A fitting expression of hospitality is the presence of designated greeters who, together with the priest, create an atmosphere of genuine welcome and care. Hospitality includes care with the spoken Word. Thus, while we cannot recommend changing liturgical and scriptural texts, we strongly encourage the use of inclusive language in all forms of expression that are within the competence of local authority, e.g., song texts, general intercessions, homilies and commentaries. Sensitivity to handicapped persons and their needs is part of the assembly's witness of hospitality. This includes such things as the provision of ramps, special places for those in wheelchairs, adequate restroom facilities, and assistance for the hearing impaired, without creating an atmosphere of segregation.
Hospitality includes care for the sick of the community.
It is appropriate to remember them in the bulletin and general intercessions. A more effective sign of the assembly's care would be to publicly send special ministers of the Eucharist to them from at least some Sunday liturgies. Because liturgy celebrates the saving mysteries of God's love in Christ and is the prayer of God's holy people, it demands careful preparation. The time given to the preparation of the Sunday liturgy by all the liturgical ministers, especially the Priest-Presider, should reflect its central position in the life of the Church. Where they do exist, the Presider's participation in their work is essential.