From the Pastor October 11/12

Respect in the Parking Lot

A week ago, the parish held a workshop for some leaders. We wanted to consider how we could be a more welcoming parish. The state of our parking lot came up. Particularly, the situation of some Mass attendees parking at the back of the parking lot going the wrong way. I guess their rationality is they want to be some of the first out of the lot after Mass. Doing that is very inconsiderate of fellow parishioners who have to maneuver around them to gain access to a parking space. Sometimes the only possible way is to drive to the Fire Lane.

Believe me, I am frustrated too. Let me tell you how frustrated! Back on the Fourth of July weekend I was involved in an incident. The entrances to the parking lot were roped off to make sure the lot was available for the 4 pm Mass. Despite that someone parked across the entrance to the parking lot! Needless to say, that got my Irish up. I opened the exit and ushered in some early arrivers. 

One immediately started to drive to the back of the parking lot. I stopped him and asked him to please not do that. He essentially told me he would park where he pleased! He spun his car around and parked on the sidewalk in front of the side garden and stalked into church. Do you really think he was open to the grace of the Eucharist? With that kind of a reaction you can understand why I’m reluctant to challenge or ask volunteer parishioners to monitor the parking lot. 

After the workshop last week, I thought maybe I’d give it another go. While I was standing at the front door of the church, I noticed someone swing into the lot and head the wrong way. I saw a woman get out of the car. I asked myself if speaking to her about her action was worthwhile. 

As she approached, I thought I would give it a try. She wasn’t someone I recognized so I thought she was a visitor and might have parked without giving it much thought. I hoped she would see that she was being inconsiderate of others and agree to mend her ways. As she came up, I explained to her that I had been getting complaints about people parking like she did and would she mind not doing it in the future. I tried to be as considerate as possible. 

She would have none of it. She accused me of being unwelcoming and a dozen other abuses, vowed to never come here again and walked into church. There is an obligation to be good hosts but also one to be a good guest. I noticed she left after communion.

I realize that on occasion someone has to leave church early to attend to a sick family member or some other emergency but those are rare. Most people who leave before the end of Mass do it habitually. They can’t wait to get what they feel is an obligation out of the way. May a merciful God be good to them! If you really have to leave Mass early, please find a parking space on the street and don’t block our parking lot.

Hopefully, a solution is on the horizon. One of the projects we want to fund with our Capital Campaign is improvements to the parking lot. We are half way through the process of getting a permit from the state to open an entrance directly on to Old Harbor Road. We want to resurface the lot and install better lighting. When we do this, we will paint lines in the lot that make conventional stall parking spaces all angled forward. That should help alleviate some of the problems. So, if you want to see that come about be sure to generously contribute to the Capital Campaign.

When that gets done, I’d like recruit parishioners to serve as parking attendants to help people find spaces and welcome them to our parish. In the meantime, please don’t be selfish towards your fellow parishioners. Park so everyone can have easy access to the parking lot. 

Up for A Challenge?

The Lord is building the house we call Holy Redeemer Church. The 2025 Capital Campaign is underway. It has already received donations and pledges of $230,000. About a third of the way to our goal. A generous donor has a challenge for us. They are willing to match donations to the 2025 Capital Campaign, dollar for dollar, up to a total match of $50,000. The challenge is on until the middle of November. 

Registered parishioners who have yet to donate to the Capital Campaign received a second letter from Fr. Sullivan, a project brochure, and pledge card asking for your gift to the Capital Campaign. Over the next three years we will raise $750,000 for several projects. 

In 2022, the parish raised $1.2 million dollars to help fund the addition for the elevator and renovations to the church. What would a truly sacrificial gift to the Capital Campaign look like for you? If you gave a gift to the 2022 Campaign, could you double or triple your gift to this campaign if you spread it over three years? I especially want to encourage parishioners who didn’t contribute in 2022. It is evident from the results; the money was well spent. Please prayerfully reflect on your gift to the Capital Campaign and make it as generous as possible. 

October Is Pro-Life Month

October is Pro-Life Month and we would like to call your attention to two important events planned for the month. 

The Massachusetts Legislature came close to legalize physician assisted suicide during last year’s session. It will most certainly be considered again this coming year. Everyone needs to be better educated on this issue. Canada legalized physician assisted suicide in recent years and it has had a harrowing effect on its health care system. 

The Cape Cod Pro-Life Alliance is sponsoring a talk by Fr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk (Fr. Tad), a priest of the Fall River Diocese and Director of the National Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, a nationally recognized speaker on physician assisted suicide and end-of-life care, on Wednesday Oct. 22, 5:45 PM at Corpus Christi Parish Center, East Sandwich. Admission is free, pizza and refreshments will be provided. Come learn more about this issue.

Pray the Rosary in October

October is also the month of the Rosary. Our Small Faith Sharing Groups are sponsoring a Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary event on Friday, October 17. It will begin with daily Mass at 8 am, followed by the recitation of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, Seven Sorrows of Mary Devotion, Continental Breakfast, and faith sharing on the sorrows of Mary. It will wrap up at 10 AM. Plan to participate in this month of the Rosary event.

Pope Leo has asked every Catholic to pray the Rosary for peace in our world, especially Gaza and Ukraine, every day of October. Please plan to pray this intention this month. 

Celebrating the Sacrament of the Sick

We will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick at all Masses next Sunday. The Sacrament is often familiarly called “The Last Rites” it isn’t meant for only the dying. It is a Sacrament of Healing and intended for the elderly, those suffering from chronic illnesses or those anticipating surgery or other serious medical procedures. If you fall into any of those criteria plan to participate in the celebration after the homily next weekend.