Ordinariate Etiquette

   As we transition from Lent and Easter into the upcoming liturgical seasons, I’d like to address some important “Ordinariate Etiquette” reminders to enhance our worship and community life at St. Mary the Virgin. These points, raised since my last housekeeping note, are simple but vital for our shared reverence and safety.
    
 1. Dress for Worship: While we don’t enforce a dress code, please wear your Sunday best for Mass, reflecting the sacredness of the occasion—Jesus Himself hosts this banquet. Ushers, as the first face of Christ for visitors, are encouraged (not required) to wear suits/ties in winter and dress casual in warmer months. Men, please shave before approaching the altar, as you would for any significant occasion.   
                                                                                                                                               2. Receiving Communion: In the Ordinariate, Communion is received on the tongue, kneeling when possible. This practice shows the greatest reverence before God. Kindly inform visiting family or friends from other parishes of this practice, so they know what to do when they come to the altar rail to receive the Blessed Sacrament.
                                                                                                                                              3. Parking: Reserve handicap spaces are for those with permits. Also, we urgently need volunteers to wear bright vests and direct traffic between the 8 AM and 10:30 AM Masses to prevent accidents. Please sign up in the parish hall—the last I wrote about this the response was disappointingly small; please if you are able, sign up to participate in this quiet, but essential ministry, your help is critical in keeping our  parishioners safe.                                                                                    
   4. Children’s Safety: Do not allow children to climb trees near the parish hall. Supervise them at the playground and designate an adult to accompany them. Unsupervised play violates our Child Safety Guidelines. Similarly, children must be accompanied to restrooms to avoid wandering alone.
                                                                                                                                                    5. Crying babies are welcome! Repeat: Crying babies are welcome!  The old phrase: “A church that’s not crying is a church that’s dying” is a truth, and we love the “joyful noise unto the Lord”. I will just preach louder, as we want all family members to feel welcome in God’s house. Rambunctious children, children running in the isles, or children who are having prolonged crying episodes, can be taken to the Narthex... (equipped with books and speakers) or outside in the patio area until they’re calmer to avoid distractions. The tower bell will alert those who are outside with energetic youngsters that it’s time to return to the church and adore Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar (and/or receive Communion.) Keep pews intact; avoid picking at or drawing on them. .                       
  6. Breastfeeding and Snacks: Breastfeeding in pews is welcome, but please cover up at the Communion Rail to avoid distracting others, including altar servers. If toddlers have snacks, clean up crumbs to keep pews tidy for the next family.                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Veils for Women: Veils are encouraged but not mandatory. Veils are available in the Narthex, and donations of new or cleaned veils are welcomed and appreciated. Please place them in the container in the Narthex.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               8. Cell Phones: Silence phones before entering the church, or better yet, turn them off or leave them in your car to maintain a prayerful atmosphere.
                        
These practices help us honor God and show consideration for one another. Let us commit to them as a parish family.

Faithfully, Your Friend and Pastor,
Fr. Christopher C. Stainbrook KHS