Ministry of Welcoming

WELCOME ONE ANOTHER, JUST AS CHRIST HAS WELCOMED YOU, FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.

"A Home Where All Are Welcome" is the motto for the Community of St. Henry and also our objective of the Newcomers Welcoming Ministry. We strive to make newcomers feel welcome and a part of St. Henry's Parish Family. We encourage them to participate in various ministries towards the overall success of our community here at St. Henry's.

Newcomer's Registration is held on the Third Sunday of every month after the 10:30 Mass. When necessary, registrations may be handled during the week by appointment only. Registrations are held in the classrooms. Coffee, juice and donuts are provided and each family is assigned to a Volunteer for their registration. This one on one process permits good conversation and an opportunity for the Newcomer to ask questions in a relaxed atmosphere. It also allows the Volunteer to give the Newcomer his or her undivided attention, making the registration a personal experience for everyone involved.

The registration process begins with introductions and a brief conversation so that the Volunteer and Newcomers can get to know each other in a comfortable environment. The Newcomer completes the Registration Form, followed by a review of all materials pertaining to St. Henry's. The volunteer conducts the review and the packet of materials is given to the Newcomer for their references at a later date. The packet contains the following items and many more, too numerous to mention: St. Henry's Brochure Pamphlets on Befriending, KC's, CCW, Marriage Encounter and Cemetery Information Faith Formation Time and Talent/Shared Ministry Yearly Envelops Fair Share Cards Pledge Cards. When the registration is completed, the Newcomer is offered a tour of the church. In about 3 weeks, a follow up contact is made to answer any questions they may have.

We register an average of ten families per month. We presently have sixteen volunteers, some of who are available every other month while others are not. Our goal is to increase the number of volunteers so each one would do registrations once every 3 months. The time commitment is minimal. It begins with a training session that takes about 1 1/2 hours. Registration of a Newcomer takes about 30 minutes. All registration folders, set up, clean up, etc. are the responsibility of the coordinator.

We need additional volunteers to help welcome future parishioners to St Henry's. Please join in the Welcoming Ministry by calling Pat @ (763) 295-2408.