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Suggestion Box: November 2007

 

Note: All suggestions are transcribed exactly as written.

 

Affirmations:

 

NONE

 

Liturgical:

 

1. Why don’t we have a deacon at mass more often? We’re glad that you’ve noticed that we don’t utilize a deacon at every Mass.  There are a couple of reasons for this: 1) Because our deacons live in Greenville and Kaufman, we’ve tried to limit the number of times they have to drive back and forth to St. John’s on a weekend.  The inflated cost of gas and the extra wear and tear on their vehicles has been taken into consideration.  As you know, the deacons don’t receive a salary or stipend from the parish so their costs come out of their pockets.  2) The deacon’s role in the Church or in a parish is not primarily as a liturgical minister.  Rather, he is assigned certain ministerial duties and responsibilities, e.g., teaching, ministry to sick, etc., which may or may not include liturgical ministry.  We at St. John’s are blessed to have dedicated deacons willing to offer their time and talent to serving at the altar when available. 

2. Why must the choir “warm up” 30 min before Mass?  It is disconcerting for those who come early to pray.  Is it not also unnecessary as Wed. nites are specifically for choir practice?  Please let us be more considerate of those who pray.  Thank you! This question will be referred to our parish Music Director.

3. I cannot sing.  But I can Pray.  I long for the days when a mass was pray only.  I have gone to 3 parishes around Terrell to find such a mass.  Any possibilities here at St. John? We believe it was St. Augustine who said that when we sing sacred songs we pray twice.  Sunday Mass is certainly a high feast day with music and singing assigned for certain parts of the Mass and at certain times during the Mass.  We are blessed to have competent musicians and cantors (singers) to lead the congregation during the ceremony.  Singing, however, is everyone’s opportunity to participate fully in the Eucharistic celebration and all are encouraged to sing regardless of singing talent.  With that being noted, perhaps you would prefer coming to the 8:00 AM Mass where we sing only an entrance song, recessional song and a few various Mass parts all a cappella.

4. During communion no singing  See number 3 above.  There are church seasons, however, where instrumentation without singing could be appropriate, e.g., Lent or Funeral Masses.

 

Safe Environment:

 

NONE

 

Maintenance:

 

1. Clean the fountain or change the box…they gotta match We assume that “change the box” refers to the Suggestion Box.  With that being noted, the miniature fountain model in the Suggestion Box represents the fountain water as being crystal clear, which it rarely is clear.  We’ll talk with the Box designer and see if she’s willing to change the model to make the water look green.  J 

2. Add stepping stones on the grass between the parking lots since the side walks are not lined up between the parking spaces.  This is an excellent suggestion, one that Fr. Michael has been planning to do since the new parking lot was added two years ago.  One day, Father will remember to pick up some stepping stones from Home Depot.

3. Note: separate letter from Parish Hall Coordinator regarding cleaning of Parish Hall. The Parish Hall continues to be a maintenance/cleaning issue primarily due to insufficient allocation of human resources.  Father will work with Parish Hall Coordinator to determine how we can best keep the Hall clean without exceeding our budget for cleaning.

 

Programs:

 

1. I think it would be nice to have a picture with the name of RCIA candidates posted somewhere .  This would allow parishioners to more easily recognize and welcome them.  I think I saw something like this in the basement of Our Lady of the Lake in Rockwall ast year and thought it was a good idea. The RCIA Coordinator indicated that some candidates might feel uncomfortable having their pictures publicly displayed.  The Coordinator will review other possible means of introduction.

2. After spending 6 ½  hours working under the stairs at the parish center it is obvious that Regilous Ed needs a work room for the teaching supplies.  These should only be accessable by teachers.  First of all, thank you for spending the time and effort in organizing the teaching supplies under the stairwell.  Storage and space seem to be in short supply as our Parish continues to grow and expand its ministries.  The DRE will be consulted for recommendations or suggestions as to what can be done to achieve your recommendation.

3. Fr. Michael can we have a play ground?  Thank you. (How about in the backyard of 801 N. Francis St.??? (not sure where else one would go).  The idea of a playground has been floated by the Parish Council and Festival Committee on several occasions.  Both Committees have felt that the liability a playground presents to the parish is not worth the additional risk to the parish.  With that being noted, currently a sand lot volleyball court to be constructed in the backyard of 801 Frances is being designed by an Eagle Scout aspirant.  The project may provide some recreational relief to families.

 

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