If you are a member of the church community where you live, you know that it’s pretty customary to have dinner with your priest from time to time. If you haven’t ever had your priest over to your home, you might want to consider being the next to offer.
It’s not as common as it used to be to invite a priest to stay for a meal. It’s a shame, given that a church community is one of collaboration, family, and love, which should extend to the clergy in your church. If you invite Father Adam Park as your local clergy, to your home for dinner, you’d be in a good position to learn about what is wanted from you as a community member, and you’ll feel more included in it. So, with that in mind, we’ve got some of the reasons that you should go ahead and invite your priest to dinner below:
Photo by Edward Eyer
You can show your appreciation. As a member of the church, you need to think about how you can show your priest that you are appreciative of everything that they’ve done for you and your family. Dinner gives you the chance to communicate in a way that’s laid back, low key, and less pressure, plus you can ask all of the questions you need to to a knowledgeable member of the church.
It is an enriching experience. Everyone has their own backstory and insights about their faith. You are the same, and that means you have a chance to ask any exploring questions, dive into your faith and really get to grips with the place you take up in the congregation. You no longer are the family at the back of the church but someone making the priest feel welcome.
You can give back to the parish. When we support our priests, we are supporting our parish. You can help your priest feel better able to serve in their capacity. They will then feel that their hard work and message are worth it. Sometimes, priests feel they’re preaching into the void, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If your priest comes to your home for a meal, you are enriching their lives as much as they do yours during mass.
It’s an act of charity. The whole message within religion – any religion – is to love your fellow man. Priests are busy people who rarely have the time or energy to do much for themselves. Being able to cook and host a delicious meal gives your priest a break and the chance to feel like charitable giving is going on.
Never assume inviting your priest for dinner is a bad idea. It’s going to be an excellent idea to let them into your home and your life, and now you know all of the reasons that you should go ahead and invite them, it’s time to plan your menu!
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