The Anderson-Alexandria Pastorate

What a great Pentecost Sunday celebration last week! We had just under 500 people in attendance for Mass at St. Ambrose, along with our two guests, Fathers Dave Hellmann and Bob Williams. The Mass was NOT bilingual, but “penta-lingual.”. In addition to Spanish and English, we had acclamations in Greek and Latin, and the first reading was proclaimed in Hebrew! There were three choirs: The English language choir, comprising parishioners from all three parishes, the Spanish language choir, and a small combined choir of students from the three parishes, who sang a beautiful Pentecost song after Communion. 

The weather cooperated very nicely. Although Pentecost was about three weeks later this year than last, the weather was cooler and less humid this year. The picnic tent, probably the largest tent on the planet, was helpful in this regard. We enjoyed Mexican and American food, and despite worries about not having enough, we had more food than needed. 

Our goal of involving 100 volunteers was exceeded, with 130 volunteers on our list, not including liturgical ministers and other picnic volunteers who simply showed up to help. Greg Welch won $310 in our FiftyFifty Raffle, with an equal amount allocated to defray picnic costs. Our youth raised about $630 for their participation in this fall’s National Catholic Youth Conference. People got to meet members of other parishes. And English-speakers learned a new Spanish word, “Picnic.” 

Pentecost falls on May 24 next year, so mark your calendars! 

Speaking of calendars, this Saturday we are holding the first of six information sessions on the updated Pastorate Vision Plan. The rest of the meetings are at these times:
   
   Sunday, June 22 (in Spanish), after 11:30 Mass at St. Mary Anderson  
   Saturday, June 28, after 4:30 Mass at St. Mary Alexandria  
   Sunday, June 29, after 7:30 Mass at St. Mary Anderson  
   Sunday, June 29, after 8:30 Mass at St. Mary Alexandria 
   Sunday, June 29, after 9:30 Mass at St. Ambrose 

Fr. John Johnson’s retirement reception is on Sunday, June 22, in the Assembly Hall at St. Ambrose, following the 9:30 am Mass. 

Finally: Our two new seminarians, Evan Sondgeroth and Landon McHaffie, have arrived and were among the many helpers at the picnic. A great way to welcome them is to invite them to dinner! Call St. Mary parish in Anderson at 765-644-8467 if you want to host Landon and Evan. 

Fr. Tom Metzger