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July 9, 2021

Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima,

I wish to thank you – our parishioners – for your continued prayers and support during the past year and half of the COVID-19 pandemic. The frequent changes in protocol, the isolation, and the loss of life caused by the novel coronavirus have been most stressful and heart-breaking. At Our Lady of Fatima Parish we have been offering Mass daily for the intentions of our parishioners. These Masses have been open to the public with the exception of a two-month period at the beginning of the pandemic when houses of worship were required to close by public health order. We have constantly striven to be in compliance with both Archdiocesan and state directives, while still serving you, our parishioners, to the very best of our ability. We adapted time and time again to the changing circumstances. These adaptations included drive-through confessions in the parking lot, streamed Masses on-line, radio Masses in the church parking lot, and many other modifications. Even when the parish office was required to be closed to visitors, we had someone available to answer the phone as well as email. Adult RCIA, Confirmation, and religious education classes met either on-line or in small groups when allowed.

As our state and nation have entered a pandemic recovery mode, our parish likewise is making that transition. You have already seen several aspects of the Mass return to “normal.” As we continue to make this transition, it has become very clear that we need to reactivate and recruit for the many ministry opportunities that exist in our Parish. Please view list of ministries. I ask that you read them and prayerfully consider volunteering for one or more of these ministries. We have a particularly urgent need for more extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion for Mass and to bring the Eucharist to the homebound. For those who are already serving in some capacity, I ask that you renew your commitment. All volunteers for ministry at Our Lady of Fatima must be registered members of the Parish. Volunteers must have a current VIRTUS certification on file in the office that includes a background check. VIRTUS is training to help us prevent, recognize, and respond to instances of abuse regarding minors and adults. This VIRTUS certification is good for five years and must be updated if yours has expired. I have also included directions on how to take this Class via online.

Your participation in Parish ministries is essential to our recovery from the pandemic and our desire to be a vibrant source of faith within our community. If you have any questions regarding volunteering for a Parish ministry, please call the Parish Office at 265-5868. The Parish staff and I remain faithful in our service to you and your family.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Stephen Schultz
Very Rev. Stephen Schultz, Pastor

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