Dear Parishioners,

This Sunday and the next, the scriptures inform us that to fully love God, we must love one another. I would like to use this week’s column to address several housekeeping issues so that we may “love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” with our whole heart, mind, and soul. In the spirit of charity, then, I propose a list of sundry items upon which I ask you to reflect in this regard.

Firstly, I ask you to be mindful of people who require handicapped parking. At both St. James and St. Elizabeth campuses, we have a limited amount of designated handicapped parking spaces. Please make sure to leave these spaces available for persons who need them. There have been many times of late in which parishioners who use wheelchairs found themselves parking several blocks away as all of the spaces are occupied – many without the required license plate designation or blue window stickers. 

While it may be less convenient to walk a little further than the courtyard, there are more than ample parking spaces in parking lots and accessible street parking throughout the adjacent neighborhoods of both churches. I implore able-bodied parishioners to bear this proverbial cross. It is a small way that we may “lay our lives down for a friend” – young and old – to those who require these valuable spaces.

The interior side door of St. Elizabeth church nearest the bathrooms should remain open for people to be able to enter and exit the building. On many occasions, I have discovered that the interior door was closed, despite it being open when I initially unlocked the church building. I have witnessed several people then struggle to hold that door open while attempting to cross the threshold all while wielding canes or walkers. If that interior door needs to be closed for any reason, please make sure someone is nearby and can open it for those who need it held for them. 

The front pews are meant to serve parishioners with mobility issues. Our deacons and I bring them Holy Communion after distribution to the faithful at the communion rail. If you need to sit up front and also arrive early before Mass, please consider filling up the front pews furthest from the handicapped doors – especially at the Noon daily Mass. I have found that oftentimes, difficult situations arise when the spots closest to the door on the St. Joseph side fill up first, even though there is ample time to move toward the end of the pew before we begin and the last person ends up struggling to find a seat. Both churches have ample seating.

If you are riding your bicycle to St. Elizabeth, please utilize the bike rack in the courtyard. Several patrons have parked (and locked) their bicycles to the railing outside the handicapped door, which prohibits people from entering. That side door is the only handicap-accessible entrance to St. Elizabeth. St. James has ramps both at the main entrance and side door to the parking lot.

Cars should not “create” their own spaces outside of striped parking spaces, which include in front of the bike racks, in front of the rectory garages, and the driveway/fire lanes. We have had emergency vehicles come to church for various issues, and they will come into the courtyard parking lot since that is where the ramp to the church is located. The thoroughfare cannot be blocked to ensure emergency vehicles may access the courtyard efficiently and safely.

There are five (5) designated staff parking spots at the St. Elizabeth campus, which were created because the DTKC staff work various hours – including evenings and weekends. These are not to be used for extra handicap-accessible parking or by non-staff members at any time day or night, 24-7. 

Our Sunday Mass schedule especially requires our staff to commute between campuses to start all of our Masses, religious education classes, social events, etc. on time. Just a reminder that a “volunteer” is not a “staff member” in regards to these parking spots. Next month, when soon-to-be Father Craig Richter begins living at the St. Elizabeth rectory, he, too, will require unfettered access to one of the staff parking spaces as the garage is only able to safely house one car due to the angle of the driveway.

Lastly, and most importantly, we must remember that this is God’s house. Please be respectful of Our Eucharistic Lord, who resides in the Tabernacle, by not walking through the sanctuary. 

I am always open to parishioners’ questions or blessing objects after Mass. At St. James, parishioners should use the wood doors on the Blessed Mother side near the votive candle rack to access the corridor to the sacristy for such things. At St. Elizabeth, parishioners should approach the solarium side door (directly across from the garage), and someone will be with you shortly. Thank you for your attentiveness and patience with this.

Moreover, I kindly ask you to be mindful of people praying before and after Mass, as well. We have wonderful parishioners, and it is a joy to spend time talking in camaraderie; however, please utilize the narthex or go outside for these conversations and reserve the nave for silent prayer. 

Jesus said, “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” Let us honor him through acts of charity and kindness toward one another. May God bestow his bountiful blessings upon you all.

~ Fr. Sean