More Than Coffee and Doughnuts
A Parish Hospitality Check List
Published September 2010
Written by Sister Brenda Hermann, MSVT and Monsignor James Gaston
For Christians, hospitality is empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is understood to be the desire to welcome others, to share one’s concern, time, love, personal space and resources with another without expecting a return.
True hospitality is not extended to others because of their status, age, attractiveness, influence, or social graces. We are not hospitable because of the gratification we receive or even for appreciation or reciprocity. The virtuous or habitual practice of hospitality challenges us to continually consider the bigger picture.
