Our Volunteer Appreciation Party is planned for Saturday 15 April and I hope that all parish volunteers will sign up over the next few weekends after Mass. It is inspiring to realize how many people are involved in so many different ministries in our faith community, and this annual event expresses gratitude for that dedication.
Over the last 3 years, we have had to close the narthex rest rooms and call a plumbing company to clear the sewer lines seven times, which has cost our parish almost $4,000 so far. It happened again last weekend. The blockage seems to be caused by paper towels being flushed down the toilets. To see if it rectifies the problem, the decision has been made to remove the paper towel dispensers from both the men’s and women’s restrooms. The electric hand dryers will still be available for drying hands.
Parents of children in Catholic Schools will want to take note that the deadline for applying for tuition assistance for the 2023-24 academic year is 31 March. The parishes in southern Frederick County collaborate through the Parish Tuition Assistance Fund, and the monthly collection for Catholic School Education goes directly into this fund. Last year over $191,000 in assistance was awarded, and over $1.2 million has been awarded to students since the inception of this fund. More info is available on a bulletin insert.
I know that many parishioners are appreciative for the socially–distanced masking section of pews, and we intend to maintain this option at weekend Masses, but we are beginning to have a seating shortage at the 11:00 AM Mass. I have discussed this problem with our staff and our Pastoral Council, and they have recommended that after Easter we continue to have this option available at the 5:00 PM Saturday and 9:00 AM Sunday Masses, but no longer at the 11:00 AM Mass. Please accept my apology if this change necessitates altering your Sunday Mass time.
