A message from Fr. Moran;

Most of us, I am sure, consider Our Lady of the Brook to be a warm and friendly parish. This is something our parish is known for: several new members of the parish have told me that they decided to join OLB precisely because, after attending Mass in the area, they found us to be the most friendly – they mentioned the priests in the social area before and after Mass, and the fellowship (read: coffee, donuts, and conversation) after Mass.

Be that as it may, sometimes newcomers may feel shy, that while OLB’ers greeted and talked with one another, some wait for the ‘newbies’ to make the first move. Much of this behavior is, I think, natural. We spot a familiar face and we head toward it: “What’s new with the family? How was vacation? Was so-and-so’s operation o.k.? Wasn’t that a great party for the 40th?” These are conversation starters with people we know. But what about the unfamiliar face?

Ah, the unfamiliar face! That can be a potential or a new parishioner. It can also be someone who has been in the parish for some time but is reticent about reaching out and introducing themselves. It is more difficult for the newcomer to introduce himself or herself to everyone than it is for established parishioners to notice the individual new faces in the congregation.

But—and this is strange but true—the unfamiliar face can also be that of a long time parishioner who usually attends Mass at a different time. Several people at the 40th were amazed to find fellow parishioners who were in fact neighbors, but who usually attended a different Mass. In fact, we have four semi-distinct congregations at OLB – the 5:00pm, the 8:00am, the 9:30am and the 11:15am parish groups. OLB is not unique in this situation – it happens just about everywhere, but we need to be aware of it.

So, look around. Find the unfamiliar face. Introduce yourself -- maybe even say, “I see you here every week, but I just don’t know your name, I’m Joe, and you are….?” You might be greeting a new or potential parishioner, who incidentally will notice just how friendly we are. Or you might meet a neighbor who you really should know anyway. At least you’ll make a new acquaintance, and that’s good for you, good for them, and good for the parish.

Peace, now and always, Fr. Tom