Parishes unite for Festa fun

Clustering and calzone went hand-in-hand last weekend as parishioners of Our Lady of the Assumption and Immaculate Conception parishes came together to co-host a Festa for the first time.

The August 14-16 event took place at OLA; food booths, games, rides and music were in abundance throughout the parish property.

This marked the first year that the two parishes combined their respective Festa celebrations to put on one shared event; traditionally, Immaculate Conception had staged its Festa in June, while OLA's celebration coincided with the Feast of the Assumption on August 15.

Linking

The parishes had been collaborating in other ways, but the idea of one Festa came up only during the past several months. Since both parishes belong to the same cluster, it made sense to give the plan a try, said Rev. Ed Deimeke, pastor of Immaculate Conception.

"If you go back to the original purpose of a Festa, it was not to make money; it was to bring the community together and have a good ol' time," he said.

A committee of volunteers from both parishes organized the event, with finishing touches made last week as booths and tents were set up for the food and fun that was nearing.

Religious element

Since the Festa coincided with the Feast of the Assumption, special liturgical and religious events surrounded the event.

At a Mass on August 14, for example, the celebrant and guest homilist was Rev. David Knight from Memphis, Tennessee, who conducted a mini-retreat focusing upon Mary. There also was an August 16 procession through the streets of town with a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The first night of the Festa drew a huge crowd, with cars parked several blocks away due to full lots on the parish property. Adults danced to live music, while kids climbed onto numerous rides and tried their hand at games.

Tasty days

And, of course, there was food. Lots of it.

Dolores DiCarlo, a parishioner of OLA, was helping out with the treats, as were Pearl LaMalfa and her sister-in-law, Bev. People lined up to sink their teeth into meatball subs, linguine with clam sauce and macaroni.

Sandy Gemmette, parish secretary at OLA, sold tickets for food at a table next to the food tent. She is glad that OLA and Immaculate Conception collaborated, and believes it's a sign of continued partnership between the two parishes.

"I've seen a lot of cooperation. I've met a lot of new people, particularly the staff over at Immaculate Conception," she said.

Dom and Sue Gallo, parishioners of OLA, were working at the novelty booth, where t-shirts, toys and other items were on sale. They've worked at OLA's Festa for years, following in the footsteps of her parents, who worked at the game booths.

They hope that the joint Festa will become a tradition and that the two parishes will grow closer through similar events.

"It's worked out real well. It's nice that they combined," Ms. Gallo said.

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