We set new records.  We increased our inside total record from 933 on 9/26 to 945 this past weekend.  This 945 is 62% of our 1518 norm in October 2019.

     We did not reach a new record at the 4 PM Mass, but it's usually our most popular Mass.  Many people have switched to the 10 or 12 because of weather or darkness.

     Last week we set a new non 4 PM Mass record of 232 at the 12 PM Mass.  This week we beat that record with 236 at the 10 AM Mass.

4 PM        245            2

6 PM        130            1

8 AM        129            2

10 AM      236            3

12 PM      205            1

     I removed three chairs from the very back of the church hall in order to fit the turkey donation freezer in its normal spot.  I moved the long table that was there to the back of the church hall.

     At the 4 PM Mass, I asked people in the handicapped section if it'd be ok with the ropes removed.  I had asked a few months ago if they were ok sitting closer together.  I received positive responses both times.  So, I removed the ropes.  We needed that extra handicapped seating at the 10 AM Mass.

     It's strange, but the 12 PM Mass seemed empty with only 205 people.  We have plenty of room at all the Masses for those who are ok sitting next to people.  The seating challenges we face are for the handicapped and those who want to be six feet apart.  We have carved out sections for them.  If you do not need to sit in these sections, then please sit elsewhere.  I think we have a very good balance right now.  We're trying to accommodate the variety of people who come to St. John's.

     New people are joining us or rejoining us for the first time since the pandemic began.  The ushers and I can tell they're new.  We go to them to help them find good seats.  I ask them, "Are you ok sitting next to people?"  If they say yes, I invite them to sit on the organ side of the church.  If they look concerned, I find them a good spot in the sections for those who want to be six feet apart.  The challenge we face is when people sneak in after Mass starts.  They sometimes sit in the reserved sections without us noticing.  Feel free to alert new people to places where they can sit.  I'm writing about this because I won't be helping the ushers that much during Advent because of confessions.

     We'll continue with our normal schedule of Mondays, 2-4 PM & 6-7 PM, and Fridays during the 3 PM Holy Hour.

     I will try to be in the confessional before Sunday Masses during Advent.  That's the 4 PM and 6 PM on Saturday evening, and the 8 AM, 10 AM, and 12 PM Masses on Sundays.  You'll know I'm in the confessional if you hear music from my cell phone playing over the sound system.  Another clue is if the door to the confessional inside the church is closed.  If the door in the foyer is also closed, someone is going to confession.  If that foyer door is open, then I'm waiting for the next penitent.

     I'll need to exit the confessional about five minutes before Mass begins.

God love you,

Fr. Jim