Parish News
SAFETY AND SECURITY | NEW MINISTRY
Aware of the challenges in our world, heightened safety concerns about the contentious culture, and the large crowds that gather here each weekend, the Pastoral Staff and I believe it is time to establish a safety and security ministry.
Here’s the vision: in addition to our ushers, trained men will be stationed at the entrances during the weekend Masses. Each member will have completed a safety familiarization course, including CPR certification. They will work in communication with one another to keep an eye on things during the Mass, and to promote a sense of safety and comfort for all of you.
Some people have asked whether the creation of this ministry is in response to some recent threat or disturbance. The answer to that question is no. Rather, it’s more our wish to take extra caution in these contentious times in which we live.
The ministry will be led by Tony Biancardi (seen here with his wife, Janice). He is a retired police officer and has
co-led The Way for Men alongside me.
FIRST SATURDAYS | RENEWED DEVOTION
In 1917, at Fatima, Portugal, Our Lady asked that the Church renew devotion to her Immaculate Heart through the First Saturdays of the month with Confession, the Rosary, and Communion in reparation for the sins and ingratitude of man that wound her heart and the heart of her Son.
In return, she promised that those who faithfully observe 5 consecutive First Saturdays will receive her assistance at the hour of death, with all the graces necessary for salvation. To that end, I’d like for us to renew this devotion together.
What’s more, First Saturday devotion was given not merely as a private Marian devotion, but as part of Our Lady’s remedy for what she called “the errors of Russia,” which she warned would spread throughout the world.
Therefore, beginning on the First Saturday of September, there will be Adoration from 8-9AM, Confessions available during that time, and prayers (including the Rosary) led by members of the Daily Mass community. Mass in honor of Our Lady will begin at 9AM.
PARISH CATECHESIS | OUR PRAYERS
Continuing in that spirit, this year I’ll be recording seven short teaching videos about the prayers of our Catholic tradition to be posted on the parish website each month. They will be based on the Faith Formation curriculum we’ve developed for this year on “Our Catholic Prayers.”
Feel free to watch the videos, and know that this year’s The Way for both men and women will be based on them. You’ll also be hearing about a youth group in the coming months, as well as a young adult prayer group, both of which flowing from the spirit enkindled by Camp Adore. +