Festa!

We were without our fearless leader and two older boys this weekend +. They were in NJ helping Great Uncle Frank settle into his new room at the nursing home. It was an odd bit, me with two girls and a boy, but we made the best of it. First rule of single-motherhood? Never cook dinner if at all possible. How lucky we were with this festival-packed weekend.

Our Parish

I love our parish. We have been so blessed at the place we worshiped for a decade...the big, beautiful church on the hill. So many of the people there are truly the face of God to others. Their faith and dedication are wonderful examples of Church. Still, it's a big place full of people (the others in the pews) who don't seem to share or support our choice of lifestyle. They are responsible to God for their choices, as I am for mine, so this isn't about that. It's the simple fact that, despite the handful of wonderful people, it is a great place to visit often but it was never home.

We were introduced to the parish down the road on a few occasions but once we started to attend the Mass Ad Orientem, we discovered a way of faith and life that felt like coming home. As we became more regular at this Mass, we were able to meet more people and participate in more ministries. The continuing education for adults (after/before Mass with free child care!), the hospitality ministry (free goodies after Mass every week and time to chat and catch up with friends), service opportunities that are there and open to anyone who wishes to participate. It's been a wonderful experience. The fit seems right and I am grateful to find a place that, for now at least, we can raise our kids as we were raised.

How good is my luck (ahem) that SEAS parish festival would be this weekend...along with so many yummy homemade treats? We headed out Friday night, met up with some friends, and had a great evening before we were chased home by the rain.

There was also a car cruise that night...so cool :0)

The trophy!

Celebrating her Name Day (St. Clare)

Instant bingo winner

not too big for the train

or the smallest whip. ever.

Home to bed, full of fun and food, we got up early and did...well, I'm not quite sure, but we made it to Vigil Mass then headed out for Chinese with Grammy. I wish I had pictures...the little two had their first sushi...and liked it!

Santa Rocco

August is a pretty big month around here. Two name day feasts (Dominic and Clare), a bunch of amazing Saints to celebrate the rest of the month, the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven, #1s birthday, and the name day of our family patron! There are several churches who do a great celebration for St. Rocco. This year we repeated our journey from last year except without the rain (I wish #3 were there because the presider even snuck some English into the Mass!)

No rain meant we could, finally, participate in the procession! I love ethnic religious traditions and this was not a disappointment. The tradition carried on through so many generations in attendance. Beautiful.

First, pin your money to the cope...for prayers hoped for or already granted.

Then, we march!

I love going through the neighborhoods, bringing the Saints to the world around us!

 

Of course we had the sweet cookies again this year

Called Mostaccioli...more HERE

Of course we had to eat after marching so St. Raphael was kind enough to have their festival in conjunction with the Mass. Kielbasa, corn dogs, cookies; yum, yum, yum.  

I did actually cook on Monday night to celebrate the reunion of our family but, wow, how blessed we were to close out summer in the best possible ways...faith and festa? God is so good.

We are blessed.