TQM 18-1

Volume 18, No. 1

January 2021

Welcome to the first issue of the web version of The Queen’s Messenger. This is the beginning of the eighteenth year of the Parish newsletter, and now we evolve to a third format. In November of 2003 we started this publication with a print edition and went to a slide-show version in March of 2017 when Fr. Davis said to “use new technology.” Since our main way of disseminating the slide show was through “Celebration Sunday” in Joy Hall, which was shut down by the pandemic, and putting the PowerPoint on the website isn’t ideal, we needed a new way to keep you up-to-date on the events that are happening in the Parish.

Sunday Mass in Joy Hall

After Mass—Social Distancing

We are doing our best to make indoor Mass safe!

Parking Lot Rosary, September 8

Our Parish celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8 by gathering in the parish parking lot—masked and socially distanced—to recite the Rosary for all those affected by COVID-19, for the world, and for the Parish Family. Members of the Parish had been encouraged to bring candles they would light for reciting the Rosary at home. After the recitation, Fr. Charley, with the Holy Eucharist, individually blessed those who attended and the candles they brought. You can see more photos of the event here.

Catechist Commissioning

Fr. Charley commissions the catechists on September 12. More photos here.

New Fire Pit Benches

When visiting the Pavilion this summer for Mass or a meeting, you may have noticed the new benches around the fire pit. These benches were added by the same person who built the fire pit, Gregory Roos. The fire pit was his Eagle project for Boy Scouts, and he added the benches on August 8-10 as his Summit project. Venture Scouts is part of Boy Scouts of America for youth, male and female, from 14 to 21 years of age, and its highest award is the Summit Award. The project was one of the final requirements for his Summit. He sent us some photos of the work on the project, which you can view here.

Rosary Novena

From October 7 through October 16, our Parish held a Rosary Novena beginning with a “chain rosary” on October 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. From 7 AM to 8 PM, parishioners participating in the chain rosary dedicated personal prayer time to pray the Rosary in sequence. When each participant finished praying the Rosary, he or she called to let the next person on the list know to begin.

The Novena continued with Parish Family members praying privately at home, using the recorded Mysteries that were available online. We concluded the Novena with an Outside Rosary at sunset on the 16th in the parking lot. After the Rosary, Fr. Charley extended a special blessing to families with the Exposition of the Holy Eucharist to each participant. Keith Wheeler sent us photos, which you can see here. Even in the shadow of COVID-19, our parish found peace under the mantle of Our Blessed Virgin Mary.

Damian Hochmuth and Mark Blackburn

All Saints Day

Fr. Charley presenting prizes after the 10 AM Mass to three “Saints” who dressed for the occasion.

Members of the new Rosary Club recruiting after the 10 AM Mass. The Rosary Club is open to Middle School and High School youth.

All Souls Day

Fr. Charley celebrates All Souls Day Mass.

All Souls Day is Fr. Charley’s birthday! Here he is receiving gifts from the Pastoral Council after Mass.

Did You Know?

Thanks to Mike Janssen, we are able to bring back, at least for this occasion, a feature from early in our print days.

Did you know that Santa Claus is a member of our Lawn Care Ministry?

We Need New Members

Your Pastoral Council is preparing to select new members for the coming year. Registered parishioners who are 18 years of age or older are eligible for Council membership. Any parishioner who is qualified to serve on the Council may have his or her name entered as a candidate by submitting a written request to the Council Chairperson, Rumaasha Maasha, by the end of the day on January 22, at maashaemail address is masked to prevent unauthorized spammingmindspring.com. The selection occurs during February, and the Council is seeking three new members and four alternates.

The Council advises the Pastor on matters affecting the Parish, and coordinates with the Ministries on carrying out parish programs. Currently, the Council is working on improving communication between the staff and Ministries and the Parish Family, helping coordinate connections between the Parish and the homebound, recognizing new members, working with Religious Education on reopening the classrooms safely, and more. In normal years, the Council also sponsors Welcome Sundays and the Parish Picnic.

Write a Letter to Santa

Hey, kids! If your parents are taking you through the drive-thru to visit Santa on December 12, you can write a letter to Santa, and it will be collected as you drive through. Details about the drive thru are here.

TQM Available Online

The Queen’s Messenger is now available online. With this issue, our parish newsletter is beginning it’s 18th year and its third platform. You can go to the menu tab to see it, or click here.

Santa Is Coming to OLQU!

Santa Claus will be visiting on Saturday, December 12, after the 5 PM Mass! The Social Committee will be hosting a drive-through Santa visit at the main entrance of the church. Enter the parking lot using the south entrance (closest to Sparkman Drive), and exit using the north entrance (closest to Grizzard). There will be an elf directing traffic. (Pay close attention to the elf—Santa will be watching you!) We ask that the children stay in their cars—we don’t want to expose Santa to any GERMS!