For several months I have been discussing with some parishioners the idea of arranging for greeters to be stationed at our church entrances. These volunteers would have a simple yet important job of offering a friendly welcome to all who come to worship with us. Greeters will also be valuable in providing information about the day's church activities, and generally putting people at ease, especially those who are visitors or those considering to register in our parish.
Once mass is ready to begin, the greeters would be free to join the congregation. The role of the greeter would be distinct from the ushers (who also have a share in the welcoming process) since their role is to conduct people into church, and if necessary, help them find a pew, while maintaining good order throughout the mass. We will have a sign-up list available soon. If you have any interest in being a greeter, or have suggestions or questions, please contact our parish office.
Our rose garden near the bell-tower shrine has fallen on hard times, having suffered two harsh winters and the undivided attention of our local herd of deer. I thought it was time to start over with our rosebed. I would like to make this an opportunity to memorialize someone you love. We will be planting 24 new roses in the beds flanking the statue of St. Therese of Liseiux. For a donation of $25.00 you can have a rose planted in memory of someone you love. We will publish these names in the bulletin. This is great time to renew the rose garden since later this month the Shrine of the Little Flower will celebrate its new designation as a minor basilica. (We will do our best to deter the deer too!)