What do you think of greeters?

[nancy_dalrymple]

Sorry to disappoint you, but I need Christ, not a hug from a “minister of greetings”. When I walk into a church I’m there to be with Him, not you. It confounds me why some people feel the need to get in between the Christian and Christ.

I guess it’s all how you look at it, some people do like to be greeted and some realy don’t care one way or the other, it is all in taste. But it will do you no harm, there are alot of people i have met in life that do not like to be touched . I for one don’t like anyone touching me when they are talking to me. I have a sister like that ,and i dred when she comes around because she is alway’s hitting my arm all the time. But i don’t mind a hug now and then. It never draws my attention from Father or worship. Yes we all need Christ, I agree. You are Loved!

 

[jmcrae]

If there’s a greeter, it’s a help for people who need to find out where the bathroom is, where the babysitting is, and just to have a friendly word as they are coming through the door.

Greeters are not supposed to hug people. They are just supposed to say, “Good morning, welcome to St. __ Church.” and if the person looks a little lost, they can add, “Is there anything I can help you find?”

 

[Ockham]

Isn’t that what the Usher is for? It’s God’s house, not Walmart. This idea of a need for extra greetings comes from an assumption of lower attention span, over-marketed, time poor worshippers not knowing what building they just walked into. Christ is the draw. Let the people come to Him. The outside world is indeed frantic. Let people have some peace and quiet for one hour a week to be with their Creator and Saviour.

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

Greeter Ministry

Greeters are responsible for establishing that “first impression” for those entering God’s house. Their ministering abilities in welcoming Parish members into Church creates a warm sense of personal worth in those they greet, and for all the prayerful activity to follow.

 

[jmcrae]

Isn’t that what the Usher is for?

Sometimes the ushers are also greeters, yes. The ushers are for collecting the collections, though - not for greeting people or directing people to where ever they may need to go.

This idea of a need for extra greetings comes from an assumption of lower attention span, over-marketed, time poor worshippers not knowing what building they just walked into.

It’s not an “extra greeting.” It is the first and only greeting, since as you say, we are supposed to keep silence once we are inside the building - we aren’t supposed to be hailing our friends with “How do you do,” etc. once we get inside - not until after Mass is over and we gather in the Parish hall for coffee and conversation.

For the life of me, though, I wonder how some people even have any Church friends, since they (apparently) don’t say “hello” to anyone at any time whatsoever. (Maybe they meet people at Walmart, and somehow find out that they are both Catholic, and attend the same parish? )

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

Ushers / Greeters
Ushers and Greeters are ministers of hospitality. Ushers arrive 20-25 minutes prior to the start of Mass. They facilitate any special needs, assist in seating, answer questions, take up the collection and hand out bulletins. The Ushers also select a couple or family to present the gifts during Mass. In general, the Ushers supervise the even flow of each Mass then tidy up the pews and books after, so the church is presentable for the next Mass. Greeters welcome parishioners and visitors as they arrive at the church. They answer questions concerning the parish, committees, and the community. They also distribute requests for registration cards to new parishioners and welcome new parishioners/visitors to our community. Schedules are posted approximately every three months. We can always use more friendly faces to volunteer, so please call.

Contact: Deacon Ralph

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

General Description:

Ushers and greeters need training so that they are able to respond graciously to the needs of everyone who comes through the doors of your church. In light of this need, The Liturgical Ministry Series now includes a Guide for Ushers and Greeters to help you form liturgical ministers in this important ministry. The dimensions are 6" x 9". Similar to the other guides in this series, this book is presented in a pastoral, inviting format and style, and includes:

•A basic theological and historical overview of the ministry
•Liturgical catechesis about the role of ushers and greeters in the context of the various parts of the Mass
•Inspiration and advice for becoming faith-filled participants in the Mass
•Encouragement and understanding about the spiritual center one needs while ministering
•Detailed, practical descriptions of duties
•Questions for reflection and discussion
•Answers to frequently asked questions
•Annotated resource list, glossary, and prayers

Browse For Similar Items In

•Catholic Books > Reference Books > Miscellaneous
•Catholic Books > Priesthood / Religious Books > Pastoral Resources

 

[sckcd]

Wow, that’s a lot of grouchiness is you can’t handle someone saying “Good morning” to you, or opening the door for you. I hope other parishoners don’t say “hello” or anything nice like that, either. Could totally ruin your day.

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

Wow, that’s a lot of grouchiness is you can’t handle someone saying “Good morning” to you, or opening the door for you. I hope other parishoners don’t say “hello” or anything nice like that, either. Could totally ruin your day.

:clapping: I had to do that!

 

[Ockham]

Greeter Ministry

Greeters are responsible for establishing that “first impression” for those entering God’s house. Their ministering abilities in welcoming Parish members into Church creates a warm sense of personal worth in those they greet, and for all the prayerful activity to follow.

God should be the first and lasting impression. Why do you need to get in the way?

 

[Ockham]

Wow, that’s a lot of grouchiness is you can’t handle someone saying “Good morning” to you, or opening the door for you. I hope other parishoners don’t say “hello” or anything nice like that, either. Could totally ruin your day.

Actually, several “Good Mornings” are exchanged prior to entering the nave among the congregation. My objection is to creating a manufactured ministry that somehow places an importance on needless laity participation that distracts from the actual reason for being in the building in the first place.

 

[Joan_M]

I do not like “Greeters”. Why? Well, I believe that, as a Catholic, each and every Catholic Church is my home. I do not need anyone to meet me inside my front door and bid me welcome to my own home.

When I enter a church that I do not know, I pause and look around, mainly to see where the Tabernacle is, so I will know whether I should genuflect or merely bow to the Altar. I will also be looking at the pews to decide where I would like to sit. I am not lost or in need of help. A friendly smile is fine, but I am home, so do not need to be treated as if I was a guest.

 

[tcm22]

Sorry to pop your balloon, but the greeters I’ve encountered are a definite distraction and unnecessary obstacle between the door and tabernacle. The symbolism is eerie.

I have no bubble. Seems to me the issue is yours, not the greeters. That you view a simple “good morning” from a fellow parishioner at the door to the Church as an “obstacle” says a lot more about you than the greeter.

We certainly aren’t called to worship in individual isolation. The only symbolism I see is one of Christian fellowship. I expect that’s the one that’s intended. I suspect anything else stems from your own imagination.

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

God should be the first and lasting impression. Why do you need to get in the way?

Am i in your way? I am a greeter here at CAF not in church but i don’t see why such a small thing would barther you just ignore it, and walk in. I think you fear things changing and they are. When i came back to the church, it is not the way i expected it to be, and the priest told me “Alot has changed Nancy, you’ll have to get use to it”

 

[Ockham]

When you stand inbetween me and the Tabernacle with your back towards Christ, then you are in the way. Get over yourself.

 

[philialeaf]

I do not like “Greeters”. Why? Well, I believe that, as a Catholic, each and every Catholic Church is my home. I do not need anyone to meet me inside my front door and bid me welcome to my own home.

When I enter a church that I do not know, I pause and look around, mainly to see where the Tabernacle is, so I will know whether I should genuflect or merely bow to the Altar. I will also be looking at the pews to decide where I would like to sit. I am not lost or in need of help. A friendly smile is fine, but I am home, so do not need to be treated as if I was a guest.

Do you mean that when you come home, if there’s someone else there, you would rather them not talk to you? I love coming home and being greeted by my spouse and family! We say hello to each other; we don’t just reserve that hospitality and consideration for guests!

 

[tcm22]

Actually, several “Good Mornings” are exchanged prior to entering the nave among the congregation. My objection is to creating a manufactured ministry that somehow places an importance on needless laity participation that distracts from the actual reason for being in the building in the first place.

Wow…just…wow. I guess “manufactured ministry” could include pretty much everything that doesn’t directly involve the priest. You must be a real joy to your Parish.

 

[jmcrae]

My objection is to creating a manufactured ministry that somehow places an importance on needless laity participation that distracts from the actual reason for being in the building in the first place.

It’s not “needless,” nor is it “manufactured.” It is simply the practice of saying “hello” and being friendly to people you don’t know yet, instead of only greeting your own friends, and of having someone in charge of making sure newcomers can find what they need - helping them sign up for envelopes, get a Mass card, buy a Rosary, etc. At your parish, the ushers do this. In other parishes, the people who do this are called “greeters” instead of “ushers.”

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

When you stand inbetween me and the Tabernacle with your back towards Christ, then you are in the way. Get over yourself.

Theres nothing for me to get over, I told you i am only a greeter here, not at church. And i have never seen any greeter stand between me and the alter. they are at the front door in our church and then they sit down and before the church mass ends they get up to take your song book and hand you the next week bulletin. GEEEE!

 

[jmcrae]

I do not like “Greeters”. Why? Well, I believe that, as a Catholic, each and every Catholic Church is my home. I do not need anyone to meet me inside my front door and bid me welcome to my own home.

So, you would prefer it if your children just keep watching TV and ignore the fact that you have arrived, instead of rushing to the door with excitement to see you home after a long day without you? Perhaps your spouse shouldn’t bother to come into the room and ask how was your day?