Happy Friday! Beautiful Day! Temperature Fantastic!
I have to admit I've been putting off writing to you today because some of my message from the office is going to sound mean and cranky this morning, but here goes.
1. VIRTUS Safe Environment: Father Birendra has given the green light that after watching me chase down people for almost three months to get their VIRTUS training updated I am to make the individuals who have ignored our requests "inactive" in the system and we are to notify their Ministry Leaders to not allow them to volunteer. Ministry Leaders who allow individuals to volunteer without current VIRTUS training will be removed from their leadership role. When individuals complete their training and notify me at the office they will be reinstated. This program is not to be taken lightly. It is in place for the protection of our parish, our Diocese, our parishioners, and our community at large.
2. Parish Grounds: Please refrain from bringing prayer cards, resin statues, and other sundry items to place in front of the statue of Our Blessed Mother. The Buildings and Grounds Committee had beautiful landscaping placed around Our Blessed Mother. The items brought get wet, cracked, break, peel, and are then left for Lenny to clean up. We are also asking that parishioners refrain from throwing dead flowers left at the statue of Our Blessed Mother over the wall onto the lawn. It is unsightly at best and also left for others to clean up.
3. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Due to the very low attendance of the Thursday evening Sacrament of Reconciliation, this Thursday evening, June 17, will be the last session held in the Confession Room. Confessions will continue to be heard on Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
4. Mass of Remembrance - Covid-19: Please join us Friday, June 18, at 7:00 p.m. for a Mass in remembrance of loved ones from St. Mark who died from covid-19.
5. 2021 Annual Bishop's Appeal: This weekend St. Mark will participate in the in-pew Annual Bishop's Appeal. Thank you for helping St. Mark reach its goal of $110,000.
6. Congratulations to our St. Mark 8th grade graduating class tonight!!!
OK, I'm signing off so I can finish up and get out of here at 1:00 sharp and not have anyone phone/stop by to yell at me because the message today was cranky.
Best,
Paula