"Many of our younger families have told me that they feel disconnected from the community at our 10:00 Am Mass. The current cry room is inadequate for hte number of families with children, which leads these families to go to the "water fountain" room next to the cry rom and watch Mass on a television. Since we consolidated Masses and changed the time of religious education, we are seeing more and more people at the 10:00 AM Mass. Many times we are overflowing and have to put out chairs for people to sit in at the 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM Masses!

Having analyzed the situation with with our Pastoral Council and others, we ahve decided to turn the Blessed Sacrament Chapel into a larger cry room/ overflow seating area. THe tabernacle will be moved into the sanctuary at the church, and large, clare glass will be put on the interior walls where the stained galss windows are currently. The two stained glass windows will then be moved to the entrance of the church, where the light will allow them tom truly reflect a warm and welcoming space. IN fact, it is appropriate that these two windows be there, as they contain truly welcoming scriptural quotes. One says, "I am the Bread of Life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger." The other window says, "Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest." What great words of welcome to find at the entrance of the church!

This re-arrangement gives us greater seating capacity, and will help the younger families with children (who are always welcome in the main space, but we understand when you need a 'quieting room') feel more connected to the rest of the community in celebration. The last thing we want to do is make people feel unwelcome or less engaged in our celebrations. Additionally,w hen we arrive early to Mass to pray quietly, we will have the Lord's presence in the tabernacle right in front of us! I am not sure when this change will happen, because it will depend on the availability of the worker's schedule. " - Fr. Mark

This update appeared in the November 17, 2013 bulletin on the front page.