Food Sales Welcomes You!

Mission San Luis Rey Parish
A Community of Catholic Stewards

Hospitality at Events

Looking at the welcoming smiles on this Small Christian Community Group, "the Seekers", you can see the mission of our parish demonstrated.

Our mission is to live the gospel of Jesus Christ by following his example and welcoming all who come. So, when food is being sold to raise funds, or an event is being held, our first priority is to be a welcoming parish. What follows are guidelines about how to have a welcoming event at Mission San Luis Rey Parish." To have a welcoming event, it's important to gather your members together and talk about what Blessed Mother Theresa said --"the biggest disease is not leprosy or tuberculosis, But rather the feeling of being unwanted." - Blessed Mother Theresa

Hospitality is manifested in an open and welcoming spirit. We recall Jesus’ words: “what you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do to me” (Mt 25:40). And then Christ gave us the exquisite example of hospitality at the last supper when he got down and washed the disciples’ feet (Jn 13:3-17). And he commanded us, who would claim to be his followers, to do likewise. --From "Catholic Hospitality"

What is at the heart of God is what must be at the heart of the Church. To welcome is to be the very heart beat of God in the faith community.

1. DISCERN IF YOU HAVE A WELCOMING SPIRIT
Gather together your group before your event and ask these questions:

When you come to the food sale or event, who do you meet? Who do you speak to?
Do you always proceed to the same job or seat?
Do you smile/say hello to the people around you?
What do you do if a stranger sits near you?
After mass do your friends join you at the sale to eat or drink coffee?
Do you invite strangers to join you?
Do you stop for a chat on your way out as you're working or leaving?
How welcome are parishioners with special needs?

2. A WELCOMING PLAN OF ACTION

First, find the most positive, happy, kind member of your group and ask them to chair your welcoming efforts.

Practice with whoever is selling, giving out food or working your event the fine art of smiling, being happy, saying hello. Talk about the fact that your food sale or event is not the time to sit and complain about everything that is wrong with the world, the country, your family or your pairsh.

Next, find the four most welcoming people in your community and give them the job of being hosts/hostesses at your event. Their job is to:

1) One person on the door to welcome folks coming in and help mothers and the elderly with the door, cups, food, etc.

2) One person at coffee pot to walk around and invite refills, invite conversation.

3) One person at a table in the dining room or event room with brochures and information about your ministry, posters showing what your group does, and handouts to give away. Be sure this person is knowledgeable about the workings of your ministry and is positive and communicates well.

4) One person to connect groups at tables, finding those who are single and alone, inviting them to converse, putting groups together if they can.

5) On your information table, have a folder with blank registration forms available and a contact sheet and pen. Your welcoming team should be trained to listen and invite further contact. If a couple says that they just moved in, ask them if they would like a house blessing or to hear from the Stewardship Coordinator. If someone says they are lonely or has someone at home who is sick, write the information down with their number. Return this information to the parish Stewardship Coordinator so a followup can be made.

**Click a Link for More Information**
To Request a Date for a Food Sale	Current Food Sale Calendar	Food Sales Guidelines
Welcoming Information	Cleanup and Trash Procedures	Parish Money Handling Guidelines