Thank you for being a host family!
Without your generosity in becoming a host family, the missionary ministry of our parish would not be possible. This hospitality is essential also to living the Gospel. Jesus mentions often in the Gospels that the disciples are to be sent out and are to stay in the homes of members of the Church. His command to the disciples (and to us!) is to enter homes carrying peace, eating and drinking what is set before them, and preaching to them of the Kingdom of God (Luke 10:1-9).
Host families witness to their vocation. Many of our missionaries are discerning their permanent vocation, so living with host families is a great tool for discerning the married life or religious life. With any further questions, please contact Abby Kyle at [email protected] |
Host Family FAQs
How long do host families house the missionaries?
Host families typically host two missionaries (either two men or two women) for two to three weeks at a time.
What sort of accommodations do the missionaries need?
The first thing that missionaries need is ... LOVE! Our missionaries will be spending themselves fully at our parish, while being away from their families and homes. The greatest gift a host family can give is to make the missionaries feel at home and loved in their home.
The missionaries will graciously sleep wherever you put them. This could be a guest bedroom, a living room couch, or a comfortable floor! They will come with a sleeping bag and a pillow if needed. They will also need access to a shower and bathroom.
Oftentimes, families are hesitant to host because they fear they don't have enough space to host. Know that our missionaries are fine sharing a bed or a bathroom. With the nature of this ministry, know that they are just as happy to be a bit crowded together as they would be with their own rooms.
The missionaries will graciously sleep wherever you put them. This could be a guest bedroom, a living room couch, or a comfortable floor! They will come with a sleeping bag and a pillow if needed. They will also need access to a shower and bathroom.
Oftentimes, families are hesitant to host because they fear they don't have enough space to host. Know that our missionaries are fine sharing a bed or a bathroom. With the nature of this ministry, know that they are just as happy to be a bit crowded together as they would be with their own rooms.
What meals need to be provided?
Host families provide most meals for the missionaries while they are staying with you. Typically, this consists of a quick breakfast in the morning (bagel or cereal is fine), a sack lunch to send with them, and dinner together with your family in the evening. The schedule for the missionaries will vary, and they will keep you updated with their schedule, as they may be doing ministry into the evening and unable to have dinner with your family.
We also encourage you to include the missionaries in any family outings or traditions you may have. For example, feel free to take them out to your kid's baseball game or out to dinner. The missionaries would love to be a part of your family!
We also encourage you to include the missionaries in any family outings or traditions you may have. For example, feel free to take them out to your kid's baseball game or out to dinner. The missionaries would love to be a part of your family!
Anyone who is a parishioner at St. Therese Little Flower can be a "host parent". You don't need to have children in school or in youth ministry in order to host. We do take host families based on recommendations, and we want to make sure each host family is a good fit for the team. We do encourage families with children in middle- or high school to volunteer as host families.