Ready To Serve During The Pandemic: Parishioners Pitch in to Help the Mass Run Smoothly

from St. Theresa Catholic Church Newsletter — April/May 2021

A Letter from Our Pastor: Pentecost — The “Birth” of Stewardship

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us. From the day after the first Sunday of Lent 2020 to May 31, 2020, St. Theresa was closed for public Mass. This time of closure helped us realize the blessing we have in our parish community and the opportunity to receive the Eucharist.

During this time, staff at St. Theresa spent time determining what Mass would look like when the church reopened. The maintenance crew and Business Manager Dan Powers worked hard to prepare the sanctuary for people to return.

Music and Liturgy Director Alex Nichols has assisted with all the new processes related to COVID-19. People are required to either call the parish office or visit the parish website to register for a Mass time using the Eventbrite registration platform. The maximum capacity for Mass is also limited. The main reason to collect registrations is for contract tracing if there is a confirmed COVID-19 case.

“We just want Mass to always be a positive experience,” Alex says. “We want to make sure people know they are welcome.”

Ushers are on hand to seat people. The Aloha Committee members, who previously stood outside to greet people, have been volunteering as ushers. Some volunteers sit at the entrance to greet people and check them in. The collection baskets are in the back. Some people stay after Mass to wipe down surfaces and the pews.

“I am so thankful to all those who have stepped up to volunteer,” Alex says. “Without people helping out, we couldn’t do all of this to keep everyone safe.”

The current ushers are dedicated and have been coming to help as much as they are needed. And as Alex notes, more volunteers are always welcome to be trained as ushers and to help at the check-in table.

Alex helps out with funerals and weddings, so that those who are visitors know the rules, but also feel welcome. A Mass has also been added on Sundays, to accommodate everyone who wants to come.

“The virtual Mass has been a really good option for people,” Alex says. “But we want people to know they can come back. As more people are vaccinated, and the virus starts to wane, we want to see you back. We are doing what we can to keep everyone safe and to keep the parish clean.”

Alex says that the welcome table will likely remain set up, even after the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s nice for those who are visiting to have a place to ask questions and find out more about our parish.

“I just really miss people being bunched up together,” Alex says. “I will be so thankful when we can be close to one another, again. I love seeing the parishioners. They give me so much inspiration. When I see people at Mass, their faith makes mine even stronger.”