean, uncluttered and well presented?
• Is the church easily accessible for all?
• Are Mass times clearly displayed?
• Can everyone hear, see and move effectively?

As we pay attention to the vital ministry of hospitality, we will indeed build a vibrant worshipping community – one that is open, caring, nurturing and empowering, a community that truly reflects the face of Christ to the world.

Key Documents/References

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC), Pope Paul VI, 1963.

Encyclical Letter Fratelli tutti on fraternity and social friendship, Pope Francis, 2020

General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) Congregation of Divine Worship, Instruction, April, 2011.