I tell folks that I have miraculous hands. Yep, because Jesus uses my hands to turn bread into Him. But that is not what I am talking about,

I am talking about the pandemic washing of my hands and rubbing them down with alcohol. My hands should be dried and cracking, but instead they are in better shape than ever! So if you ever need evidence for my canonization, check and see if this miracle holds up. (And in case you can’t tell, I am toooooootaly joking, I don’t have delusions of canonization)!

But more seriously, all this washing of hands, and how much more habitual it has become, has reminded me of a note that I put in the bulletin regarding allergies. Also some foods I have found in church brought to mind that it is important to repeat this again.

Allergies, Allergies, Allergies:

Allergies have become a very serious issue in our parish. We have parish families who can never go to events in our Parish Life Center (COVID regulations are lifting and soon we can begin again) because there are nuts around and about. Families who must bring to Mass several EpiPens for their children on the possibility that another family was feeding a toddler a PBJ sandwich. And yes, we have seen children eating PBJs and then wiping hands over pews.

I strive to make this parish as family friendly as possible. Children are the supreme gift of marriage, and the treasure of our parish. I hope you notice how welcome they are in our Masses. I understand that parenting is difficult, and that parents often resort to feeding children in Mass. However, the Church is not the place for feeding children. Know that your feeding your child peanut butter, can put the life of another child at risk who sits in that pew at a later Mass. Nuts are also similarly problematic. We cannot make the church an absolutely ‘nut free zone.’ That is impossible to guarantee. However, if we absolutely must feed while at Mass, consider doing so in the vestibule, and be considerate by avoiding more common allergens. This is a simple act of charity for your brother and sisters in Christ. Their children’s lives may depend on it.

Thank you for your kindness and understanding.

pax,

Father John Mosimann