One year ago the Pastoral Council of Our Lady of Grace Parish completed their pastoral plan, including a Mission Statement which begins: "We welcome to our parish family all people at every stage of life and faith in God."

That welcoming spirit reaches out to others and makes their pastoral plan live in the many ministries of this 2,800-family parish. It is evident in the greeters at the doors of the church, the hospitality tables in the patio, special seating for the handicapped, sign language interpreters at Sunday Mass, St. Teresa's Kitchen providing food for the homeless in downtown Los Angeles, and in the many programs that reach out to improve the lives of parishioners.

"The people of Our Lady of Grace are renowned for their warmth and their welcoming spirit, and it was that way with me from the first moment I first arrived," says Father Austin Doran, Our Lady of Grace pastor. "They are tremendously generous with their time and with their energy. It is their parish and they make it work. They give of themselves. That warm spirit of welcome is really very special. They are hopeful people and very positive."

Two parishioners, Loretta and Fred Haemker, have experienced the special warmth and concern of this parish in a very personal way. Loretta has been the school nurse for the past ten years. Fred is a deputy sheriff. A little over four years ago Father Doran approached Loretta and Fred about establishing a Safeguard the Children program.

"We cannot be with our kids every second of every day," says Loretta. "They need to know how to take care of themselves." Assisted by a committee, the Haemkers have helped implement programs that include clergy, staff, parents and children in the parish school and religious education program in parish in-services. The purpose is to educate the whole parish and to provide programs to meet the needs of the people.

"We have two goals as a committee," says Loretta. "One is to educate, and one is to offer a healing, welcoming environment to anyone who has been a victim or survivor of any type of abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, psychological or bullying. It means fostering a respect for the life and dignity of each individual."

Our Lady of Grace has hosted prayer services, held listening sessions to hear from victims, developed a newsletter that accompanies the parish bulletin in English and Spanish, and learned how to help and welcome victims to the church.

"I am immensely proud of this parish," says Loretta. "This parish embraces and welcomes people. And I am extremely proud of this committee." Adds Fred: "Father Austin is very caring. He is behind our effort 100 percent."