By Angela Orlando
Q: “I’m new to the area and this is my first time in this church, where do I go to find out stuff?”
A: You’ve come to the right place! The Hospitality Desk in the Narthex is the place to be.
On the east wall of the narthex, situated between the sets of main doors, you’ll find the Hospitality Desk and, hopefully, many of the answers you need. At the top is our goal: Discipleship through Stewardship. Between the Pillars of Hospitality, Prayer, Formation and Service are the St. Isidore Parish Vision, Our Mission and information on our Parish Leadership. Sitting or standing behind the desk after most masses, you will find a staff member who can answer your questions and if not, will take down your question and get an answer to you in a day or two.
“What time are the Masses?” “Where do I go to register?” “Can my children transfer to the school?” Who, what, where and more are easily available and the goal of the staff member is to welcome you and help you become comfortable in your new church home. “Once in a while I see more people are standing around the desk, how come?” At least once a month and sometimes more often, a Pastoral Council Member is near the desk welcoming those entering. They say Hi and often they can also answer questions but more often, they take your compliments and (hopefully not too often) your complaints. Those comments are taken to the Pastoral Council Meetings and discussed. If you’re concerned, we are too.
The desk was set up six years ago when it became apparent that not everyone who attended weekend Masses knew of all the ministries which they could join, or where to ask for help. On a recent weekend, there was seasonal information on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), the 5K Flapjack Race which benefits Neighborhood Food Pantries, sign-up forms for Adult Formation Programs, Stewardship Brochures, Green Envelopes for the Capital Campaign, White Envelopes for those who forgot their envelopes, and copies of the previous week’s bulletin. Seasonally, there may be information on Masses celebrated by the Filipino community, trips for the teens, Day Away Retreats for Adults, Summer Bible School, and a myriad of other programs and activities. Now, just what was it you needed to know?
Inquiring minds want to know. Now you Know!