Saint Patrick Parish - Parnell

From the desk of Scott Czarnopys:

On Monday morning, after three days of festival, I arrived early to begin the cleanup and tear down. I figured I would be among the first ones there. I was wrong. Sandy Arnold was already walking the parking lot, picking up what the weekend had left behind. Kevin and Pat Nugent were working together to remove the fencing. Gene McMurray and his two helpers were taking down the lights. Before long, a few more people quietly showed up to lend a hand.

It was a touching sight, and one that says everything about who we are.

It is the things people do not see that continue to make our community so special. No one was watching. There was no party left to enjoy, just the
unglamorous work of putting everything back. And there they were, not afraid to work and not afraid to help. We still carry that farming, blue collar, hardworking culture, and I pray we never lose it.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we read about the earliest Christian community. They broke bread in their homes and ate together "with glad and sincere hearts" (Acts 2:46). That is exactly what our festival is meant to be. It was a good party, and we are so thankful that so many of you came out to be part of it.

Everyone has a role to play. Some volunteered. Some spent a little dough in the auction tent. Some simply showed up to celebrate alongside their neighbors. Yes, our festival raises money for the parish, and we are grateful for that. But more than anything, we have always wanted this to be a family centered gathering, a thank you to all of you.

Both Friday and Saturday night, young families filled the grounds and little kids ran and played well past sunset. From the youngest among us to the most seasoned, we were all together, celebrating the culture of Parnell. That is what this is meant to be.

God continues to ask us to come out of ourselves and look toward others. Serving one another, breaking bread together, gathering as a community, this is the work we are called to continue. The festival ends, but that calling does not.

Lord, help us to keep showing up for one another, in the seen moments and the unseen ones alike.

To everyone who gave their time, their effort and their joy this weekend, thank you. You are the reason this community is what it is.

I'll pray for you, please pray for me!