THE DOOR TO GOD
Outside the doors of our offices at the Missionary Hub at St. Isidore hangs a poem titled “I Stand by the Door,” written by Sam Shoemaker. It’s a gentle reminder of our work—which is really the work we are all called to as Christians. The poem speaks of the importance of being present for those who have not yet encountered God, or who are doubtful, hesitant, or searching for something but unsure of what. It reminds us not to become so comfortable inside the doors of the Church that we forget those who remain outside them. This is the heart of the Hub’s mission: waiting and watching for opportunities to walk with others toward the door—the door to God.
At this year’s Christmas Masses, we lived that poem quite literally. Along with a beautiful team of volunteers—including families who offered to serve together—we stood by the doors of the church to welcome people as they arrived. It is a ministry many have quietly carried for years. One person shared that he has greeted people this way week after week, simply because it feels important to him. Our goal was not to manage or direct, and it was about much more than simply opening doors. Our hope was to help others feel seen, known, loved, and valued. What we offered may have seemed small: smiles, a warm hello, a heartfelt Merry Christmas—simple gestures of human love, the very love God has placed within us. It’s an offering that often runs short in our society—and sadly, even in our churches.
As people arrived, we saw many stories written on their faces. There were frazzled parents juggling coats and children pulled away from holiday activities. There were elderly people arriving alone and in pairs, some moving slowly or carefully, unsure if anyone would notice them. There were people living with disabilities, navigating spaces that are not always easy, grateful for any assistance offered. And there were others—young and old—who arrived joyful and eager for Christmas. Certainly there were also stories we could not see—people carrying grief, anxiety, illness, recent diagnoses, regrets, fears, and worry.
We likely encountered those who had never entered this—or any—church before, as well as those returning after many years away. Some may have arrived with hesitation, wondering if they truly belonged. Then a door opened, a smile was offered, and a simple “Welcome—Merry Christmas” gently answered that question before it fully formed. That sense of acceptance was real, and at least one person I encountered asked how she might become part of the parish.
As we opened doors, smiled, welcomed, and assisted when needed, we could sense tensions ease, even if just a little. Eyes met and relaxed a bit. Smiles emerged. For a moment, the anxieties and pressures of life seemed to pause, as people entered not just a building, but a space where they encountered God’s heart— made visible through the people who welcomed them and were genuinely glad they came. Nearly all involved sensed that something good had taken place, even if briefly, through these simple acts of genuine hospitality.
I don’t think I had ever fully understood the value of this ministry before. Volunteering as a greeter is not just opening doors. It is a ministry of presence. It is choosing to stand by the door—to wait with patience and care for those who may be unsure, tired, or longing for something more. It is noticing those who come regularly and being attentive to what they might need that day. Is there anyone among us who does not benefit from simple acts of kindness, appreciation, and love? Many people arrive carrying burdens we may never know. A kind welcome or a warm smile can gently change the course of an otherwise difficult day. It is God’s love offered even before the liturgy unfolds.
This is one simple way our faith can move from ideas to actions. Standing by the door, we become visible signs of God’s invisible grace—human sacraments of welcome before the Sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated. Through such a simple gesture, we have an opportunity to share the fruits of the grace we have received from God—kindness, goodness, patience, gentleness, joy, and love. In this way, our faith becomes embodied, mission becomes visible, and God’s love is made manifest through human presence. What a gift—and a responsibility—it is to stand by the door.
All Reflections are written by Nina Marie Corona, founder of AFIRE Ministries. To explore more of her reflections on finding God in everyday life, visit When on Earth: Discovering Christian Spirituality in the Daily Happenings of Ordinary Life
© 2026 Nina Marie Corona. All rights reserved.
