Church Narthex Policy

Updated October 16, 2023

The narthexes of our four churches are functional spaces that have been designed to enhance the mission of the parish.  The purpose of this policy is to maintain the narthexes in an uncluttered manner so that they will be conducive to approved uses that are always in keeping with the primary objectives of the nearby sacred space.

1. Visitors: One of the most important things we do in the narthex is to welcome parishioners and visitors. Their first impression should be positive and inviting. It will be the responsibility of the Ministers of Hospitality to keep the narthexes in a neat and orderly fashion as they greet parishioners and visitors to our parish.
2. Noise level: Our narthexes are designed to be welcoming spaces before and after Mass. Conversations should be held at a respectful level at all times. Once Mass begins there should be no conversations in the narthex, and the doors between the narthex and the church should be closed.
3. Furniture or fixtures: The furniture and fixtures in the parish narthexes have been purchased for the use of the parish family and have been placed to take advantage of the architectural design of the spaces. Please do not block windows, doorways, or stairwells.
4. Use of the Space: All groups are encouraged to promote their activities in the narthex spaces; however, in order to maintain the proper dignity of each narthex, the following guidelines must be maintained:

• All promotions by authorized groups will end before Mass begins and may continue after Mass concludes.
• There will be no seating in the narthex.
• If the promoting groups using the narthex include minors under 18 years of age, they must be supervised by one adult.
• All groups must request in writing from the parish office the use of the narthex at least four weeks in advance of their promotion date. Requests should be made in writing and can be emailed to Pat D’Amico at [email protected].
• No posters may be posted in the Narthexes, on the walls or on easels. Brochures and flyers are permissible when there is table space only after approval by the pastor. Items posted without approval will be removed.
• Information regarding events, ministries and other parish initiatives may be promoted using our electronic signs. Please contact John Fries at [email protected] with any message requests for the narthex screens and the electronic signage on Siebert Road.