SOME MISCELLANEOUS PARISH UPDATES
A few months have passed since I shared a more general parish update. As we (hopefully) head into spring there is much to be grateful for and much to look forward to. I want to offer several miscellaneous but important updates:
+ St. Clement Church Improvements: One tangible sign of revitalization at St. Clement Church is some fresh carpet throughout the church. I want to thank parishioner, Mathias Lundgren, who undertook an Eagle Scout Project involving the relocating of some pews to improve access and functionality. The project became a catalyst for some much-needed refreshing of the threadbare red carpet in the aisles. The work is substantially completed, but some final shifting of pews and the carpeting of the confessional will take place in the coming weeks. There is also painting going on in the side vestibule to brighten up our primary church entrance. Thanks to those who contributed financially and as volunteers who made these projects happen!
+ Easter Sacraments for a few our parish youth on Saturday, April 29: Next Saturday evening, April 29th, we will celebrate the Easter Sacraments with a group of young people from our parish that we sometimes refer to as RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children). The regularly scheduled 4:30 PM Mass at Holy Cross will include Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion and is of course open to the public. We pray for those preparing for this great day and for their families and sponsors.
+ Summer Hiatus for Holy Cross 4:30 PM Saturday Evening Mass: After some reflection and conversation with parish staff and Finance and Pastoral Councils and several parishioners at large, we are going to try a summer hiatus for the Saturday evening 4:30 PM Mass (and confessions) at Holy Cross. Our last 4:30 PM Mass of the season will be on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 27th. This Mass will return on Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 2nd. No Mass intentions have been accepted for this period.
By way of explanation: This is our least attended weekend Mass and attendance as well as volunteerism tends to significantly dip in the summer months. Summer is also a time when my brother priests and I get time away for vacations and with added weddings on the schedule, Saturdays can be exceedingly difficult to cover. Very few parishes have as many Mass times as we have available, so thank you for your understanding and flexibility. We hope that those still looking for a Saturday Mass will attend at 4:00 PM at St. Hedwig. There is plenty of parking and space in the church and you will enjoy the air conditioning! Those seeking Saturday confessions can come to St. Hedwig for 3:15 PM confessions. If demand grows, confessions can be extended.
+ May Crowning on Sunday, May 7: The month of May is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. A simple May Crowning will be celebrated at one Mass at each of our campuses on Sunday, May 7th. This will take place at 9:30 AM at Holy Cross, 10 AM at St. Hedwig, and 11:15 AM at St. Clement. Plan now to honor Mary throughout the month, especially with the Rosary and perhaps by crowning Mary in your home.
+ First Communion and Confirmation Masses: We pray for those preparing to receive their First Holy Communion on Sunday morning, May 14th, at the 9:30 AM Mass at Holy Cross. This will be a great Mother’s Day gift for the mothers of these First Communicants. Our parish Mass of Confirmation will take place at the Cathedral of St. Paul on Monday, June 5th at 7:00 PM. Let’s pray for them too!
+ ART-A-WHIRL at St. Clement: The weekend of May 19-21, we are delighted to welcome ART-A-WHIRL back to our neighborhood and to our parish. This annual festival is the largest open studio art festival in the nation. Although it has been a few years since we last hosted, St. Clement Church will again be open throughout the weekend displaying the work of numerous talented artists, food, fellowship, kid-friendly art projects, church tours and more. Plan now to stop by. We are also in need of additional volunteers. Info is on p. 7 of this bulletin.
The Easter Season is not even half-way done. Let’s continue to celebrate it all the way until Pentecost Sunday which is May 28th this year! Come, Holy Spirit!
-Fr. Howe