Good afternoon!

We are so excited to welcome our parish family back to Mass. As we prepare to reopen our church for Mass, we are working diligently to adhere to and implement the guidelines set forth by the Governor’s Office, the Archdiocese and the MDH. Gathering together to celebrate as a wider community presents more unique challenges than just social distancing. Following all the protocols that we have received will require continued flexibility. To welcome people back safely and with great joy, we need your help.

While the invitation to minister is always open to all age groups, the information which we currently have advises that our more senior parishioners stay home and continue to participate in Mass through our live stream Mass. We know that many of our ministry groups are currently staffed with more “long-term” parishioners. We also know that a fair percentage of people, senior or not, are not going to return to public Mass at this time, which severely depletes our ministry ranks. Perhaps you have not realized what safe standards for our church mean in terms of personnel.

We are looking to our younger demographic (18-35) to fill up the ranks as ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, audio-visual helpers, sacristans, and cleaning crews. Perhaps you have not entertained the idea of being in a ministry position previous to this. But perhaps you have been looking for a way to help throughout the pandemic and don’t know what to do. This could be your time to serve! God is calling!

Currently we need at least five to six mass team members at every liturgy to help welcome parishioners, guide people in the commons, seat people, and guide people during communion. If you care about the wellbeing of others and the OLG community, are practicing basic social distancing, wear a mask when out and about, are not afraid to engage others during this pandemic, please accept this invitation to help the community of Our Lady of Grace.  Here are a few quick notes:

• ·We need 5 or 6 people to serve per liturgy.

• A quick training and welcome will take place for all mass team members 45 minutes prior to the schedule Mass time.

• If you are feeling ill, have a fever, or have recently been around someone who is ill please stay home.

• Because of the high number of people with whom you will have contact, we are asking mass team members to wear a mask when they serve.

• You can sign up for more than one Mass on a single weekend but once you serve please take a weekend off.

• We will continue to update the sign up link below from week to week.

We know that WE are the body of Christ. WE are the disciples, called to make Jesus Christ known and loved. We look forward to hearing from you as you consider answering this call for help.

You can sign up today at the link below. If you have any questions you can reach out to Kory LaCroix at korylacroix@olgparish.org or Shelly Aebi at shellyaebi@olgparish.org.

God Bless!

Fr. Kevin Finnegan, Pastor