Kate Cutler coordinates the Greeters Ministry at St. Michael the Archangel, and she has found that its impact reaches far beyond the parish doors. Her sister once shared a compliment she heard while on an airplane, when a fellow passenger who had visited Hawai’i spoke warmly about St. Michael’s, saying they felt genuinely welcomed at the parish.
“I couldn’t get a better compliment than that,” Kate says. “I want all visitors to have that warm feeling about our parish.”
The Greeters Ministry demonstrates the profound impact of a simple act of hoʻokipa – hospitality with a distinct Kona flavor. Before Mass, the greeters warmly welcome visitors to St. Michael’s, presenting them with a shell lei as a gesture of aloha and belonging. Each lei is tagged with parish contact information, making it easy for visitors to reach out with questions, learn more about the parish, or even give an offering — often long after their visit has ended.
Having traveled extensively, Kate knows what makes a parish feel truly welcoming — and she’s confident the greeters at St. Michael get it just right.
“We hear people tell us how wonderful we made their visit to our church and our island,” Kate says. “This gives us the opportunity to let people know that we personally love it here.”
If there’s time, greeters will ask visitors some questions and give them travel tips along with an invitation for Kona coffee and donuts. Kate enjoys this part of the ministry.
“We have had so many visitors express how pleased and surprised they are with the warm welcome they receive at St. Michael’s,” she says. “Our entire stewardship group should feel good about sharing this aloha.”
Kate would like to thank those who support this ministry in other ways, including the Kūpuna Ministry for helping with the lei. Kate could always use more help preparing lei. She does have another request, though — consider becoming a greeter!
“Come join our ministry — you will be rewarded with warm ‘thank yous’ and beautiful smiles,” she says. “You get to watch these visitors walk into church to celebrate Christ’s banquet.”
As far as ministries go, the Greeters Ministry is low-pressure with no meetings. You arrive shortly before Mass begins to greet and welcome.
Having lived in Hawai’i for almost 10 years, St. Michael’s is a vital part of Kate’s life. It has also made a profound impact on her faith.
“Coming back to St. Michael’s has made all the difference,” she says. “This parish is so phenomenally beautiful — everything about it.”
To become a greeter, contact Kate Cutler at 971-334-3264 or katecutler1124@gmail.com.
