The “Praise in the Parking Lot Tour” will feature praise and worship music in the St. Cloud Diocese on three Sundays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. These free, outdoor family events will be held on the following dates:
• Sept. 27 at St. Mary Church, 420 Irving St. S. in Alexandria; (NOTE: This event is CANCELED due to expected inclement weather in the afternoon. Organizers hope to reschedule it for another date.)
• Oct. 4 at Sacred Heart Church, 2875 10th Ave. N.E. in Sauk Rapids;
• Oct.11 at St. Michael Church, 280 First Ave. S. in Motley.
Those attending are encouraged to sing from inside their vehicles; words to the music will be provided. Participants who would like to be outside must stay with their families and maintain physical distancing from others. Vehicles will be spaced accordingly across church parking lots.
The band leading the praise and worship music includes Catholic Education Ministries leaders and other parish staff from around the diocese, said Kent Schmitz, associate director for youth ministry and adolescent catechesis at Catholic Education Ministries.
“Though we can’t sing inside churches yet, due to the pandemic, this ‘Praise in the Parking Lot Tour’ is a way for people to engage in positive family worship of our Lord, because we’ll be outside and widely spaced,” Schmitz said. “Bishop Kettler wants us to offer ministry in a safe manner for our faith communities. He is excited about this.”
These events are sponsored by Diocese of St. Cloud, Central Minnesota TEC and the Central Minnesota Noon Optimists. Organizers are working to also livestream the events.
This story was updated Sept. 27.