I am Roman Catholic.

I live in a Diocese who, not unlike many other Dioceses’ in the Country, are noticing a decline in active worship members. As a result, our Bishop is in the process of making difficult decisions to handle the reality of the increasing number of empty pews and the limited amount of Priests to preside over these (somewhat noticeable) empty Churches. Following the Easter Season we shall all know the consolidation plans for our Diocesan Parishes. I know for certain my Parish will be affected by these changes in some capacity.

Obviously, as one who loves the Catholic Church and all its teachings this is very sad to me. I struggle to understand the lack of zeal for the faith and the lukewarmness that has settled in to the hearts of many faithful. Truly, the Catholic Faith is not the only one to see a decline in its worship members, as I know the evil-one is not prejudice in his ploys to lead people astray from their Faith in a higher power.

However, even though I know there is cause for concern & a need for prayerful intercession for our prodigal brothers & sisters there is cause for great hope! Because without hope we fall into despair and despair is the playground of the Devil.

St. Bernadette Parish, a member of the Phoenix Diocese in Arizona has been just that to me – a beacon of hope for my weary Spirit! A vibrant growing Parish which seats 900 people is filled to capacity with upwards of another 50-100 standing at Mass. It has been absolutely amazing to worship with close to 1,000 brothers & sisters in Christ. Even their daily Mass attendance is in the 100’s! This community has offered my Spirit a glimpse of what worship can and will look like ahead!

Yet still, there are many things about St. Bernadette’s (despite the difference of number in attendance) that remind me of home. Such as, they support a 24 hour adoration Chapel with committed adorers before the Eucharist every day. I have been so grateful to participate while I have been visiting.

But there are also differences that speak to the growth of their Parish life that I will miss when my time here is completed.

The communion rail & their very warm hospitality are two big ones!

Maybe you have heard the critique that is lodged against worship communities that goes something like this, “I went to Mass at that parish for 20 years and no one even said hello to me.” One could ask why an isolated person didn’t say hello either! Giggles. But still, hospitality is an essential charisma for any community that wishes to grow and flourish!

I have felt very blessed by the warm welcome that I have received at St. Bernadette’s.

The topic of hospitality brings me back to a story I once heard from a Priest. During his seminary formation to become a priest at St. Meinrad in South Indiana one of the first questions that people frequently asked him was, “Who is St. Meinrad anyway?”

Born in 800, Meinrad was a Benedictine hermit-monk who longed to dedicate himself to prayer and solitude. But Meinrad’s reputation as a wise and holy man led people to seek him out for counsel and prayer leading to a tension in his life between solitude and hospitality. Meinrad became convinced over time that he needed to share the fruit of his contemplation, so he welcomed and tended to guests’ needs, both physical as well as spiritual.

One day, two robbers came to Meinrad’s hermitage believing he had treasures hidden — gifts from the people he had counseled. Despite a premonition of his impending death, Meinrad invited the robbers in and offered them food and drink. When they discovered his life of poverty, the men became angry and murdered him and then fled in fear.

St. Meinrad’s death earned him the title of “Martyr of Hospitality.” Father Don explained, as seminarians at St. Meinrad, they were taught the charism of hospitality which not only flowed from St. Meinrad’s example but from the Rule of St. Benedict. The rule is the book of guidelines for monastic living written in 530 by St. Benedict. It is followed by monks still today. In the rule, St. Benedict says, “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he Himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matt 25: 35.)

St. Bernadette is a large prospering Catholic community. It can be intimidating when one first walks in the door. But when a newcomer, such as myself, is met with hospitality, it becomes an intimate spiritual home for many while they are there. All it takes is that first hello to feel a sense of belonging. I have been grateful for those parishioners who have taken the effort to greet me with a smile and words of welcome.

It is critical to notice and seek out the stranger as St. Benedict directs his monks and welcome them as Christ. In our parishes, this isn’t just the work of the priests or the staff. We all are called to welcome and invite newcomers to pray with us, to work with us building the Kingdom and to even suggest ways in which they can become involved, no matter how long their stay with us.

My parish Priest back home is always reminding us how an invitation can change everything! Perhaps a lost Catholic or someone simply curious about the faith. Some people are just waiting for an invitation! Your willingness to welcome a stranger might even inspire them to consider joining in Parish life too.

In short, whether Priest, parishioner or visitor all are important in parish life! We each supplement what is sewn, one person to another.

Perhaps during the remaining period of this Lenten Season, we can pray about hospitality so that when strangers arrive in large numbers at Easter, for example, we will see ourselves as the hosts that we are, welcoming the Risen Lord hidden in the hearts of the stranger who longs to be with us.

hugs n’ blessings for smiles shared and hospitality given.