(click the photo above to view the slideshow)
Photos Credit: Jill C.
|
| MARCH FOR LIFE 2011 PICTURES (click the photo above to view the slideshow) Photos Credit: Jill C. |
 |
| OUR LADY OF GOOD HEALTH 2011 PICTURES (click the photo above to view the slideshow) |
Corpus Christi Procession
Public procession of the Eucharist is a venerable tradition that has long
been associated with this feast. As Pope John Paul II wrote in his last
encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, "The devout participation of
the faithful in the Eucharistic procession on
the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ is a grace from the Lord
which yearly brings joy to those who take part in it." He encouraged
Eucharistic processions not only by his proclamations but by his example
as well.
Following the Pope's splendid example, St. Mary Parish has begun to make a
Eucharistic procession part of its yearly celebration of Corpus Christi.
Previous years included a short procession around the church property, but
in 2006 it was expanded to go farther down West Ave. to Wall St. and then
returning via Isaacs St. and Leonard St.
The Cross led the procession, followed by those children who had made
their First Communion along with their families; they were dropping rose
petals on the path to be walked. Father Otto carried the monstrance (which
displays the Eucharist for adoration),
followed by a large group of parishioners who were led in their prayers by
Father Markey. Upon returning to the church there was Benediction and
Reposition. Afterward parishioners gathered in the school gym for
refreshments and conversation
The International Festival is an annual event held in June, featuring
food from numerous countries, live entertainment, raffles, and much more.
These pictures, taken at the second annual festival which was held on June
10th, 2006, show only some of the various performances and other
aspects of the festival.
This popular parish event is an opportunity to meet new
people, learn about other cultures, help build the community, and raise
funds for our church. The food is served and performances are held in the
school gym, and there is additional seating available on the parish
lawn. The idea and organizing force behind this occasion is Erlinda
Zelaya, the parish secretary.
The second annual festival offered the opportunity to sample foods from
twenty-six different countries spanning the globe, including multiple
nations from four continents. There was also a good variety of
entertainment, with performances representing ten different nations, again
spanning four continents.
After months of planning, the 2006 festival opened following the
conclusion of the 4:00 pm Mass with the blessing by the Pastor, Father
Greg Markey.
Although Ukrainian Catholics have a different liturgical tradition
(Byzantine Rite, which goes back to the apostles just like the Latin
Rite) and thus their own parishes, they joined in the St. Mary Parish
International Festival. The audience was entertained by Ukranian
dancers, presented by Ihor Oysana.
Their performance was followed Baile Hondureño El Jutiquile, Mayan
Dance.
Then came the first of two performances by Maestro Jaime A. Herron and Luz
Marina Montoya, displaying dancing styles from Columbia. First came Danza
Andina, Pasillo and then Cumbia, Porro.
In between was a performance of
Baile Folklórico "Piedrecita" from Ecuador.
Beginning at about the conclusion of the 7:00 pm Mass, there were three
sets of Mexican folk dances. First was Baile Folklórico Jalisco,
then Baile Folklórico de Tabasco, and the evening concluded with
Baile Folklórico de Veracruz.
Between the first and second Mexican dances was a group representing the
Philippines. First they performed the folk dance Cariñosa to
Tiniklin music, and then a Pandanggo Sa Ilaw dance to Binasuan music.
Música Jíbara de Puerto Rico entertained the audience
between the second and third performances of Mexican dances.
Second Saturday of December, 7:00 p.m.
