The ministry of hospitality is a natural ministry for our downtown parish family. Our motto, “Open Doors, Open Hearts,” is an indication of our attitude and approach to those people who seek a spiritual home at St. Willebrord Parish. The founding families from the Dutch immigrant community in Green Bay laid the foundation for the church building in which we worship. They also laid the foundations of the parish family that has welcomed people for almost 160 years.

Many of our current parish members, and those who come here for worship, prayer, and other kinds of ministry, come because of the welcoming community that they experience. Welcoming the Hispanic immigrant community in the early 1990’s expressed a special welcome to those who had been feeling “homeless” with regard to a parish home. We welcome people. Period!

We welcomed over 1,300 people to Masses and Communion Services with distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday. Many of the participants at those liturgies were not registered parish members. Business women and men, attorneys, judges and other court officials, police officers, government workers, and others who work in the downtown area were able to take advantage of our parish services on Ash Wednesday. Parents and school children, as well as shift workers who had just finished their work day, were able to begin their Lent because we offered a convenient time of worship. We welcome people.

I am sure that you have noticed the women and men who do not have homes who find a place of rest and refuge at our parish. Throughout the week and on weekends, you will find these persons sitting or lying in our hallways, or even in the church. They find warmth from the cold, a baloney sandwich if they want, bathrooms, and friendly parish personnel and others who make them feel welcome. We welcome people.

Admittedly, there have been times when those who are seeking a refuge have failed to respect the people and the place of welcome that we offer. Many who are homeless are struggling with addictions, mental illness, and social limitations which create the conditions by which we must ask them to leave until they can respect us again as we respect them.

While it is rare, our parish property has suffered some damage, bathrooms have been left nearly unusable for short periods, and public intoxication of individuals has required police intervention. Nonetheless, we try to remind our sisters and brothers from the streets before they leave that, when they are sober, when they are ready to respect us and the parish property, they are welcome to return. We welcome people. Period.

God forgives! Let us repent!

Peace, Fr. Andy