You may or may not know that the H1N1 virus has struck nearby schools and parishes.  We place our complete trust in God to keep us safe. But God gave us reason to use in cooperating with His providence. We have already taken precautions in the school.  Now we are doing the same at Mass.

The two most important ways to keep yourself and others safe are:

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently!

Stay at home if you are sick with flu like systems (and remain at home 24 hours after the fever has subsided)!!

There is room in our church for you!  There is no need to sit in the gathering space during Mass. It is simple courtesy for those who insist on being Zaccheus (watching Jesus from afar - i.e. sitting in the gathering space during Mass) to offer a seat to a mother or father with a fussy child.  Don't wait to be asked by an usher doing his/her job.

Shorts are not appropriate attire for Mass - especially those performing ministries like usher.

The ordinary method of entering a church is to acknowledge the real presence of Jesus in the tabernacle with a genuflection (bending down on one knee).  This should be done upon entering and before leaving the church.  If you have a physical handicap a bow is permissible - but it should be a profound bow not a little nod of the head.

Following along with and praying the words of the Mass is the best remedy for boredom.  Try it, you will be surprised at what you "get out of Mass"! Parents please help and encourage your children to fully participate in the Mass. If you don’t teach them, who will?

We try to announce the special intention for every Mass.  In the event the intention is not mentioned, however, be assured that Father is offering Mass for that intention. Canon Law requires that we be able to offer a Mass intention request within one year.  Because of the volume of request we do not repeat an intention more than once per month.  This means that if you request more than 12 Masses for an intention the surplus will be sent to priest celebrating Mass in the missions.  The standard offering for a Mass is $5, but any amount may be offered.

Every Catholic is required by Church law to make a good Confession at least once a year. But can you imagine wearing the same clothes for a whole year without washing them?  What about your soul? We have many opportunities all year long.

The kneelers are noisy! Please be considerate at the end of Mass when Father invites us to stand and pray to quietly put your kneeler back up. It is very distracting to the prayerful silence we have just experienced following communion. Even though Mass is almost over, a little respect should be observed. It would be greatly appreciated by all!