PARISH FAMILY PICNIC
Last Sunday our Parish Family of Incarnation and St. Francis came together to celebrate Mass and share a picnic supper. It was a beautiful evening and God blessed us abundantly!
The evening began with an outdoor Mass behind the parish offices (soccer field) at 5:00 pm. Fr. Brian presided with Fr. Ignatius concelebrating, assisted by Deacons Roger Duffy and Chris Rauch. Several tents were set up to help shade the altar, musicians, and some parishioners. The rest of the congregation used every natural shade spot available! It was very hot in the afternoon, but by the time Mass started, the temperature began to fall and a light breeze came in. (One of God’s blessings.) The Nearer To God Band provided the beautiful music assisted by a couple of choir members, and many parishioners helped as welcomers, Mass coordinators, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and ushers. Immediately following the Mass, everyone shared a picnic supper. Hotdogs hot off the grill were provided by the parish and families brought fruit, chips, and desserts to share.
The rest of the evening was a time of fellowship with families who haven’t seen each other much this summer, as well as meeting new families from St. Francis. For some families, this was their final weekend together before taking kids to colleges and schools gearing up for another exciting school year. Kids enjoyed water balloons, squirt guns, chalk, bubbles, and other yard games. Corn hole was a favorite of players of all ages.
A cool surprise awaited everyone. At about 7:30 pm a shiny red Washington Township fire truck drove up along with a Centerville Police cruiser.
Three firefighters opened every compartment on the truck to display all of their equipment and graciously answered everyone’s questions. Fr. Ignatius and I
learned a lot by talking to the firefighters. Did you know all Washington Township firefighters are also trained paramedics? And they switch rolls every few
weeks. This is the best way to serve the community. From each 911 emergency call a dispatcher will determine how many paramedics are needed and
whether or not a fire truck (with all of the extra equipment such as the jaws of life, chainsaws, and generators) is needed. Since these firemen are
paramedics, it all saves time and lives by them being trained and able to assist in responding to the emergency as soon as possible. No waiting for
additional help.
The Centerville police officer turned on all of his car’s flashing lights and opened all of the doors and hatch allowing anyone to see and step inside. The kids
loved asking the officer questions and seeing and touching some of the items on his belt.
The evening was very enjoyable thanks to the many volunteers and weeks of planning that went into making the entire event run so smoothly. A BIG thanks to our core team: Christine Johnston, Julie Beeler, Debbie Field, and Patti Gillespie. However, without the countless number of great volunteers from both parishes, willing to jump in with both feet, the picnic would not have been such a success. Please know the parish families appreciate all you did to help. No good deed goes unnoticed by God.
Thanks to everyone who attended. I’m sure this is only the first of many parish family events to come. Hope to see you at the next one!
Kevin Samblanet
Director of Music & Liturgy
FRIDAY MORNING MASSES
Beginning Friday, August 19, Mass will move to 9:00 am to accommodate the school students. This new time will be in affect every Friday during the entire school year even if school is not in session.
BEACONS OF LIGHT TOWN HALL MEETING
To help us prepare for the Beacons of Light transition we are offering two town hall style meetings to help ready our hearts.
All Are invited to join the discussion at the Parish Activity Center (Room 104); choose the session convenient for you:
- Tuesday, August 23, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday, August 24, 9:30 am – noon
What to expect:
- prayer
- what is “Beacons of light”
- timeline for transition
- the vision revealed
- small group discussion