A Message from Fr. Adam Regarding Mass Time Change

Starting on Sunday, Oct. 18, we will be moving the 9:00 am Mass to 8:30am on Sundays. This arose from a number of reasons. The primary reason is the existing conflict of the Religious Education time slot of 9:45-10:45am and the 9am Mass. This is a real problem in making Mass available for our many families who are trying to go to Mass and send their children to Religious Ed. Allowing all of our faithful to have access to Sunday Mass should be our top priority. It would break my heart to think about a family having to choose between Mass or Rel. Ed.  

Another reason that has come to my attention consists in the beautiful way that this parish has one of the strongest communities I have ever seen. It starts in how welcoming you all are before Mass, it continues through Mass with the spirit in which you worship, and it includes the natural socializing that takes place after Mass. I love this and want to foster this wonderful dynamic! Unfortunately, as it stands, there is a tight window for that socializing after the 9am before the faithful are arriving for the 11am Mass. Moving the Mass to 8:30am will help to alleviate any tension that may be experienced so that there can be greater ability to linger after Mass and provide more ease in parking and preparing for Mass.  

This decision has not been made lightly, impulsively, quickly, or without due prayer and consultation. I have been praying about this from before I even began. I have sought advice from trusted sources in the parish and the diocese. I have sought and received the approval of the Diocese through the Regional Vicar. After presenting the change to the staff, Pastoral Council and Finance Council, I received unanimous support. I am so pleased that it has been received so well from so many. I am not under the illusion that everyone is happy about it or that it will not create difficulties for some. Change is never easy. Especially in this parish, many of you have persevered through many changes, merges, and closings. I don’t take any of that for granted. In fact, I find it an inspiring witness to your own faith in God and His Church to trustingly adapt again. I thank you for your trust in me to make this change. Truly, I believe this is a pressing need that can bear great fruit to help grow St. Mary Magdalene Parish into the thriving parish I believe she can be.