We are a little short on priests this weekend. Fr. Bobby is in Rome and I am covering Masses in Churubusco and Ege. Fr. Jery will keep things rolling at St. Charles Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Walking with Moms in Need is having their baby shower this Sunday afternoon, October 5, from 1:00-3:00. Volunteers will be at the Gathering Space doors to collect diapers, wipes, or other baby items which could help young moms in need.
As our nation focuses more and more on security issues, we are using grant money to help in hiring a full-time security officer for our school. We are hiring a young man who has five years experience on the police force. He will watch over our school throughout the school day, being present particularly on the parking lot and at school Masses. When he begins, in early October, we will make a practice of locking the church doors during our school Masses. Latecomers will be able to enter through a supervised Gathering Space door.
You will recall that our parish received a large bequest a year or two ago. I have heard many suggestions for parish projects, but deliberately delayed on any decisions because of the ongoing projects with our school windows and our youth house. I have also been very cautious about quick decisions that may be regretted. Now, after a long span of discernment and advice from various parish committees and staff, I think that we are narrowing in on a project. I would like to see a new building on our property which could house funeral luncheons, OCIA, and various other parish meetings. Our funeral luncheons are an important ministry now offered in the Hession Center. Since the rooms are located in the school building, there are security concerns with keeping the school unlocked during luncheons. We also have days when the rooms are needed for school functions and not available for a luncheon. A separate building would solve both problems. OCIA now meets in the basement of the parish office. The area is not accessible to a person in a wheelchair, it has primitive basement bathrooms, it has little parking nearby, and it is not a very welcoming space. My idea is to build a small building south of the church and east of the rectory which could house both of those ministries along with many other parish meetings. Watch for more information. As we explore the possibilities and talk with an architect, we will be looking for parish feedback.
