How a parish builds community through invitation.

At Our Lady of Mount Carmel, you’ll hear a lot about faith, family, and tradition. But ask Father Mark what really makes this place special, and he won’t hesitate: “There’s always room for one more.”

It’s more than a phrase. It’s a way of life. From the moment you walk through the church doors, there’s an unmistakable sense that you belong, whether your roots in Herrin go back five generations or you just moved in last week. Whether you’ve been Catholic your whole life, or you’re still figuring it out.

This is a parish that doesn’t just welcome people, it invites them. And there’s a difference. Father Mark doesn’t wait to meet you. He’s already in the back of church, shaking hands and smiling like he’s known you forever. If he doesn’t recognize your face, he’ll ask your name. And if he sees you again, he’ll remember it. He learned that spirit of welcome from his own family.

“I remember asking my grandma if a friend could come home with me for Thanksgiving,” he recalled. “She didn’t even blink. She said, ‘There’s always room for one more.’” It stuck. And now it defines how he leads.

It’s easy to think someone else will do the welcoming. But the truth is, a community doesn’t build itself. That’s why Father Mark encourages every parishioner, longtime or brand new, to take ownership of that hospitality. Greet someone you don’t know. Invite a neighbor to Mass. Reach out to someone who’s been away.

It’s the difference between “You should come,” and “Let’s go together.” And that’s what makes OLMC feel like home.

OLMC’s community is more vibrant than ever. Today, it includes families of many cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, Filipino, Mexican, Italian, African American, German. New faces from Marion, Carterville, Carbondale. Grandparents raising grandchildren. First-time Mass-goers and lifelong parishioners.

“We used to be almost entirely Italian,” Father Mark says. “Now we’re a true mix. And it’s beautiful.”

What hasn’t changed is the mission: To create a parish where every person feels seen. Where faith is lived, not just preached. Where the invitation is always open.

Whether you’ve been sitting in the same pew for decades, or you’re still trying to remember where the bathrooms are, this community needs you.

• Smile and introduce yourself to someone new after Mass.
• Invite a friend or coworker to a parish event or Holy Day.
• Volunteer your time, talent, or simply show up with love.
• Share your story. Ask someone theirs.

There’s always room for one more story. One more handshake. One more seat at the table.

At OLMC, that’s not just a sentiment. It’s the soul of the parish. And if you haven’t been in a while, or maybe ever… consider this your invitation. We’ll be glad to see you. We’ll be waiting at the door.

Because there’s always room, for you.