Coming Together in Community
Hospitality is a part of our identity here at the Co-Cathedral. For many years, we have sought to foster a welcoming community for all. Many different people offer their time and talent as hospitality ministers in ministries all around the Co-Cathedral. Today, learn about Wine and Cheese hospitality from one of our parishioners:
A longtime tradition at the Co-Cathedral of SJE has resumed after a three-year Covid-related hiatus. It’s a special hospitality ministry that has come to be known as Wine & Cheese!
The ministry began about twenty years ago through the work of a few parishioners who lamented not being able to offer those attending the 4:30pm Saturday Mass a reason to hang around after the service and get to know others. Parishioners attending Sunday morning services were offered coffee, juice, and pastries, but who wants coffee and donuts at 5:30pm on a Saturday afternoon?
The initial group pitched the wine & cheese concept to parish leaders and won their blessing, and the ministry has been a mainstay after most Saturday Masses since then. It evolved over the years and currently involves more than twenty parishioners. Many have included their children in their involvement in the ministry over the years. The group has been called upon over the years to take part in numerous church-related events, serving refreshments and food and conversing with those taking part.
Guests from local parishes and “out of towners” often comment on the ministry and some have taken the concept back to their own churches. If you’re new to the parish or have never stopped by after the 4:30pm Mass, please consider joining those who take part in this friendly gathering. Or, just by and say hi!
Dave Pelowski
Want to join us in offering hospitality? Contact the parish center at 507-288-7372 and we will get you connected!
Prayer for Hospitality Ministry:
Lord Jesus, you welcomed all who came into your presence. May I reflect that same spirit through this ministry of hospitality. May your light shine in my heart this day. Remove from me anything that would stand in the way of radiating your presence. As people enter this Church to worship and praise You, may they hear your voice in my words and see your love in my actions. May my “welcome” reflect our joy at their presence amid my “good-bye” encourage them to return soon. I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and ask your blessing upon all my efforts. I ask this through our God who is the giver of all gifts.
Amen.