For over three years, Boguski has served in the Hospitality Ministry greeting parishioners and visitors alike. In those years, she has witnessed first-hand an extraordinary revival and growth at the parish.

The growth is mostly a result of new residential developments in the area, which have drawn many young couples and families to the region. This has created an exciting opportunity to spread a welcoming spirit to many new faces joining the parish.

“On average, we have fifteen new households registering each month,” said parish pastor, Father Gary Dowsey. He became pastor two years ago and is continuing to build on the church’s reputation of being family-friendly, open, and welcoming. 

Eager to integrate both long-time residents and newcomers, the parish launched an innovative neighborhood outreach program. Recognizing that housing developments have created tight-knit communities, Father Dowsey and the Hospitality Ministry are bringing the Church's message directly to the neighborhoods.

“We have begun to host social and family gatherings in the various community centers. Taking the parish to the people. We want to meet people where they are, and not where we expect them to be,” he said.

The social gatherings are designed as a low-pressure way for residents to connect with one another. 

“They’re a picnic, in a sense,” said parishioner Philip Petrini. “It encourages everyone in the parish who lives in that community to invite family and friends who aren't Catholic, to just come and hang out and have a good time.” 

Petrini and his family attended a recent gathering in Starkey Ranch, which welcomed over 90 people who enjoyed food, music, and activities despite sweltering heat. 

Father Dowsey said the neighborhood outreach program is a natural extension of our Catholic identity as a Eucharistic community centered on Christ. 

"The Eucharist sends us out on mission. So, part of our missionary activity is how do we reach people? How do we touch people's lives with the Gospel? We want to do it in ways that they can easily identify with," he said. 

In addition to neighborhood outreach, the parish’s robust ministries for all ages and charity efforts ensure new parishioners have a place where they can build community and grow in faith. 

The Johnsons were initially drawn to the parish because of its proximity to their new home but stayed because of the warm welcome. Now they volunteer with several ministries with even their youngest children feeling empowered to serve.

“I think the church has done a great job of allowing the youth to be part of the Church,” said Ana Johnson. “One of the biggest things this church has allowed is for the whole family to feel like they have a role.”

No one is ever turned away, and that approach is bearing fruit. 

“Eighteen months ago, Sunday Mass Attendance averaged around 800, today it is 1,300 on average," said Father Dowsey.

“It's not just about filling the church with people. That's wonderful. But we also want the people who come to church to take hold of their baptism and responsibility for being missionary disciples, Christ's disciples in the world and how we can do that in a variety of ways.”  

For Boguski, it’s that calling that brings her joy. 

“One of my favorite quotes is ‘Don’t just go to church, be the Church. Do, give, teach, love. And I just love that. We go to church to give glory to God and give ourselves to our fellow parishioners. And that’s what we try to do with all our ministries,’” she said.