The faith community of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota, makes new church attendees feel welcome when they atend services in the parking lot, the Rev. Mike Sullivan said in the Nov. 15 church bulletin.

Eucharistic ministers and members of the Knights of Columbus tell him after Mass that every weekend there are new people attending, he said. Some come from other parishes that no longer broadcast Mass into their parking lots.

"Others are from our parish who are finally brave enough to come to church with the realization that they are safe as they want to be by remaining in the car," Sullivan said in the bulletin.

New church attendees "feel welcome here by what goes on in the building but especially what happens in the parking lot," Sullivan said. 

Honking horns, smiles and waves and the politeness shared when they are let into line to receive communion make them feel they are a part of a worshiping community, he said.

"All of this speaks to YOU as a faith community. When we speak of commitment within our parish life, you live that commitment every day and every Mass," Sullivan said. "Thank you for being the light and good news to all who come here, for all are welcome here."