I'm sure we all know the familiar hymn, "All Are Welcome" which speaks of a hospitable demeanor that we are called to have individually and as a church community to all who would seek to enter this place. Recently a discussion took place at one of our parish commissions about the "big event" coming up on April 8. Many visitors are expected to come to the Village to view the total solar eclipse. Our church parking lot, as well as many other places might be filled with parishioners, other Villagers and visitors who want an unobstructed view of this rare occurrence. The discussion at the meeting involved whether or not we should lock the doors of our parish building out of safety concerns for our facility. This would obviously prevent people from using our bathroom facilities while they are parked in our parking lot. In the end I decided, for various reasons, to allow our people to be welcomed into our facility on the upper level to use our restrooms. We may or may not lock some of our interior doors and have volunteers inside in the narthex to welcome people and keep an eye on things as Eucharistic Adorers come and go for their hour and are allowed to park under the portico in front of our church during their hour. I believe that it is important to be transparent about the things that happen on our parish grounds outside of our liturgical gatherings where all are welcome to join us in giving praise and worship to God.

Recently, I was approached by a group of people who are in real need of a place for their Thursday/Sunday evening Alcoholics Anonymous meeting due to an ongoing flooding issue in another Village church where they have been meeting. Knowing that other churches have opened their doors to those in this program that helps those suffering from alcoholism to work the 12 step program to help them stay sober, I was inclined to say yes to this request. After consulting a number of people, the decision was made to welcome them to use one of our classrooms in the administration wing of our facility. The leaders as well as the participants will park in our small parking lot off Ponderosa Street and come in the side door by our church office. The doors leading from our administration hallway into the narthex of our church will be locked, so access to that area leading to our chapel will be restricted to parishioners who come in at night through the coded keypad. I truly believe (and hope you do as well) that we are doing a Christ-like thing to welcome those who are trying (with help) to stay sober and be productive for their own sake and for others as well. Please pray for all those who are suffering from addictions that they will seek the help they need and in so doing, find doors of buildings and hearts open to them.