Pipes and harps at fete

Pipes and harps at fete

The sounds of bagpipes and Celtic harps are sure to resonate for years to come in the memories of those participating in a Family Harvest Festival at the Irish Cultural and Sports Centre in East Durham on Sept. 28.

The event, hosted by parishes in the Albany Diocese's Catskill/Taghkanic Region, is designed to build bridges of fellowship among parish communities separated by the Hudson River.

The day's festivities, which begin at noon, will focus on the cultural and spiritual ties that bind the nearly 20 parishes in Columbia and Greene Counties.

Among the events are:

* Dan Curry, a parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Hudson and member of the Columbia District Pipe Band, on bagpipes;

* Singer/harpist Steve Gubler and Celtic harpist Melinda Gardiner of St. Bridget's Church in Copake Falls, performing;

* Pat and Debbie Lane, a guitar and song duet, sharing the spotlight leading up to some lively tunes played by the O'Hagen Show Band.

In addition to the music, there will be face painting and games for the children. Adults representing the parishes in the region will be invited to compete in friendly ball games.

Organizers hope the outdoor program will recreate the atmosphere of a church picnic of 150 years ago, when the Albany Diocese was in its infancy. A highlight of the afternoon will be the official unveiling of a Sesquicentennial quilt, assembled with the guidance of planning committee member Patricia Pasternak.

"We only have one bridge connecting our counties and, as a result, our parishes are often literally divided by the river," Mrs. Pasternak told The Evangelist upon starting the quilt earlier this year. She added that stitching the squares from the different churches together was "symbolic of the parishes in the two counties joining together."

The commemorative quilt is expected to be displayed at participating parishes on a rotating basis throughout the remainder of the year.

The event will conclude with Benediction by Rev. John Patrick Bertolucci, associate pastor of St. Ambrose Church in Latham.

David Amico, pastoral associate for faith formation at St. Mary's parish in Hudson, noted that his parish will soon be making plans for its own sesquicentennial celebrations. Founded in 1848, St. Mary's theme is expected to be "150 years of Catholic heritage in Hudson." (AH)

(09-18-97)