Mission: To welcome parishioners into their Second Home and to help visitors feel loved and welcomed.
Greeters are the first ambassadors for our parish as people arrive, sometimes for the very first time, for Mass at St. Marguerite d’Youville. Whether the person is well known to you or a new face, a friendly greeting does much to convey the spirit of our Catholic belief in the Communion of Saints.
Guidelines for Greeters
Please arrive 15-20 minutes before Mass begins.
In nice weather, the outer doors may be left open to provide a more welcoming appearance. If you would like to stand outside near the entry to greet, feel free to do so. In inclement weather, please stand inside the church near the entrance. The idea is for all who enter to feel noticed and welcome.
Please greet people by name as often as possible. Greeters are encouraged to use the directory to get to know some of the parishioner’s names. If you wear a name tag people will get to know your name. There are blank name tags in the ministry room.
If asked, you should be able to provide the Mass and Reconciliation schedules. These are listed on the front of the bulletin. Please encourage newcomers to take a bulletin home. If an individual is interested in registering to become a member of the parish, please obtain a registration form from the ministry room (next to the vesting sanctuary). Offer to answer any questions he/she may have. I you don’t have the answer, please try to find someone to help.
Greeters are responsible for obtaining gift bearers. During the school year, when Sunday school is in session, the children will bring up the gifts at the 9:00 AM Mass. Please try to ask varied groups of people. Diversity in a parish is a strength to encourage and to celebrate. Taking the gifts to the altar is an honor that we would like more people to enjoy. Generally, a group of 2-4 is easiest but larger families are easily accommodated. Those without a specific item to carry, can simply walk reverently with the actual gift bearers. Write the gift bearers names on the paper and take it to the organist or ask an usher to do so. In this way, the gift bearers will be announced properly during the Offertory procession. There are pieces of paper available in the ministry room.
For holiday Masses during Christmas, New Year’s and the Easter Triduum, we will not schedule greeters. A sign-up sheet will be located in the Narthex. This is to accommodate those who may travel or change schedules during those times.
If you are unable to greet at your appointed Mass, please try to get a replacement or send a group email asking for a substitute for your Mass.
Father Tomy would love to have multiple greeters at each Mass. Please consider greeting, even if you are not scheduled. In the event that you attend a Mass at which there are no greeters present, please step in and greet for that Mass. Your dedication is very much appreciated.
Please encourage your friends and acquaintances to join you in this important ministry. It’s a very easy way for newcomers in particular to become involved with parish life at St. Marguerite d’Youville.
May God bless you all for your sincere hearts and dedication to serving others.
