Volunteers Needed for Public Mass

As we begin to prepare for public Masses once again, we are looking to create a special team of adult volunteers to make this possible — the Mass Volunteer Team. We will also need one Lector for each Mass.

The purpose of these volunteers will be to serve as hospitality ministers and assist with seating parishioners, be available during the Mass for questions and other duties, and to help safely facilitate the dismissal of all parishioners.

They may also be called upon to clean the church (Sunday only) after Mass if they are comfortable — gloves and cleaning supplies will be provided. These volunteers will work directly with myself for training and direction. Eventually, I’d like to have a group of “Lead Volunteers” who will be in charge of the other volunteers at any given Mass.

We know that many of you are eager to help and we are incredibly grateful for this! In the interest of health and safety, we are particularly looking for the following individuals, according to CDC guidelines:

1. Individuals under the age of 65;
2. Individuals without underlying conditions that put them in a higher risk for the effects of Covid-19, or high-risk community exposure;
3. Individuals able to commit to a particular Mass and be able to attend alone without obligation of caring for young children. (If a conflict arises, let me know and we can make arrangements to cover your role); and
4. Individuals able to bring, and commit to wearing, their own cloth mask.  

When will Masses officially begin and which Masses are being offered?  

We do not have complete details at this time, but we are anticipating offering public Masses in early June. We anticipate having an 8:15 AM Mass Monday-Saturday and Sunday Masses at 8:15 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:00 PM.  Saturday’s 5:00 PM Mass will continue to be private and live-streamed.

 
What type of training will be involved? 

I will send you some of the directives that we have planned so far. The training will be simple and take place 30 minutes before Mass begins.  

What will I do as a volunteer? 

While we are still finalizing specific duties, it is likely that volunteers will help get parishioners seated. We are planning on allowing only a limited number of people, likely 24 households, to enter the church for any Mass. We are creating a system where parishioners would register for a desired Mass via SignUpGenius or by calling the parish office.

The lead volunteer (myself for now) would verify their registration, insure they are wearing a face mask and then direct them to other volunteers who will guide them to their seats while making sure we are keeping the mandated six feet of social distancing. Pews will be marked where parishioners are able to sit.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time. These are uncharted waters and we are doing the best we can with the information we are provided.  Many of these items may evolve over time and please know that we have the best interest of our parishioners at the forefront of our efforts.  

I also ask for your flexibility with your schedule.  

If you are interested, I’ll need to know the following:

• Mass Vounteer Team: Which Mass(es) are you interested in?
  • Weekday: 8:15 AM
  • Sunday Masses: 8:15 AM, 11:00 AM, and/or 5:00 PM (or open to all)
• Lectors: Which Mass(es) are you interested in?
  • Weekday: 8:15 AM
  • Sunday Masses: 8:15 AM, 11:00 AM, and/or 5:00 PM (or open to all)

Note: If you are a lector and wish to be both a Mass Volunteers and Lector, I would not schedule you for both duties at the same Mass, but you could be scheduled for individual duties as separate Masses.


Please prayerfully consider this opportunity and let me know if you have any questions. You can contact me at phenning@nativity-mn.org or 651-696-5430.

Please know that all of the staff at the parish are praying for you and wish nothing more than to be in full Communion with each other as soon and as safely as possible.

— Patrick Henning, Director of Liturgy and Music