Creating a welcoming parish is an important goal for every church. At Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang, building and sustaining a welcoming parish that responds to the needs of parishioners got a big boost from its newly formed Ministry of Hospitality and Care.
Founded and directed by parishioner Joanne Tegge, the ministry involves about 50 parishioners and Capuchin Father Michael Mahoney, pastor.
"I see a great need for hospitality," said Father Mahoney. "To welcome people with open arms in whatever way is called for."
Like many Californians, parishioners frequently have family members spread out across the state or nation. Others are recent immigrants to the U.S. and have to travel to other countries to see their relatives. Thus, when illness strikes, parishioners need to rely on their neighbors and church community.
At the Old Mission, a more unique challenge is spring and summer tourism to beautiful Solvang --- the professed Danish capital of America with its quaint boutiques and wineries built in an Old World architectural style --- which means the parish often plays host to visiting Catholics and tourists.
In the midst of the town's focus on tourism, parish Hospitality and Care members seek to maintain a sense of unity among parishioners and to respond to the various needs within the parish --- primarily for the elderly, the sick, the grieving and new parishioners.
A survivor of cancer and a brain aneurism, Tegge founded the ministry after experiencing the healing power of other people's prayers. "I felt the prayers one day in the hospital room, and I felt lifted. I wanted to give back," she said.
Shortly after the ministry formed last spring, members assembled a list of people to pray for and called them, asking if they needed anything. Requests were made for transportation to medical appointments, for home-cooked meals and to receive the Eucharist.
A team of volunteers drives those in need to see their doctors. Volunteers drove one woman to Santa Maria for treatment two times a week for eight weeks.
Ben Prescott, who coordinates that effort, remembers Father Mahoney asking him to call someone whose son committed suicide. The mother, surprised by the church outreach, said she didn't realize anybody cared. Subsequently, her other son got more involved with the parish.
Intentional hospitality draws people into the parish, observed Prescott. "It makes people want to belong," he said.
The ministry mails out get well, bereavement and "thinking of you" cards, signed by several group members, to let parishioners know they have not been forgotten.
"To have the support of the community and church has meant everything to me," said Betty Jeanette, who has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
And following a funeral, ministry members organize or assist families hosting a reception and then prepare meals for the bereaved for two weeks.
"We're creating community and helping to bond the people by just being nurturing and loving," said Tegge.
Sue Gionfriddo said she got involved because of the opportunity to touch people's lives. "I've always been interested in people, especially when they have a significant need," she said.
Ministry members also said that reaching out to the elderly is a way of expressing gratitude for their many years of service contributing to the parish and to the community.
They recently organized a Primetimers luncheon for those over 55 years old. Seniors demonstrated their talents in weaving, painting and photography. The ministry will continue to evolve, said Tegge, as needs become known and parishioners reflect on how to respond.
Willette Duval --- a lector, choir member and a cancer survivor --- has seen parishioners open up through this ministry in which she also participates.
"There's such a warmth here now," she said. "It's like a family." |