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Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Watervliet wants to build bridges that will reach fallen-away parishioners.

Parish life director Deacon Alfred Manzella said that, during the lengthy process about a decade ago of six Watervliet/ Green Island parishes merging into one, many parishioners began going to different parishes or stopped going to Mass altogether.

IHM has never stopped trying to welcome them back.

Deacon Manzella helped form a committee that recently sent out more than 600 letters to parishioners who hadn't been active in a while, inviting them to take part in the parish's "Welcome Back Weekend," Sept. 17-18.

The celebration included refreshments after every Mass, memory boards with scenes from the merged churches and a carnival on Sunday afternoon.

The parish has the festival every year as a way to mark the start of faith formation. This year, the visitors were also welcome to celebrate with their community.

"Even if we just get a couple [of past parishioners], it's worth it," said Sharon Kowalski, a volunteer who helped organize the event. Deacon Manzella agreed, though he noted that there were quite a few Catholics who came to the event.

The PLD estimated that more than a dozen inactive parishioners and guests attended Masses during the Welcome Back Weekend. He hopes some will return to the parish for future liturgies and become active parishioners again.

Rev. Donald Rutherford, sacramental minister at Immaculate Heart of Mary, told The Evangelist that the people at the parish for the celebration weren't visitors: They're still part of the parish and should be there every weekend.

"It's a great community," declared Deacon Mark Leonard, who came to IHM after the merger. He said he is constantly impressed by how welcoming the parish is.

Mark Gleason was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, which was part of the merger. A catechist, he was welcomed at Immaculate Heart of Mary, and continues to teach fifth and sixth grade faith formation classes.

Mr. Gleason said he saw a few familiar faces in the pews during the Welcome Back Weekend. He knows some people who are still upset about the merger, but said, "I think we've done a great job. It's finally starting to get behind us."

During the carnival, Mr. Gleason's job was blocking the roadway so no cars could come through and disrupt the pony rides, an annual treat that the faith formation students enjoy. The day also included arts and crafts for the kids, plenty of food and a live band.[[In-content Ad]]

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