Notice to all volunteers

The nursery is putting a brief pause on service during the current surge in COVID cases. We hope to reopen soon! (Jan. 8, 2022)

1. 1. All staff are fully vaccinated
   2. Masks are required of all staff and children ages 2 and older during times of high community transmission
   3. Staff will take children to wash hands upon entering the nursery
   4. As always, toys will be sanitized between Masses

God put the wiggle in children–don’t feel you have to suppress those wiggles in God’s house! For those who want to use it, we do have a nursery available Sundays during the 9:00 and 11:00 am liturgies at St. Mary and 9:00 and 10:00 am at St. Ursula. (Nursery information below)

Quietly explain the parts of the Mass and actions of the priest, musicians, ushers, etc.

Sing the hymns, pray, and voice the responses. Children learn behavior by mimicking you.

Consider sitting toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to engage.

If you have to leave the Sanctuary with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”

St. Mary’s is thrilled to offer a nursery service during the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Sunday morning masses, year-round, for young children.  The mission of the nursery is to support the needs of the family, understanding that sometimes it can be very difficult to bring young children to Mass.  Children are always welcome in Mass and the nursery is an option for parents who choose to use it.

The nursery room is located in Marian Hall, behind the stage, and is run by parish staff who have completed all diocesan clearances and are CPR trained.  In addition to Christmas and Easter, the nursery may not be open during large parish events (flea market, festival) as this room will be cleared and used for the events. 

Nursery Guidelines:

• The nursery room is clean, safe, and stocked with toys and books to welcome your child! 
• The nursery cannot care for children if they are sick. For the health of all children, your child must be vomit free, diarrhea free, and/or fever-free for at least 24 hours before using the nursery.
• Parents must sign their child in each week via the registration book, including a cell phone number if we need to reach you. Parents must also sign their child out each week when picking up.
• Parents are not permitted to stay in the nursery with the children, due to Diocesan requirements for clearances. 
• Goldfish are on hand if your child is in need of a snack. Please inform the staff if you do NOT wish your child to have Goldfish. 
• We have diapers on hand and will use the family bathroom, located next to the nursery, for potty-trained children. Please indicate any special instructions on the sign-in sheet if needed.
• If the nursery is unexpectedly full on a Sunday, we may need to limit additional children to maintain proper child to staff ratios.
• The nursery is not open on holidays so the staff may spend time with their families.
• We welcome donations of toys, puzzles, art supplies, books, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, and more!
• If you have any suggestions on how to enhance the nursery, please contact Emily Lohr at emily.lohr23@gmail.com.
• If you would like to become a member of the nursery staff, please contact Laurie Exler at 412-486-4100. We have both paid and volunteer positions available. All staff members need to obtain several clearances required by the Diocese, which is consistent with all church ministries.
• If your family enjoys the nursery service, please spread the word and welcome others to join us at St. Mary’s!

The St. Ursula nursery is temporarily closed. Upon reopening, babysitting will be offered in the Killmeyer room of the Social Hall during the 10:00 am Sunday mass.