It’s finally summertime. Things are returning to normal, especially compared to last year at this time. Kids and adults are encouraged to socialize with one another again. Plenty of hugs and social interaction are going around. Vacation Bible School is also making a comeback this summer with many parishes. Are you and your child(ren) ready for a week of VBS? If not, we have the perfect blog for you to read! Let’s have a great summer with VBS!
Anywhere But Here
Summer 2021 is looking up. With many cities opening, and there being a normal buzz in the air, it is time to start thinking about summer vacation. Although travel is not 100% everywhere, the thought of having another staycation is not an option for many of us. So here are some options that many of us will be trying out this summer.
Gardening
Growing up some of my fondest memories of visiting my grandparents was the garden they had. My Pop-Pop always had corn, different color beans, tomatoes, and much more. He also grew flowers and herbs that kept the air smelling nice and sweet. Because of him I started my own small vegetable and herb garden in the backyard, and this year I have attempted to grow a peony bush just like the one he had in his garden.
Getting Back to It
The past 15 months has been a rollercoaster. Between shutdowns, mandates, different rules in different states, and so much more, we are more than ever ready to be getting back to it. It seems appropriate to start during summer since many need some rest and relaxation, and it also helps us to slowly reacquaint ourselves with in-person Mass. Here are some suggestions of how to start getting back to it.
Don’t Take the Remembrance out of Memorial Day
This is the first normal Memorial Day we have had in two years. Last year we were not able to observe the holiday as it deserved. Masses were scaled down, parades were cancelled, and cookouts were with the people in your household. For me, it made me realize how important of a holiday Memorial Day really is. This year let’s put the remembrance back into the holiday by honoring those who have fallen for our country.
Continue reading “Don’t Take the Remembrance out of Memorial Day”
What’s on Your Church Website
As time goes by, churches ask Parish Giving the same thing: what should we include on our website? Well, we thought after a while, why not make a blog about it? Since our goal is to attract traffic to your website, we thought that these are the best items and links to have on your church’s website.
Virtual Day of Giving
It is hard to believe that we are almost at the halfway point of 2021. For the past 14 months we have been adjusting to our new virtual life. We have virtual meetings, Mass is often streamed online, virtual classrooms and so much more. Why not hold a Virtual Day of Giving as well? Since many fundraising events were cancelled or postponed in 2020, why not hold these events virtually this year? Let us embrace our virtual life a bit longer and see how a Virtual Day of Giving can benefit you and your parish!
Spring Awakening
There is a certain buzz in the air right now. Bees are buzzing, birds are chirping, and more people are outdoors enjoying the beautiful sunshine. Also, with things becoming more normal each day, many of us are going back to our old routines. We have golfing tournaments, Mother’s Day Raffle, Fish Fries and much more! Well did you know what we are still offering our online forms for your parishes? It is true! Here are some of the current forms we are working on, and how to best advertise your events!
Out of the Box
After writing the Burnout blog, we realized we needed to fix our funk. With things slowly becoming normal again, I decided to take a baking class at a local bakery. It was a sugar cookie decorating class, and it did just the trick. When I told my colleagues, we all agreed that this is a positive we need to take into consideration. Out of the box ideas is what our blog is about this week! Hope you are able to try some!
Paint that Beautiful Rainbow
The Burnout Blog
Disclaimer: this blog is meant for entertainment purposes. We are not medical professionals, and we are not trying to diagnose your definition of burnout. We are simply helping you understand that you are not alone during this time, and that we understand what you are going through.
The term “burnout” has been part of our vocabulary for the past year. Since some of us have left the office to work from home and shelter in place, we have been having a difficult time compartmentalizing what is going on from day to day (this goes for people working in an office, too). You are not alone in feeling this way. We thought this week we would share the 3 symptoms of a burnout, and how you can help get out of the funk. These are our suggestions and help us to feel better, and we hope they help you feel better too.
O’Connor’s American Bar & Grille
O’Connor’s Fish Sandwich
I wanted to make my final Lenten meal something special. After much discussion I decided that O’Connor’s would be the winner. I have eaten there once previously, and it was fine. A few weeks ago, at the beginning of Lent my parents went there for lunch one day and they raved about how good their crab cake sandwich was. I knew I had to go back and try their fish sandwich and I am so happy I did! It did not disappoint.