On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we have many people visit our church and worship with us who are not typically present. Some will be visiting as non-Catholics, some will be Sunday going Catholics who are visiting our Church for Christmas, and others will be Catholics who have not been regularly attending Mass or practicing their faith.
Regardless of why they are here or how they got here, let’s be hospitable and welcome guests with open arms.
That will require us to have more patience before and after Mass (there will be many cars in the parking lot and surrounding streets) and immediately preceding the Mass in the Church (our typical seat may be taken). These are members of Jesus’ Church and it is the desire of His heart to have them return to full communion with Him in His Church. Let’s give them a compelling reason to do so.
Thus, anyone reading this message is appointed an official member of our “Christmas Hospitality Team”.
After all, the only way to be a truly hospitable and welcoming community is for all of us to take ownership of it. On Christmas Eve and Day, we have an excellent opportunity to do so.