Liturgy Update

Dear Parish Family

As we move towards a period of normalcy in our church, we recognize the blessing of our OLQU family in this time of COVID. We thank everyone for their patience and diligence in keeping everyone safe during these unusual times.

Beginning this weekend, June 6, ropes will be removed from the pews on St. Mary’s side. This is to accommodate those who feel comfortable sitting close to others after this period of COVID vaccinations. On St. Joseph’s side, ropes will remain up to insure 6 feet of separation between families. Those who are uncomfortable going into the church may still participate in Joy Hall.

In the next two to three weeks, we will move the Saturday 5 PM and Sunday 8 AM Mass into the church if COVID cases continue to drop. Joy Hall and St. Joseph’s chapel will still be reserved as our overflow area and will accommodate those not comfortable in the church.

We continue to ask all parishioners to wear their masks and to keep a respectable distance. This, again, is to ensure the safety of others while in the OLQU parish building.

Sincerely Yours, 

OLQU Office

Sunday Obligation Returns

Bishop Raica has decided to end the dispensation from attending Sunday Mass as of Monday, May 24, the Monday after Pentecost Sunday. You can read the text of his letter at this link. While the Bishop says that failure to attend Mass is a grave sin, he also gives a list of reasons for which one might be excused from the obligation.

Fr. Charley has decided that we will continue mask wearing and social distancing in the building. We have space in our worship areas to continue social distancing when those who haven’t been attending Mass return: if you come to the 10 AM Sunday Mass, you may sit in the church or in Joy Hall, or if you come to the 5 PM Saturday or the 8 AM Sunday Masses, you can sit in Joy Hall or St. Joseph’s Chapel (the old Parish Hall). There is also the possibility of sitting outdoors in the Pavilion for either Sunday Mass—we have a TV out there, too.

If you have any questions when you arrive about how things work with seating or Communion, or anything else that’s unfamiliar, the ushers will be happy to help.

Holy Week Schedule

  • Holy Thursday, April 1 – Mass at 7 PM
  • Good Friday, April 2
    • Stations of the Cross, 3 PM (outside)
    • Service, 7 PM in Joy Hall
  • Holy Saturday, April 3
    • No Easter Egg Hunt this year
    • Blessing of the Easter Meal, 10 AM
    • Easter Vigil Mass, 8 PM
  • Easter Sunday, April 4
    • Mass, 8 AM and 10 AM
    • Easter Goodies will be given to children after each Mass.

Chain Rosary Update

As a Parish Family, we will pray the Chain Rosary on Friday, March 19 for the Feast of St. Joseph. Our Rosary will begin at 7 AM and conclude at 8 PM. To participate in this event, please call the office and reserve a time by Friday, March 12. This Chain Rosary is prayed for our Parish Family, those suffering from COVID, and for the workers of our nation.

“We are born to love, we live to love, and we will die to love still more.”

– Saint Joseph. 

Easter Food Baskets

Our Parish is preparing Easter Food Baskets for any parishioner in need of an Easter Dinner during these difficult times. Please contact Father Charlie through the office (256.852.0788) if you or your family is in need. Also, if you are aware of any member of our Parish who may need a basket, please let us know so we can extend an invitation to them as well.

Disclaimer: This image is from Cracker Barrel. What is in the Basket may be a little different.

HFS Chicken Dinner Sale

In honor of Catholic Schools Week, Holy Family School is offering to-go chicken dinners on February 3. Prices are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of.  Advance ticket holders are guaranteed a dinner. The plates purchased that day are first come, first served.

Ticket sales start on the weekend of January 16 and 17, after all Masses at St. Joseph’s Church.  For more information, please call the school at 256-539-5221 or the parish office.

Pickup will be on Wednesday, February 3, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the Messmer Center (Holy Family School Gym).

Don’t miss this wonderful deal!  Click on  the link below for a flyer with order form.

HFS Chicken Dinner 2021.pdf