WELCOME MINISTERS
“I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
At Holy Cross Parish, we are blessed to have a team of dedicated Welcome Ministers whose kindness, warmth, and service embody the spirit of Christ’s love to all who enter our doors. Their ministry is not simply a role—it is a sacred calling to ensure that every person, whether a lifelong parishioner or a first-time visitor, feels seen, valued, and at home in God’s house.
What Makes Their Ministry Shine:
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A Warm Welcome: Their genuine smiles and heartfelt greetings set the tone for worship, transforming strangers into friends.
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Attentive Care: From assisting families with young children to guiding newcomers through the liturgy, they serve with patience and grace.
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Quiet Dedication: Arriving early, staying late, and ensuring our sacred spaces remain prayerful—they work tirelessly behind the scenes.
To Our Welcome Ministers:
Thank you for being the hands and heart of Christ to all who enter our doors. Your ministry plants seeds of faith, comfort, and connection that bear fruit in ways seen and unseen. We are deeply grateful!
“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)
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Ten Regulations for Welcome Ministers at Holy Cross Parish
1. Arrive Early
To arrive 30 minutes before Mass or events to prepare materials, review seating needs, and pray for the congregation.
“Be prepared in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
2. Dress with Modesty and Respect
To wear the designated ministry sash that reflects reverence for the liturgy
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3. Greet Warmly and Personally
To offer a genuine smile, handshake, or verbal welcome to everyone entering, especially newcomers.
“Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you.” (Romans 15:7)
4. Assist with Special Needs
To proactively help elderly, disabled, or overwhelmed visitors with seating or Communion guidance.
5. Distribute Materials Thoughtfully
To provide Red Missals, newsletters, or event flyers discreetly, ensuring minimal disruption during prayer.
6. Manage Disruptions Gracefully
Address latecomers, crying children, or emergencies calmly, guiding individuals to appropriate spaces with kindness.
7. Respect Sacred Silence
To maintain a prayerful atmosphere before and after Mass by avoiding loud conversations in the nave.
8. Know Parish Resources
To familiarise yourself with Mass times, confession schedules, parish groups, and key contacts to answer queries confidently.
9. Safeguard Vulnerable Visitors
To report concerns about safety or wellbeing to the parish safeguarding officer immediately.
10. Commit to Ongoing Formation
To attend annual training on hospitality, safeguarding, and liturgical norms to serve with excellence.
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To be the first face of Christ’s love for all who enter Holy Cross Parish. Through warm hospitality, attentive service, and prayerful presence, we strive to make every person—regular or visitor, young or old—feel seen, valued, and invited into deeper communion with God and His Church.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)
A Call to the Congregation
Do you have a heart for hospitality? Are you organised, approachable, or simply eager to help others feel at home? Holy Cross Parish needs you! Join our Welcome Ministers in this vital ministry of first impressions. Whether greeting at the door, guiding newcomers, or assisting families, your service can transform a stranger into a friend.
No experience required—only a warm smile and willingness to serve!
To join or learn more, contact Fr Antony​​​​​​​
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