Welcome and Inclusion



September 2025 Update

Welcome and Inclusion


"Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." --Hebrews 13: 1-2


Vision: Everyone who comes to St. Boniface feels known, valued, and connected from their first visit — with an encompassing spirit of welcome that embraces the stranger and cares deeply for one another.


Signature Initiatives:

  • Stories Project – Sharing our faith and welcome stories through video, photos, and print.
  • Care & Compassion Teams - Train laity to offer presence, prayer, and support to those in times of need, alongside clergy.


2026 Signature Goals

  • Calculate baseline social media reach and establish visitor follow-up time to under 48 hours.
  • Develop a plan of action when a parishioner has a need for pastoral care.
  • Develop a plan for deepening a newcomer's engagement in parish life.


Goals & Actions:

  • Gather & Share Stories
  • Collect and share hospitality and success stories from members, ministries, and the community.
  • Assess & Continuously Improve Hospitality
  • Invite outside observers to assess strengths and opportunities in our welcome.
  • Engage the Vestry to personally connect with visitors and new attendees. 
  • Target & Reach
  • Identify key groups to welcome—including seasonal residents, seekers, families, and youth.
  • Hold regularly scheduled events focused on newcomers to introduce the parish and the ministries of the church.
  • Partner with local foundations to connect with community needs.
  • Tell Our Story Widely
  • Create a Vestry Communications Subcommittee.
  • Audit and upgrade technology for worship and outreach.
  • Build and train a parish tech team to maintain the website and social media.
  • Learn & Apply Best Practices
  • Regularly review hospitality models and adopt what works.
  • Build Care & Compassion Teams
  • Train laity in pastoral care skills — listening, presence, and spiritual support.
  • Launch a lay-led pastoral care team to visit, call, and walk alongside parishioners in need.
  • Provide Support Through Prayer & Healing 
  • Providing listing of all healing ministries (healing prayer at services, wellness resources, grief support, caregiver groups) - and ensure they are communicated widely.
  • Define roles, training, and expectations to intentionally incorporate laity to serve under clergy guidance in Ministries of Care and Compassion.
  • Provide regular opportunities for renewal and prayer (retreat days, contemplative practices).