We have many ministries here at St. Michael the Archangel that serve to foster ho’okipa (hospitality), such as the Coffee and Donuts Ministry, the Lei Ministry, and Welcome Committee, to name a few. It’s important to make parishioners and guests alike feel welcome. This is part of our Hawai’i tradition and our Christian tradition. Each person who walks through our doors should know they are welcome, valued, and loved.
As parishioners at St. Michael the Archangel, it’s easy to take for granted that we know where to park and how to navigate the parking lot. But it may not be evident to everyone. To meet this need, Fr. Lio requested a new ministry, which Mansfield Montizor helps oversee — the Parking Ambassadors Ministry. The ministry kicked off its efforts in early November. Before launching this ministry, an informal group had been parking people and directing traffic on Sundays. However, it was recognized that this service is also needed for special occasions.
“We noticed the importance of conveying hospitality through aloha by greeting and welcoming parishioners as they come to celebrate not only in Sunday Masses but also the various special occasions throughout the year,” Mansfield says.
There are currently eight members, and Mansfield would love to see more people get involved. If someone knows of an event coming up, call the parish office and offer to help.
“The members also enjoy greeting and welcoming people, and hopefully bring that feeling with them into the church as we celebrate the Eucharist together as a faith community,” Mansfield says.
When people can park and navigate in a stress-free environment, they will enter the parish feeling better overall. In turn, this will improve their entire Mass experience.
Mansfield serves because he loves God and his parish family. He knows others feel the same way.
“Serving Jesus our Savior and Lord is foremost,” he says. “We do that by helping and serving at St. Michael the Archangel Parish. It is a means of coming closer to God — not only with this ministry but the many other ministries that we have here at the parish.”
Mansfield encourages all parishioners to use their gifts to get involved in the parish. He believes stewardship helps us grow in our relationship with God.
“Jesus served the people,” Mansfield says. “We follow His example by serving our Christian community, expressing God’s love for all of us.”
We mustn’t just show up for weekend Mass, then leave and not come back. We should be getting to know our fellow parishioners and guests. This ministry is one way to make that happen.
“Our parish community has one thing in common that extends beyond our church, and that is our love for God,” Mansfield says. “Our lives may be different in the way we live. However, our paths, at some point, will converge through our communion of faith. That’s when we are called as a faith community to help one another to stay the righteous path of God.”
To become a Parking Ambassador, contact the parish office at 808-326-7771.
