Welcoming

You might not be aware that we are gradually developing a new ministry in St. Dominic parish.  It is the ministry of “neighborhood welcoming.” When we see that someone has  bought a home in the parish, Deacon Mark and I check the area for parishioners who might be able to welcome them to the neighborhood on behalf of the people of St. Dominic parish.  They visit the family and give them a brochure which contains our St. Dominic information, a letter of welcome to the neighborhood from me, a list of the Protestant Churches in Delhi, and some emergency telephone numbers. 

 

Deacon Mark and I meet with the welcomers and give them some talking points for those who do not belong to a church and for those who once belonged to the Catholic Church but are now alienated.  Our token gift to the newcomers to the “Floral Paradise of Ohio” is a five dollar gift certificate to one of our “parish florists.”

 

We have over forty parishioners who have welcomed folks in the name of our parish family.  As our parish mission statement makes clear, we believe welcoming newcomers is what a follower of Jesus Christ should do. 

 

Fr. Jim