Anniversary logo brings shine to parish

Diamonds may be forever, but parishes celebrating their diamond anniversaries don't need precious gems in order to sparkle.

Schenectady's Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a glittering example. Although the parish doesn't officially turn 75 until September, celebration plans have been in the works for nearly a year.

One of the first activities of the anniversary committee, led by parish council member Bill Doberneck, was to unveil a commemorative logo designed by Rev. Joseph Mancuso, pastor.

Symbols in logo

"Father is a man of many, many talents," observed Mr. Doberneck. "The logo he designed for our anniversary is only one example. It depicts, side-by-side, our original church, which was built in 1922 but was later destroyed by fire, and our current church. He also included an image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel holding the Baby Jesus, with a diamond off to one side."

Since Father Mancuso put the finishing touches on the logo earlier this year, it has been reproduced each week on the cover of the parish's bulletin as well as on t-shirts, sweatshirts and other commemorative items, which the anniversary committee is selling to offset anniversary costs.

"The logo really symbolizes what our parish stands for, and we hope people will remember our diamond anniversary whenever they look at the keepsake items where it appears," said Mr. Doberneck.

Keepsakes

Other places the logo will be visible for years to come include the parish's 75th anniversary cookbook, being compiled by a committee led by Carol DeCrosta, and a parish history book, edited by Jo Ann Rafalik.

"Our official anniversary date isn't until September 24, but we decided to get the ball rolling a little early," said Mr. Doberneck. "Our first big event was when time capsules from our original church and hall in Mount Pleasant (sealed in 1922) were opened earlier this year. Then came the three-day feast that we have every summer. This year, we included a booth displaying historical memorabilia."

Those who missed the feast can view old photographs, newspaper clips and other historical items in the vestibule of the church. The display changes monthly "so people won't get bored," noted Mr. Doberneck.

"Seventy-fifth anniversaries don't come along every day," he noted, "so we want to do everything we can to make ours memorable."

(Next on the 75th anniversary agenda is a parish-wide Recognition Day, Sept. 7, to honor those who enrich the parish family by their presence and participation -- no matter how great or small. Other fall activities include a prayer service by students of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and the School of Religious Education, and a joint concert by the church choir and the school children. The jubilee will also be marked at a Mass with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard on Nov. 1, to be followed by a dinner-dance. The homilist will be Rev. John R. DeCaprio, former pastor.)

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