A definition of Christian hospitality: “The virtue of kindness and generosity toward guests. It is characterized by the spirit of welcome to visitors and strangers, and is one of the conditions for salvation, foretold by Christ: "I was a stranger and you made me welcome" (Matthew 25:36).”

“Hospitality is caring for others with respect and acceptance by making them feel welcome and at home.  It helps our guests feel connected and like they belong.  We empower our guests with openness and trust.  We give of our possessions and energy selflessly in the interest of bringing joy to those who respect our generosity.  Hospitality is an expression of trust and resonates gratitude back to its giver.  With hospitality, we lay the foundation for connection and convert strangers into friends.” Sourced from:  Character Cards-a collaborative effort between ShareTree and Virtues Project International Association.  Used with permission.  

One of the most common signs of welcome is being greeted by a member of the parish at the door of the church at Sunday Mass; how can this initial gesture of welcome be extended throughout the Mass, during the week, in the parish, and in the community.  Hospitality extends beyond Mass and the doors of the church.

Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, (33) states, “Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We have always done it this way”.  I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities.”

Didier Pollefeyt in his book Identity in Dialogue speaks of rethinking these issues in the context of recontextualization:

“[Recontextualisation] is the dynamic of the Christian tradition itself, [and] has been going on since the dawn of Christianity.  Without it, Christianity would have ceased to exist long ago! Now it is up to us to become part of this dynamic and to continue the tradition of recontextualisation into the 21st century. Now it is our time to look for fresh new ways to express the Gospel as authentic, alive and fresh, and to look for new practices to make it come true in our world today.  We are standing with one foot in the Christian tradition, so to say, and with the other in a yet unwritten future.  As God walks with us on our path, new revelation occurs, and the faith tradition keeps expanding itself. While re-reading previous entries, we write a new chapter in the book of the Catholic story.” p272

While evaluating our hospitality at Mass is one way of beginning to consider how we can ‘recontextualise’ or more simply put, present and live our Christian traditions in a way that speaks to the people of today, we must never cease to realise that welcoming enquirers and families into the sacraments of initiation is our greatest pastoral  opportunity. Fr. James Mallon in his book Divine Renovation refers to the sacraments of initiation as the front door to the Church.

“As Catholics, our biggest pastoral struggle is also our greatest pastoral opportunity. Couples, parents or families who have little or no connection to the Church regularly come knocking on our doors seeking baptism or marriage.  Although not as numerous as in previous years, they still come to us.  Although their idea of what they are asking for may be very different from the Church’s understanding of baptism or marriage, they are coming to us.  If we as a Church can navigate these waters well, we will be able to harvest what amounts to be the low-hanging fruit of the New Evangelization.” p197

Timothy Gabrielli in his book Confirmation: How a Sacrament of God’s Grace Became All About Us  talks about offering those and their families preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, “the life of a church that helps to bear life’s burdens and to carry one’s cross before, during, and beyond the sacrament of confirmation’ and ‘to teach them about a lifetime, experiential catechesis of faith, a walk through life with the God who loves them and the certainty that they are never alone. p81-82

Team RCIA has an article entitled 50 Hours to Make a Friend which is worth the read.  While it refers mostly to the adult RCIA process it does mention RCIA for children (which is referenced in the RCIA book).

Whether we are preparing and accompanying adults, children of school age and their families, or preparing families for baptism, we are all extending Christian hospitality.  The question is how far and how deep does this go? Are families being prepared for Confirmation and Eucharist feeling valued as part of the parish?  Are they being extended a warm welcome by organisers and presenters to attend Mass as often as possible?  Is anyone there to say hello to them if they do attend Mass?  For many this may be a very daunting experience. What can we do as a parish to deepen and encourage on-going engagement from the catechumens, candidates and their families, in their life-long journey in the Catholic faith?

Two articles on the virtue of Christian hospitality:

Hospitality is Biblical-and It’s Not Optional

The Lost Virtue of Christian Hospitality

Please feel free to contact me regarding any queries concerning sacramental preparation for school aged children. (4994 8104)

Jocelyne Benoit (Sacraments-Resource Contact Diocese of Rockhampton)