The recent report by the Pennsylvania Grand Jury, with its revelations of the abuse of nearly 1000 children by some 300 priests over the course of 70 years, and of the cover-up by some in the Church hierarchy, is horrific and staggering. The pain inflicted on innocents and the subsequent trauma borne by them and their families, as well as the sinful betrayal by perpetrators and bishops of the sacred trust to serve and to protect are almost too much for our minds to take in and for our hearts to hold.
The St. Ignatius Church Welcomer serves as a proactively welcoming presence to all who enter the church, especially during the week when the church is open but there are no services underway. The Church Welcomer serves many functions, including: greeting visitors, providing information about parish services and programs, encouraging visits to the Shop, facilitating donations for devotional candles, and observing the safety and security of the church.