Fr. Don’s Weekly Letter ~ 18 January 2026

Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,

Every once in a while I am approached by a family who are new to the parish and am so happy they take the time to introduce themselves! To be honest, it is difficult to keep track of names, but if you keep telling me - (like my dad used to say), if you keep throwing mud at the barn, eventually it will stick.

In nearly every instance the new family says that the reason they decided to join our parish community is because we are so warm and welcoming. It makes me happy when people say that they came, and they just felt like they belonged. You, apparently, are very friendly. Thank you.

Last weekend we hosted a Mass and breakfast of ministry leaders and members of the new Parish Advisory Board so they would get to know each other better and talk about how we can go about doing the work of stewardship (using the gifts God gave you) together in a more efficient and effective way. We chose to focus on one of the four pillars of stewardship in particular: Hospitality.

Hospitality, prayer, formation, and service represent a holistic way of life by which we respond to God’s gifts through welcoming, connecting with God, continuous learning, and acting with love. We recognize all blessings as gifts and share them responsibly, encompassing our time, talent, and treasure.

We can deepen our commitment to welcoming everyone, recognizing Christ in them, and creating an inclusive community in which there is no such thing as a minority or an outsider.

It is so simple, really. A greeting with a smile.

When I first came here and we wrote the introduction for Mass, we invited everyone to turn to one another and “greet each other warmly with a smile.” A smile is a powerful thing. Then, COVID. Masks went on and we couldn’t see smiles anymore. I think this was one of the most damaging things that happened to us. We literally turned inward. It was hard to reverse.

So we changed the script to say “offer each other a gesture of welcome.” Mostly, I guess, people just waved. Kind of like the awkward post-COVID sign of peace.

But what if we made the moment last a little longer? Offer that person that always sits in front of you or always behind you for the last ten years a greeting and give them your name? I’m Fr. Don; what’s your name? Good to see you again. The person you have been coming to Mass with - is that your mom? I haven’t seen her lately. Is everything okay?

A moment of caring.

I am not particularly comfortable with ice breakers because I’m an introvert, so we aren’t going to have the cantor say, “Now turn to one another and tell the person on each side of you your favorite flavor of ice cream.” But how great (almost disarming) would it be if someone were to say “I’m Fr. Don and I think chocolate is amazing.” That would bring a smile, I should think, because it would be something you share. I like chocolate, too. You’re welcome!

Hospitality is not a grand gesture, it is just a moment or a glimpse that defenses are down and you can genuinely like to know someone new. (And, it can happen in church.)

Think for a moment who that person might be who is sitting in your pew. Maybe going through a really tough time right now (maybe something you are experiencing, too) or maybe they are disoriented by current events (as we all are). They might be nervous as cats because they just got up the courage to come back to church after ten years and aren’t really sure they remember when to sit, stand, and kneel. Maybe they think you are seething because their kids aren’t exhibiting perfect behavior. Are they sure they even want to be here? A connection with you will change that experience. A smile, a reassuring nod. Maybe a new friend, definitely growth in community.

So simple, and so often not mentioned. We are here for each other, as well as for God.

The Lord be with you,